Speaking at a press conference for the Deputy Ministry of Shipping\u2019s 2025 annual report<\/strong> in Limassol, Hadjimanolis said the closure of the straits had become a matter of major concern for global shipping, particularly because of the risks facing seafarers stranded in the area.<\/p>\n She said the passage is one of the world\u2019s most critical maritime energy corridors and also important for agricultural trade, adding that the government and the deputy ministry had been closely monitoring developments from the outset.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the moment, as you know, the straits are essentially closed,\u201d she said, adding that ship movements were very limited.<\/p>\n Hadjimanolis said there are an estimated 1,000 ships and 20,000 seafarers<\/strong> in the wider area, while Cyprus has issued recommendations since the first day of the crisis for vessels operating both there and in other vulnerable zones, including the Red Sea<\/strong> and the Gulf of Aden<\/strong>.<\/p>\n She said that of the 11 Cyprus-flagged vessels<\/strong> currently in the Gulf, most operate there on a permanent basis, providing mainly specialised or auxiliary maritime services, while only one Cypriot ship was effectively waiting to depart the region.<\/p>\n The deputy minister also said there are currently no coordinated collective proposals<\/strong> that could ensure the safe escort of ships through the straits, adding that Cyprus is working with its European Union partners<\/strong> on diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring safe passage.<\/p>\n She also referred to the extraordinary session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council<\/strong>, held on March 18 and 19, saying the main issue under discussion was the safety of seafarers stranded aboard ships in the affected area.<\/p>\n \u201cI would like to begin by expressing our full solidarity with the Gulf States and the unacceptable attacks they have suffered,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n On the possible impact on Cyprus, Hadjimanolis said the crisis has not so far affected the cruise sector<\/strong>, pointing instead to Marella Cruises\u2019 continued decision to use Limassol port as a home port<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cOn the contrary, next week we will welcome again this year the Marella Cruises ship,\u201d she said, adding that this sends \u201cthe strongest message\u201d that Cyprus remains a safe destination.<\/p>\n That view was echoed by port officials, who said no cruise cancellations or changes in berthing schedules<\/strong> had been recorded so far because of the regional tensions.<\/p>\n At the same time, officials said the Cyprus-Greece passenger ferry service<\/strong> would begin as scheduled at the end of May, with the first sailing due to depart from Limassol.<\/p>\n They added that a separate press release with details, including fares and any updates, would be issued shortly.<\/p>\n Asked whether the situation could disrupt the supply of goods to Cyprus, Hadjimanolis said there are currently no indications of shortages<\/strong>, although she acknowledged that prolonged instability could eventually affect flows and logistics.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are no valid reasons to show that there is a shortage of goods,\u201d she said, while noting that much will depend on how long the crisis lasts.<\/p>\n <\/figure>\n