In a joint event which took place at the Limassol Chamber of Commerce Conference Hall on the 12th of May 2022 , the Cyprus Ports Authority and the Cyprus Shipping Association hosted sixty escorted students from the University of Pittsburgh, who had the opportunity to visit Cyprus as part of an educational exchange programme, in affiliation with the University of Nicosia.
Following the inaugural speech by the President of Cyprus Ports Authority, Dr. Antonis Stylianou on the recent challenges and developments of the Port and Maritime industry, the Limassol Port Manager, Mr. Panagiotis Agathokleous, thoroughly presented to the students and esteemed Professors, the significant role undertaken by CPA, being the landlord of the Ports and Port establishments as well as its enhanced regulatory and supervisory statue. The floor was subsequently taken by the General Manager of CSA, Mr. Dimitris Kouzapas, who explained the role of the Cyprus Shipping Association and its Members servicing the port industry and the Cypriot commerce, particularly stipulating to the audience the duties and ethical commitments of the Shipping Agents towards their Principals.
In the aftermath, a very constructive and fruitful open discussion between the panellists and the students took place, the latter asking very interesting questions relating to the sustainability of ports, globalization trends, the effects of inflation and supply chain issues as well as questions relating to the Port Community System and cybersecurity.
Notably, the President of the Cyprus Shipping Association, Mr. Andreas Papadopoulos in his farewell speech stressed out complexities and multitasking requirements, dynamic environment and constant development of individuals who may seek to pursue a career within the port, supply chain and commerce businesses and wished the students the best of luck in their future endeavours, along with a very pleasant stay in Cyprus.
The Cyprus Shipping Association (CSA) was established in 1945, to provide a professional forum for the Shipping Agents of Cyprus. In 1954, following its registration under the provisions of the local Trade Unions Law, the Association became the official body representing the profession of the Shipping Agent in Cyprus. The Members of the Association are the leading and long established Shipping Agencies in the island.
The main aims of the Cyprus Shipping Association are:
As the spokesman for the Shipping Agents in Cyprus, the Cyprus Shipping Association ensures that its voice is heard on public issues affecting its members and contributing to the solution of all their problems. The Association also acts as liaison, negotiator and representative for its members in their dealings with the Government, the Legislature, the Port Authorities, the Department of Customs, the Business Community, the Trade Unions and all other interested parties.
With the Shipping Agent being actively involved in the operation and marketing of the Cyprus Ports, the Cyprus Shipping Association plays an important role in port affairs, taking part in the formation of policies applied and the solution to problems arising. The Association maintains close links with other local and international professional bodies pursuing common objectives. Its international affiliations include membership of the Federation Of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA), the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and the the International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association (ICHCA). At local level it is a member of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (C.C.C.I) and the Employers and Industrialists Federation of Cyprus (E.I.F).
The Cyprus Shipping Association further provides its members with a platform for the exchange of professional experiences of common interest and acts as a centre for the collection, evaluation and distribution of information on local and international developments relevant to the profession and the port industry in general. In a day and age of revolutionary changes and of enormous growth in competition, the Association places increased emphasis on the upgrading of the skills of its members and their staff, the technological advancement of their operations and the strategic planning of their activities.
