An additional 90 million euros allocated for naval training initiatives

The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, announced from Limassol an increase of over 25% in the budget for maritime education, corresponding to an additional amount of 90 million euros over the next seven years.

Speaking at the ministerial conference on seafarers, held within the framework of the informal summit in Cyprus, Kikilias stressed the need to reconnect the younger generation with maritime professions, as well as to strengthen maritime education overall. “Our goal is to identify opportunities that will make maritime education accessible to society as a whole,” he said, outlining the government’s policy direction.

The Minister also highlighted the need for a shift in mindset, calling on Greek families to reconsider career paths related to the maritime sector: “We must once again encourage discussions with our children about employment in professions linked to the sea, ports, and the development of this sector, which offers very high salaries,” he noted, underlining that it is a “vast industry” with an increasingly skilled human capital base.

Rising demand for Maritime Academies

The strengthening of maritime education is becoming a key priority, as it is directly linked to meeting the shipping industry’s growing demand for specialised human resources.

According to available application and admission data, this year confirms a gradual reconnection of younger generations with maritime professions. In particular, total applications (from General and Vocational Lyceums) for admission to the Merchant Marine Academies (AENs) reached 3,063 in 2026, up from 2,876 in 2025 and 2,927 in 2024.

At the same time, the number of successful admissions stood at 1,523 in 2025, compared with 1,507 in 2024, reflecting the steady absorption capacity of the academies.

The increase in applications in 2026 comes at a time when the shipping industry is facing rising demand for skilled personnel.

These initiatives are gaining even greater significance in light of international developments, as global shipping enters a period of intensifying pressure on human resources.

10% shortage by 2030

According to a Drewry report, based on data from approximately 3,000 vessels and 40,000 seafarers, a shortage of 8.5% has been recorded, which is projected to rise to 10% by 2030.

This trend is attributed to fleet expansion, early retirements, longer leave periods, and reduced interest among younger generations in maritime careers.

The report noted that the issue is not limited to officers but extends across all maritime roles, creating broader workforce shortages.

Moreover, the estimated 10% figure reflects a numerical shortfall and does not fully capture the equally critical issue of skills adequacy required by modern operational demands of shipowners.

Against this backdrop, strengthening maritime education and attracting young talent is not only a national priority but also part of a broader international imperative to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the global shipping industry in the years ahead.

Award for Captain Panagiotis Tsakos

During the conference held in Cyprus, the Deputy Minister of Shipping of Cyprus, Marina Hadjimanolis, presented an honorary award to Captain Panagiotis Tsakos in recognition of his contribution to the maritime industry.