CYPRUS SHIPPING CHAMBER – Governments’ delays on crew changes bring distress to Shipowners and Seafarers

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber expresses 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.

Despite the very difficult conditions and restrictive measures, that placed the entire planet under lockdown due to the covid-19 pandemic, the 1.5 million seafarers worldwide continued to work tirelessly, transporting vital goods and keeping world trade in motion. Without the immediate action of the Governments around the world, there is a serious risk that the supply chain will collapse very soon, with a negative impact on the economies of the countries which are already facing a crisis due to the pandemic.

The Shipping Chamber, whose Members employ more than 60,000 seafarers, appeals again to Governments around the world to take action now and facilitate crew changes and repatriation of seafarers, with seaman’s book and without a visa, even if the documents have recently expired for those already onboard, always following the necessary safety procedures that safeguard public health.

The Shipping Chamber welcomed the decision of the Cyprus Government, which understanding the crucial role of Shipping in international trade supported our Industry and Seafarers, by adopting measures early enough to facilitate crew changes in Cyprus ports, whilst ensuring the safety of public health. We urgently call on all Governments to act in a similar manner immediately, so that a viable solution can be found to this unacceptable situation that has kept our seafarers “captive” on board ships for months.

www.csc-cy.org

by Mastermind Cyprus

"Limassol Blue Forum" attracts attention

Limassol Municipality together with Frederick University organised the very first "Limassol Blue Forum" on Friday the 29th May, 2020. The Mayor of Limassol, Mr Nicos Nicolaides, is the initiator of this new annual event and provides an excellent platform for the citizens of Limassol who wish to engage in and discuss their environmental concerns and future blue growth needs. It will further make available the current comprehensive research for the risks and threats to the marine eco system in Limassol bay.

We would like to thank Mr Nicolaides for the great initiative in establishing such a platform which will further enhance the promotion of Limassol as a true Blue City.

by Mastermind Cyprus

CSC Press Release - Gulf of Guinea Piracy Crisis: Shipping Industry requests action from Governments

by Mastermind Cyprus

CORONAVIRUS - Mental Resilience on Board

The world’s reliance on shipping and its seafarers has been brought into sharp focus by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.  Seafarers are resilient people, able to draw on their already well-developed mental strength. Nevertheless Covid-19 presents a new danger and has created significant difficulties in relation to tours of duty and crew changes. These films examines how people working at sea can seek to protect themselves and their colleagues and stay safe and well through diet and exercise. Looking at how the virus might be carried to a ship and how it might spread once onboard, observing the importance of the cleanliness of hands and commonly touched surfaces on board a ship.

Steamship Mutual Management has released a series of short films, produced by Marine Media Enterprises and supported by Columbia ShipManagement and ISWAN, which looks at what Covid-19 means for the seafarer and aims to bring succinct and practical advice to those working at sea.

https://www.steamshipmutual.com/publications/Articles/mental_resilience_on_board_0520.htm

https://www.steamshipmutual.com/loss-prevention/stay_safe_on_board_0420.htm

https://www.steamshipmutual.com/publications/Articles/covid-19frequently-asked-questions042020.htm

Source: www.steamshipmutual.com

by Mastermind Cyprus

MSM Donation to Limassol General Hospital Intensive Care Unit

The world is facing an unprecedented challenge with the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outpouring of global solidarity however, gives us hope that out of this tragedy comes an opportunity to build a better world.

Mastermind Shipmanagement has donated 45 pieces of high-spec medical uniforms and shoes to the Limassol General Hospital Intensive Care Unit A. to cover their urgent requirements to protect and help them to fight the COVID 19 pandemic. Together we stand strong!

"Your humanity, your concern and your contribution in these difficult times we are going through is the driving force to continue the fight. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Together we will succeed!"

Nursing Staff / Intensive Care Unit A

by Mastermind Cyprus

The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM) has announced that Cyprus is no longer part of the Targeted Flag List of the USCG in relation to the safety performance of flag administrations

The three-year average detention ratio of Cyprus for the period 2017-2019 was 0.96% compared to an average USCG ratio of 1.08%.

This enhanced track record is the result of a comprehensive National Shipping Strategy which the Shipping Deputy Ministry has been implementing in order to cement its position as one of the world’s top flag administrations and as a leading shipping cluster.

Whilst from a practical point of view, this may lead to fewer inspections for Cyprus vessels at US ports, it adds to the flag’s status as a high-quality flag which is consistently part of the “white lists” of the Paris and Tokyo MoU’s.

Natasa Pilides, Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister, commented: “The Shipping Deputy Ministry has always focused on providing a high-quality service and will continue to focus on providing tailored, trusted services to all our collaborators while ensuring safety, security and environmental protection.

Over the past few years the Shipping Deputy Ministry has introduced a host of new applications on its website ranging from the electronic seafarers’ management system to the electronic verification of certificates, the online submission and management of tax returns, a tax calculator and an interactive career platform for seafarers.

Pilides continued: “We are pleased that our strategy has significantly improved our offering to ship owners and enhanced safety as reflected in the reduced detention ratio.

An automated port state control system as well as an online ship registration application are also under development, aiming to further reduce bureaucracy and enhance our one-stop service.”

Committed to safeguarding and enhancing the competitiveness of the Cyprus maritime cluster, the Shipping Deputy Ministry has obtained the approval of the EU for the prolongation of its tonnage tax system for another 10 years.

The SDM has taken steps to promote maritime education in Cyprus, whilst marine and maritime innovation has acquired new momentum with the set-up of the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute.

Cyprus takes pride in its role as a member of the IMO Council and as an EU member, striving to contribute to shaping international policies for greener, smarter and safer shipping."

Source: www.dms.gov.cy

by Mastermind Cyprus

MSM Don assists in MRCC Search & Rescue Operation Las Palmas

Our vessel, MSM Don, received an order on the 29th March from MRCC Las Palmas to deviate from its current course and assist in their rescue operation searching for a boat with migrants.

At 1.15 pm (lt) MSM Don managed to locate the boat with 22 migrants onboard and was instructed by MRCC to keep a safe distance from the wooden boat and wait for the dedicated rescue ship "Guardamar Talia", which arrived shortly after.

by Mastermind Cyprus

MCP Paphos and MCP Pachna Delivery

MSM are proud to welcome MV MCP Paphos and MV MCP Pachna to its fleet. Both vessels were transferred to MSM full management on January 07th, 2020.

by Mastermind Cyprus

Tornado in Italy

Captain Kieca and crew were welcomed by a tornado when approaching Genoa in November 2019.

Very impressive pictures!

by Mastermind Cyprus

CSC Press Release - Cyprus Foundation of the Sea Inaugural Meeting

The Cyprus Foundation of the Sea held its Inaugural Meeting, on Tuesday, 15 October 2019, at Limassol Municipality Town Hall. During the Inaugural Meeting, the new Board of Directors was elected, consisting of leading personalities from all sectors and stakeholders of the Blue Economy from public, private, academia, civic society, research organizations and financial and other institutions. The new President elected is Capt. Eugen Adami, Board Member of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and Vice-President, is Mr. Costas Iacovou, Permanent Secretary of the Shipping Deputy Ministry.

by Mastermind Cyprus