Cyprus is seeking to strengthen its shipping cooperation with Japan, China and South Korea following a series of high-level meetings and industry events held between October 13 and 29.
Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis visited the three countries to promote the Cyprus shipping register, strengthen international partnerships and explore new opportunities with government officials and representatives of the maritime industry.
Cyprus promotes shipping opportunities in Japan
In Japan, Hadjimanolis focused on expanding Cyprus’ presence in a market offering considerable potential for cooperation.
For the first time, the Shipping Deputy Ministry organised a dedicated event in Tokyo, attracting more than 120 representatives from Japan’s shipping and business communities.
She also participated in the fifth annual Capital Link Japan Maritime Forum, which examined opportunities for cooperation between the international shipping industry, particularly Cyprus, and the Japanese market.
During her visit, Hadjimanolis met Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kenta Aoshima. She also held discussions with prominent representatives of the country’s shipping and shipbuilding sectors.
Meetings with Chinese officials and shipping industry
In China, Hadjimanolis attended the North Bund Forum in Shanghai following a personal invitation from Transport Minister Liu Wei.
Her participation in the forum’s opening speeches highlighted Cyprus’ contribution to international maritime discussions, as preparations continue for an official visit to China by the President of the Republic.
On the sidelines of the event, she met Liu to discuss ways to further strengthen maritime cooperation between the two countries.
Her programme in Shanghai also included participation in a ministerial panel at the 10th annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum – Pudong – Shanghai, as well as the official opening of Pudong International Shipping Week.
She also met representatives of China’s shipping and business communities, including shipowners, shipping companies and shipyards, presenting Cyprus’ capabilities as an international maritime centre.
New methanol-powered vessel joins Cyprus register
The visit to China concluded with a ceremony at the Tsuneishi shipyard in Zhoushan, where Hadjimanolis attended the naming of the M/V KYPROS ISLAND, a newly built vessel belonging to Cyprus-based Safe Bulkers.
The vessel will sail under the Cyprus flag, marking a development for the country’s shipping register as it seeks to accommodate newer technologies and more environmentally advanced vessels.
The M/V KYPROS ISLAND is the first methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier to join the Cyprus shipping register.
Hadjimanolis attended the ceremony alongside Safe Bulkers chief executive officer Polys Hatzioannou and other company executives.
Cyprus and South Korea discuss maritime agreement
In South Korea, Hadjimanolis travelled to Busan following an invitation from Oceans and Fisheries Minister Hwang Jongwoo to participate in activities marking World Maritime Day.
She took part in a high-level ministerial discussion alongside counterparts from other countries and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.
She also attended the 20th edition of Korea Maritime Week 2026, where she delivered an address at the opening ceremony.
On the sidelines of the programme, Hadjimanolis met South Korea’s Vice-Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Nam Jaeheon.
The discussions reaffirmed South Korea’s willingness to strengthen maritime cooperation with Cyprus. The Korean side also requested consideration of an update to the existing bilateral Maritime Agreement, with the proposed revision intended to address contemporary and practical issues facing the shipping industry.
Meetings with Norway and India
During her visit, Hadjimanolis also held bilateral meetings with Norway’s Fisheries Minister Marianne Sivertsen Naess and India’s Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
Discussions with the Indian minister focused on preparations for her forthcoming official visit to India and the organisation of the Cyprus-India Maritime Business Forum, scheduled to take place in Mumbai on November 23, 2026.
During her meetings in Japan and China, Hadjimanolis was accompanied by Cyprus’ ambassadors to the respective countries, Yiannis Michaelides and Koula Sophianou.
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