Shipping conference puts seafarer investment and women’s leadership in focus 

Cyprus’ shipping industry turned its attention to the people behind global trade on Tuesday, as the Shipping Deputy Ministry hosted a high-level ministerial and stakeholders conference in Limassol under the theme ‘Investing in Seafarers: Securing the Future of Global Shipping’.  

The event, held as part of Cyprus’ maritime agenda during its Presidency of the Council of the EU, brought together policymakers, international organisations and industry representatives to discuss maritime education, training, seafarer wellbeing and the future skills needed by the sector.  

Among the moments that drew attention was a discussion between Andreas Hadjipetrou, chief executive of Columbia Group, and Captain Iro Gidakou, fleet operations manager at Maran Gas Maritime Inc., whose career has made her one of the most recognisable female figures in shipping. 

Anna Vourgos, director at Aphentrica Marine Insurance Brokers and a board member of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC), described the event as a reminder of how mentorship can shape the next generation of maritime leaders. 

“Inspire to be inspired they say. Today was one of those days when we witnessed how yesterday’s mentees became today’s inspiring mentors!” Vourgos said, referring to Gina Panayiotou and Captain Iro Gidakou. 

She added that both women “make us all proud,” saying they were evidence that “following your dreams with hard work and dedication pays off”. 

Vourgos, who also chairs the CSC Marine Insurance Committee, sits on the ICS Marine Insurance Committee and is a former president of WISTA Cyprus, congratulated the Shipping Deputy Ministry for what she described as a strong initiative. 

“High-level Ministerial and Stakeholders Conference on ‘Investing in Seafarers’. Congratulations Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus for this great initiative.” she said. 

The conference comes at a time when the shipping industry is under pressure to attract and retain talent, while also preparing seafarers for a more digital, regulated and demanding operating environment. 

For Cyprus, the discussion also carried a wider message. As the country seeks to strengthen its role as a maritime centre, the focus on training, inclusion and career development places seafarers at the heart of the sector’s long-term competitiveness.