The Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) has celebrated on the 10th September 2026 in Larnaka the successful completion of the EU-funded CMMI–MaRITeC-X Teaming Project, which laid the foundations for the establishment of CMMI, with the organisation of a conference entitled “From Vision to Impact: CMMI MaRITeC-X Teaming Project Legacy Celebration”.
The event was addressed by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Christos Senekis; the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Demetris Skourides; the Mayor of Larnaka, Mr Andreas Vyras; the Director of Research and Innovation of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr. Konstantinos Kleovoulou; and the Acting Director of the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry, Mr. Kyriakos Aliouris.
The EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Dr. Costas Kadis and Deputy Head of Unit – WIDENING at the European Research Executive Agency, Ms. Federica Roffi, also addressed the celebration through video messages. A keynote presentation, ‘The MaRITeC-X Journey: From Vision to Impact’, reflecting on the past seven years, was delivered by CMMI’s CEO, Mr Zacharias Siokouros.
This memorable celebration brought together representatives of the European Commission, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, research and academic institutions, industry, policymakers, partners and the wider marine and maritime community to commemorate the achievements, partnerships and people of CMMI. An insightful dialogue on ‘Partnerships for the future of the Blue Economy’ also took place during a panel discussion, comprised of Dr. Ioannis Kyriakides, Marine Technology Research Director at CMMI; Prof. Damon Teagle, Former Director of Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute; Prof. Yiorgos Chrysanthou, Research Director at CYENS Centre of Excellence; Dr. Marta Barbas, Executive Advisor to the Board of Directors at Portugal’s Centre of Excellence in Ocean Research and Engineering - INESC TEC and Mr. Andreas Tsouloftas, President of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
MaRITeC-X was established under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Teaming Programme and was launched with the ambition of creating a world-class Centre of Excellence strengthening Cyprus’ position within the European marine and maritime research and innovation landscape. With the support of the European Commission and the Republic of Cyprus, and the strategic guidance of its consortium partners, namely Larnaka Municipality, the Marine Institute of Ireland, the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (University of Southampton), the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, GeoImaging Ltd and SignalGeneriX, CMMI has developed advanced research infrastructure, attracted and developed talent, expanded international collaborations, and created new opportunities for research, innovation and industry engagement.
The conclusion of the CMMI MaRITeC-X Teaming Project marks an important milestone for CMMI. It does not mark the end, but the beginning of CMMI’s next chapter, building on seven years of investment, collaboration and achievements to create lasting impact and contribute to a sustainable Blue Economy in Cyprus, Europe and beyond.
Following the conference, the celebrations continued with a beautiful sunset cruise in the Bay of Larnaka.
For more information, contact:
CMMI Press office
Tel: +35724506155
Email: press@cmmi.blue
Website: www.cmmi.blue
