Cyprus is spearheading one of the Eastern Mediterranean’s most significant maritime environmental initiatives through its participation in the METAVASEA programme, a five-year project aimed at reducing carbon emissions from shipping through human-centred approaches.
The ambitious initiative focuses on education, training and stakeholder collaboration to facilitate the maritime industry’s transition towards lower emissions. The programme is coordinated by the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA) with support from Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
CYMEPA serves as Cyprus’s national partner, implementing training and awareness programmes tailored to shipping communities, port workers and citizens across all age groups. The organisation is developing thematic workshops on alternative fuels and digital skills, environmental leadership programmes and educational initiatives to strengthen safety culture in low-emission shipping.
CYMEPA coordinates Cyprus implementation of carbon reduction initiative
Key partners in the international collaboration include the Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute (CMMI), the World Maritime University (WMU), MIO-ECSDE, Lloyd’s Register and other supporting organisations. The partnership brings together maritime expertise from across the region to address shipping’s environmental impact.
The programme’s activities extend beyond technical training to encompass comprehensive awareness-raising actions designed to meet the specific needs of Cyprus’s maritime sector. These initiatives target both industry professionals and the broader public to ensure widespread understanding of sustainable shipping practices.
Dr Michael Ierides, CYMEPA’s Secretary General, noted the human element of maritime transformation. “The green transition in shipping is not only a matter of technology, but also a matter of people,” he stated. “We are investing in the skills, safety, and environmental awareness of everyone connected with the sea.”
Participation is open to everyone. The questionnaire is available on CYMEPA’s website at www.cymepa.org.cy/el/metavasea, both in Greek and in English.
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