The Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) expressed its deep disappointment that, despite repeated appeals and proposals from the international shipping Industry, there is a delay from governments around the world in finding practical solutions to the very serious issue of crew changes and repatriation of seafarers with expired contracts, in many cases beyond three months, bringing seafarers and the Shipping Industry on the verge.

Following the decrees published by the Government of Cyprus and the measures taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), the Cyprus Passengers Survey, which provides data on tourist arrivals, revenue from tourism and the returns of residents of Cyprus from a trip abroad, was not conducted in May of this year.

Statement by Costas Kadis, minister of the environment, Cyprus, on the announcement of the European Commission concerning the quality of bathing waters for 2019.

“The European Commission {recently} announced the final results concerning the quality of bathing waters across Europe. This is the annual evaluation of European bathing areas, which shows how well the environmental protection measures are applied, allowing the citizens to make sound decisions with regard to the bathing areas they will choose in Europe.

During the period of January – February of this year, arrivals of travellers totalled 464,433 compared to 421,767 in the corresponding period of 2019, recording an increase of 10,1 percent.

Cyprus Casinos ‘C2’, the first and only authorised casinos in the Republic of Cyprus, reopened and welcome back guests on June 13 to a safe and pleasant environment, closely adhering to all the relevant guidelines issued by the Minister of Health.

With the aim of protecting public health and in the face of non-compliance and proper observance of the provisions of regulations and protocols in catering premises, as verified by the competent state authorities, the Ministry of Health has reviewed the protocol concerning the functioning of catering premises.

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) expresses its growing frustration at the ineffectiveness of the international community to address the continuing piracy crisis in the Gulf of Guinea, with more ships being attacked and more seafarers being taken hostage for ransom, in spite of the comprehensive measures that ship operators have taken to defend their ships and crews.

Cyprus airports have re-started their operations as of June 09, as they welcomed passengers.

Following close consultation between the relevant/responsible government authorities and the maritime private sector, the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Shipping announced that Cyprus has been chosen and awarded as a location (in the Limassol Moni anchorage) for the layup of currently six technically advanced cruise ships by one of the world’s leading cruise vessel operators, under the support of a local maritime provider.

The Cyprus Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works announced that the repatriation of citizens from countries that do not fall under Categories A or B will continue until June 19, of this year after a recent decision of the council of ministers.