Shipping chamber marks world maritime day with focus on safety, corruption

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) held its monthly members’ meeting this week to commemorate World Maritime Day on September 26, featuring a presentation by Cecilia Müller Torbrand, CEO of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN).

The event centred on the theme of fighting corruption in the maritime industry, questioning whether progress is being made in this regard.

According to the chamber’s announcement, this year’s World Maritime Day theme is “Navigating the Future: Safety First”.

It highlights the ongoing efforts of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the maritime industry to enhance safety at sea while protecting the marine environment.

The event stressed the importance of ensuring that IMO’s regulatory framework keeps pace with technological advancements and innovations.

Key issues include addressing safety challenges posed by emerging technologies, alternative fuels, and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

These efforts aim to maintain and improve the global shipping industry, which facilitates 90 per cent of global trade via sea routes.

The 2024 theme also reflects the Cyprus Shipping Chamber’s mission to “Navigate Cyprus Globally”.

The chamber emphasised the need for proper support of the Cypriot maritime sector to ensure Cyprus remains one of the world’s leading shipping hubs.

During her presentation, Torbrand discussed the ongoing challenges and achievements in the fight against corruption within the maritime sector.

Finally, in honour of World Maritime Day, the chamber also participated in a beach clean-up campaign organised by the Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association (CYMEPA) in Limassol.