The Cyprus Shipping Association (CSA) was established in 1945, to provide a professional forum for the Shipping Agents of Cyprus. In 1954, following its registration under the provisions of the local Trade Unions Law, the Association became the official body representing the profession of the Shipping Agent in Cyprus. The Members of the Association are the leading and long established Shipping Agencies in the island.

The main aims of the Cyprus Shipping Association are:

• The provision of high quality services by the Shipping Agent and his strict adherence to high ethical standards promoted by the Association.
• The protection of the professional rights of its members and the promotion of their common business interests.
• The prosperity and growth of Cyprus as a maritime centre and a transhipment hub.
• The originating and promoting of improvements in the ports of Cyprus and in the laws affecting the profession as well as the shipping and port industry of the island and
• The presentation, promotion and implementation of the views and opinions of the Shipping Agents of Cyprus.

As the spokesman for the Shipping Agents in Cyprus, the Cyprus Shipping Association ensures that its voice is heard on public issues affecting its members and contributing to the solution of all their problems. The Association also acts as liaison, negotiator and representative for its members in their dealings with the Government, the Legislature, the Port Authorities, the Department of Customs, the Business Community, the Trade Unions and all other interested parties.

With the Shipping Agent being actively involved in the operation and marketing of the Cyprus Ports, the Cyprus Shipping Association plays an important role in port affairs, taking part in the formation of policies applied and the solution to problems arising. The Association maintains close links with other local and international professional bodies pursuing common objectives. Its international affiliations include membership of the Federation Of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA), the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and the the International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association (ICHCA). At local level it is a member of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (C.C.C.I) and the Employers and Industrialists Federation of Cyprus (E.I.F).

The Cyprus Shipping Association further provides its members with a platform for the exchange of professional experiences of common interest and acts as a centre for the collection, evaluation and distribution of information on local and international developments relevant to the profession and the port industry in general. In a day and age of revolutionary changes and of enormous growth in competition, the Association places increased emphasis on the upgrading of the skills of its members and their staff, the technological advancement of their operations and the strategic planning of their activities.