Law 123(I)/2017 has upgraded the Department of Merchant Shipping to a deputy ministry under the direction of the newly created post of deputy minister of shipping with effect from March 1 2018.
From that date, the new Deputy Ministry of Maritime Affairs will assume the Department of Merchant Shipping's powers and responsibilities, including responsibility for:
- devising an integrated national shipping strategy for further development of the national shipping register and the shipping sector in Cyprus;
- coordinating and implementing a national shipping strategy;
- implementing and modernising maritime legislation and issuing relevant certificates and permits;
- promoting and supporting investment in shipping, including developing and implementing incentives;
- promoting maritime education and training;
- overseeing the maritime sector;
- cooperating with other supervisory authorities; and
- informing industry participants of any provisions affecting them.
The upgrade of the Department of Merchant Shipping to a deputy ministry reflects the importance of the shipping sector in Cyprus and the significance that the government places on its development.
For further information on this topic please contact Costas Stamatiou at Elias Neocleous & Co LLC by telephone (+357 25 110 110) or email ([email protected]). The Elias Neocleous & Co LLC website can be accessed at www.neo.law.