Mr. Ioannis N. Kotzias, President of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association – HSA, met with the Deputy Minister of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms. Marina Hatzimanoli, within the framework of Cyprus Maritime Week 2025, taking place in Limassol.
The meeting took place in a particularly positive and constructive climate, highlighting the historical ties and long-term cooperation between Greece and Cyprus in the shipping sector, as well as the commitment of both sides to further strengthen their cooperation through education, innovation, and the professional development of the wider Eastern Mediterranean shipping cluster.
The discussions focused on the crucial role of shipbroking as a fundamental pillar of international trade and the shipping economy, as well as the importance of training and upskilling young professionals, so they can meet the changing needs and challenges of the global shipping market.
Mr. Kotzias presented the educational activities of the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association, which for more than thirty years has been organizing weekly shipbroking seminars throughout the academic year, aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as professionals in the shipping sector. Graduates of the program receive the “GNOSIS” Certificate, which bears the seal of the University of Piraeus, confirming its academic and professional value.
In this context, Mr. Kotzias proposed the participation of Cypriot students from universities in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and other areas, in these seminars via an online connection, in order to gain practical knowledge and experience from active professional shipbrokers. Such an initiative would further strengthen the educational and professional ties between Greece and Cyprus and would contribute to the development of a new generation of specialized shipping executives in the region.
“If we do not pass on our collective knowledge in shipbroking to the new generation – and if we do not inspire and inform the youth about what the life of a
shipbroker means – then we risk the gradual loss of new talents and the continuation of our profession,” stressed Mr. Kotzias.
“The shipping bond between Greece and Cyprus is both historical and future-oriented. By investing in education, the dissemination of knowledge, and cooperation, we ensure that our shipping communities will continue to lead with excellence, resilience, and innovation,” he added.
The Hellenic Shipbrokers Association (HSA) remains steadfastly committed to promoting high professional standards, enhancing international cooperation, and supporting the future of shipbroking as a key link in the global maritime value chain.
The Deputy Minister of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms. Marina Hatzimanoli, stressed the importance of transferring knowledge to future generations. “It is very important for experienced professionals to pass on their knowledge to the younger ones, as this is the only way for the sector to evolve, and this is something we are striving for.”
The Ministry of Shipping considers maritime training as one of its priorities and is committed to undertaking targeted actions.
“As technological developments in the shipping sector are changing rapidly, for us, the thoroughly trained personnel is a priority”.
The meeting marked the beginning of a valuable cooperation.
During the meeting, the Deputy Minister of Shipping Mrs. Hatzimanoli also highlighted the advantages of the Cyprus Flag, underlining the importance of a shipping administration supported by a European sovereign state, as well as the benefits offered by the Cyprus Registry of Companies, which enhance the strong and competitive shipping framework of Cyprus.
