Connecting to the port of Limassol

Within the framework of the new REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on the use of renewable and low carbon fuels in maritime transport amending Directive 2009/16/EC the Limassol Municipality Blue Innovation Centre held on September 18, 2023 a stakeholder engagement event.   The new Regulation, which in July 2023 was approved by both the EU Parliament and the Council, requires ships whilst at berth to connect to onshore power supply for all of their electrical needs instead of using own engines.  The objective of this requirement is the decrease of both green-house gas emissions and noise pollution within the ports.

The Limassol Municipality Blue Innovation Centre - Royal Caribbean International was  co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union, under the Operational Programme "Competitiveness and Sustainable Development" 2014-2020, the Republic of Cyprus, Limassol Municipality Fund and the kind sponsorship of 150,000 euros by Royal Caribbean International.

economy innovation ecosystem where, through strategic partnerships with private and public bodies, universities and investors, it will help convert innovative ideas to products and services.  In addition, through stakeholder engagement events the Centre aims to help build trust, alignment and enable feedback among stakeholders involved in the change.

Relevant stakeholders affected by the new regulation such as the port, energy regulators and energy providers and shipping companies have attended the event.  The Mayor of Limassol Mr. Nicolaides opened the proceedings with a warm welcome to the attendees and an account of the city’s highly ambitious Mission Cities project, which envisages Limassol to become a climate neutral city by 2030.  Presentations involved a rundown of the global efforts led by the International Maritime Organization to decarbonize the shipping industry, an analysis of the new regulation and Cyprus’ regulatory energy requirements. 

Participants had the opportunity to engage in a long discussion with the Minister of Energy Mr. George Papanastasiou, on Cyprus’ efforts to import cleaner electricity producing fuels to the island.  The Minister emphasized that the effort now is to enable natural gas both via imports and own Cyprus reserves to reach the market.   The port’s needs, the financial impact on companies and society in general, as well as, potential solutions to the challenge were also discussed.    

The meeting participants had an opportunity to engage in round table discussions focusing on three specific subjects:  ports, energy and the shipping industry with each subject led by an expert in the field.

The Limassol Municipality Blue Innovation Centre would like to thank all participants for their contributions, time and effort in making this event useful for all involved.