Natgas to make Cyprus shipping stronger

Cyprus is a global maritime power, President Nicos Anastasiades has underlined, while noting the shipping industry’s potential contribution to the national economy.
Addressing an event on Monday evening to mark the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Ship Registry, Anastasiades said that the discovery of natural gas in the exclusive economic zone is creating bigger prospects for Cyprus shipping.
He also referred to Turkey’s embargo on Cypriot vessels, noting government efforts to terminate the ban, while noting that relevant proposals were included in the last package of confidence building measures.
Cyprus shipping ranks 10th in the world and third in Europe, the president said, while adding that the local shipping industry remains strong.
He referred to efforts to attract foreign investments, saying he has personally taken up a campaign, with a series of missions abroad. In this framework, he mentioned the visits conducted to Kuwait and Egypt, while saying that more will follow, in Qatar, the UK and elsewhere.
President Anastasiades said that the re-election to the International Maritime Organisation Council last November was a major success for Cyprus shipping, despite the ports embargo by Turkey.