The two applications for "London Eye" type developments, one next to the other in the sea area in front of the old port and the Limassol pier and a pilot project concerning renewable energy sources of the Cyprus Institute, are the most interesting projects that have been brought before the Marine Spatial Planning Committee so far.
In total, the Marine Spatial Planning Commission has so far received 10 applications for a Certificate of Compliance or a Certificate of Compatibility with the Marine Spatial Plan, which was approved by the Council of Ministers on 20 December 2023, based on the European Directive. Out of those, 8 have been examined and the appropriate certificates are published in the Table of Certificates of Conformity/Compatibility on the website of the Shipping Deputy Ministry.
The two "high-profile" applications concerning large ferris wheels at sea, 150 metres apart, remain under examination. As a well-informed source told “Entrepreneurial Limassol”, this is due to the fact that the opinion of the Legal Services on specific questions addressed to it by the Commission, is pending.
With regards to two applications concerning a renewable energy pilot project by the Cyprus Institute, which received relevant certificates, we were told that the project will be implemented in the Vasilikos area in cooperation with a company from Israel. This will include the installation of wind turbines on the Institute's site to produce wind energy, as well as a system of three tanks at sea, in which the energy produced that is not consumed will be stored and used when the wind system is not producing energy.
The other applications before the Commission concern the expansion of an existing aquaculture farm by BLUE ISLAND PLC and the relocation and reopening of an aquaculture farm by ICHTHYS ECO FARM (IEF) LTD. Another application refers to the laying of a telecommunications cable "BLUE SCS" by PRIMETEL and the installation of artificial reefs in a marine protected area and the laying of a vessel in Larnaca by the Department of Fisheries. Finally, one application concerned the creation of a new bathing area in Chloraka.
The Marine Spatial Planning Committee is chaired by the Shipping Deputy Ministry and is composed of representatives from 15 departments. The National Marine Spatial Plan defines the spatial and temporal distribution of current and future activities and uses, in the Republic's maritime waters. The objective of the Plan is to contribute to support and promote sustainable development in the sea, with an ecosystem approach, taking into account economic, social, environmental and cultural aspects. It also seeks to promote the coexistence of relevant activities and uses.
Through the Marine Spatial Plan, the Republic of Cyprus aims at the sustainable development of the marine energy sectors, transport, fisheries and aquaculture, tourism and the extraction of raw materials, as well as the protection of marine antiquities and the preservation, protection and improvement of the environment, including resilience to the effects of climate change.
