Cyprus maritime traffic safety a main concern

Τhe enhancement of safety, security and efficiency of maritime traffic as well as the prevention of pollution of the eastern Mediterranean Sea are among the main concerns of the Ministry of Communication and Works, Minister Nicos Nicolaides has stressed.
In his speech, read by the Director of the Department of Merchant Shipping Serghios Serghiou, at the Digital Ship Conference, Nicolaides noted that in a world where information and communications technology have a leading role, the shipping industry can only benefit and evolve through them.
“Every aspect of shipping business relies on data exchange and therefore an efficient IT system is absolutely essential”, he added.
Nicolaides pointed out that the International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS) has been adopted and is effectively implemented, in order to enhance the safety and the security of maritime traffic.
“All ships under the Cyprus flag as well as all port facilities in Cyprus have been duly certified as complying with the requirements of this Code”, he added.
The Minister noted in his speech that Cyprus has implemented a Vessel Traffic Monitoring Information System (VTMIS), which has the full capability to monitor, process and provide information on the maritime traffic that enters the Middle Eastern border of the EU.
“This is expected to have positive effects for the whole region such as the reduction of accidents and of illegal immigrants’ traffic and the protection of the marine environment”, he pointed out.