In an era where climate change and international pressure to reduce carbon emissions are decisively shaping the future of shipping, Cyprus is called upon to play a leading role in our region’s green transition. Dr Michael Ierides, Secretary General of CYMEPA, discusses the challenges and opportunities arising from the ambitious five-year METAVASEA programme, which aims to make shipping in the Eastern Mediterranean more sustainable and safer.
CYMEPA, active since 1992 in environmental education and the protection of the marine environment, is a key partner in the project, undertaking training, awareness-raising, and skill-enhancement initiatives for citizens, seafarers, shipping executives, and port communities. “The green transition in shipping is everyone’s business,” Dr Ierides emphasises, noting that success will depend on the cooperation of all stakeholders – from seafarers and ports to civil society.
What is CYMEPA and what is its role in Cyprus?
CYMEPA (Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association) is an autonomous, non-profit organisation founded in 1992 on the initiative of the international shipping community of Cyprus. Our mission is to encourage and support effective efforts to prevent all forms of sea pollution, to cultivate a culture of safety and environmental protection among seafarers and shipping executives, and to implement extensive public awareness campaigns, especially environmental education for students. We are also the national operators of the international programmes of the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education), such as “Blue Flags,” “Green Key,” “Eco-Schools,” “LEAF,” “Young Reporters for the Environment,” the “Green Offices” Programme, and METAVASEA.
What is METAVASEA and why is it considered so important for the maritime region of Cyprus?
METAVASEA (a blend of the Greek word Metavasi, meaning transition, and sea) is an ambitious, five-year programme for a “human-centred transition to decarbonisation in shipping in the Eastern Mediterranean.” Its goal is to train and upskill 1,500 seafarers, shipping executives, and port workers on topics such as new fuels, digital skills, sustainability, and soft skills. An equally crucial objective is to enhance the participation of companies and ports in carbon emission reduction initiatives and to raise public awareness about climate change.
Which organisations are participating in METAVASEA?
The project is coordinated by HELMEPA, with the support of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation. Participants include CYMEPA, the Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute (CMMI), the World Maritime University (WMU), MIO-ECSDE, Lloyd’s Register, and other partners and collaborating bodies. It is a broad partnership that brings together academic knowledge, industry, and civil society to ensure the transition is realistic and safe.
What is the specific role of Cyprus and CYMEPA within the project?
As a key partner, CYMEPA designs and implements training and awareness-raising activities in Cyprus. These include workshops on “safety culture” in low-emission shipping, thematic webinars on emerging zero-carbon fuels and digital skills, masterclasses in environmental leadership and soft skills, and even Bridge Resource Management simulations. All these are tailored to the needs of the Cypriot shipping and port community, in close cooperation with CMMI.
An opinion survey is also being conducted. Who is it for?
Yes, this is a central pillar of the project, and interested parties can complete it here: https://www.cymepa.org.cy/el/metavasea. We want to capture the perceptions and expectations of many groups: seafarers, shipping executives, port employees, suppliers/service providers, and also citizens/civil society. Participation is via short, anonymous online questionnaires (about 10 minutes), available in both Greek and English. The results will inform the design of training and policies for a safe and realistic transition.
What does a “human-centred transition” mean in practice?
It means we are not limiting ourselves to fuel technology. We are investing in people: in safety practices, risk management, collaboration between crews and organisations, leadership and communication skills, and continuous learning. The training tools of METAVASEA are flexible – from thematic workshops to open publications – to adapt to the real needs of seafarers and port professionals.
How are ports involved? Are there already examples of applications?
Ports are key accelerators of the transition. Within the framework of METAVASEA, the port of Thessaloniki has piloted the monitoring of ship emissions – a European “first” in the Mediterranean – demonstrating how data can lead to practical improvements. We want to see similar initiatives from Cypriot ports, with collaborations that bring tangible benefits to local communities.
What are the broader benefits for Cypriot shipping and the economy?
The timely preparation of people and infrastructure creates a competitive advantage. This includes better compliance with international/European requirements, improved safety and efficiency, and attractiveness for investments and quality jobs. It also contributes to our national role as a “knowledge hub” in the Southeastern Mediterranean, aligning practice with the IMO’s ambitions for the gradual elimination of carbon emissions from shipping.
How can a citizen participate in METAVASEA today?
Firstly, with their voice: by completing the relevant METAVASEA questionnaire – it’s anonymous and brief – so that policies and training tools can be built on real needs. Secondly, by making responsible choices as a visitor/consumer (e.g., preferring beaches with a Blue Flag, businesses with Green Key/Green Offices certification). Thirdly, by disseminating information in schools and the community. METAVASEA succeeds when we all participate!