**Adopt a Ship Marks 20 Years of Bringing Pupils Closer to Shipping**
The Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) celebrated the 20th anniversary of its 'Adopt a Ship' programme this year, recognizing the contributions of teachers, schools, and shipping companies to one of Cyprus' most enduring maritime education initiatives. The closing ceremony for the 2025–2026 programme was held at Columbia Shipmanagement, where educators, industry representatives, and programme organizers gathered to commemorate another successful year of collaboration between the classroom and the shipping sector.
During the ceremony, participating teachers were honored with certificates in recognition of their commitment to the programme, which aims to introduce students to the maritime industry and highlight the significance of shipping both in Cyprus and globally. Despina Pirikki represented Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis at the event, where the ongoing support from the Shipping Deputy Ministry was acknowledged by the organizers.
The 'Adopt a Ship' programme was established in 2006 through a partnership between the CSC and the Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association (CYMEPA). It serves as a bridge between elementary schools and seafarers aboard vessels operated by member companies of the chamber. This initiative provides students with a unique, real-world learning experience that connects them to the shipping industry.
The programme operates under the approval of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. Each year, an elementary school class is assigned to a specific vessel, allowing students to communicate directly with the ship's crew via email. This interaction enables pupils to gain insights into life on board, the types of cargo transported, trading routes, and various aspects of maritime operations.
The CSC emphasizes that the primary goal of the programme is to foster early engagement between young learners, shipping companies, and vessels. By doing so, the initiative aims to inspire students to consider future careers in maritime fields, whether at sea or within the broader shipping industry on land.
Applications for schools interested in participating in the programme are accepted annually from September to December, allowing for a structured approach to integrating maritime education into the curriculum.
As the 'Adopt a Ship' programme continues to thrive, it remains a vital component of maritime education in Cyprus, promoting awareness and understanding of the shipping sector among the youth. With two decades of success behind it, the programme is poised to inspire future generations of maritime professionals.