On November 18th 2024, the DECARBONLIM Project officially commenced, marking a key step toward achieving the net-zero emissions goal set by the city of Limassol. The project's kick-off meeting was held at the DP World Limassol Cruise Terminal in Limassol port.

The DECARBONLIM project ("Integrated Approach to Alternative Marine Power for the Port of Limassol") is led by the Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA), in partnership with Frederick University, DP World Limassol, Eurogate Ltd, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, the Cyprus Transmission System Operator (CTSO) and the Municipality of Limassol.

The project’ s aim is to develop a concise technical and economic study to assess the feasibility and economic/social viability of constructing OPS/Cold Ironing infrastructure, as well as providing an onshore power system to vessels moored in the Port of Limassol. Upon completion, these studies will lead to the construction of the recommended infrastructure, contributing to the implementation of the national environmental policy. The project will also provide expertise and a technological solution that can be replicated and/or adapted for other ports in Cyprus. As an alternative to onboard power generation, vessels can be hooked up to an onshore power supply, i.e. connected to the local electricity grid. In this way ships’ operations can proceed uninterrupted, while eliminating negative side-effects such as the emission of carbon dioxide and noise nuisance which affect local air quality and the health of both port workers and residents in neighbouring areas.

Welcoming participants to the venue, Mr Simon Pitout, CEO of DP World Limassol, noted the importance of this project to the competitiveness of Limassol port.

Dr Angelos Menelaou, Head of the Department of Maritime Transport & Commerce at Frederick University, emphasized the project’s contribution to the net-zero emissions goal of the Limassol Municipality’s City Climate contract.

Mr Markellos Sergiou, Cyprus Port Authority’s coordinator, presented the scope and objectives of the work stream related to the process of preparing the specifications for the cold ironing technology implementation.

Dr Paris Fokaides, Mr Sergey Popravko, Dr Manolis Nicolaides, and Ms Carol Bailey, all members of Frederick University's research staff, presented the project plan, emphasizing the importance of building on solid foundations to avoid the pitfall of projects that have been recently cancelled due to lack of continuity.

The venue provided a vista of the port as a backdrop and meeting participants were given a tour of port operations by both DP World and Eurogate Ltd.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Demos Katsis, Vice Mayor of Limassol, Mr. Nicos Nicolaides, former Mayor of Limassol and initiator of the City Climate Contract, Captain Eugen-Henning Adami, Chairman of the Cyprus Foundation of the Sea, Mr. Alexandros Josephides, Deputy Director General of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber and International Maritime Organization Goodwill Maritime Ambassador for Cyprus, Professor Michael Komodromos, Vice Rector of Research, Development and International Relations at Frederick University, and Mr Alexis Onoufriou, Director of the Research and Interconnection Service.

The DECARBONLIM project (101175834-CY-TC-DECARBONLIM) is funded by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Agency (CINEA) under the powers delegated by the European Commission. The integration of OPS will contribute to a more efficient, harmonized, and environmentally friendly transport system in line with the objectives of the TEN-T network and EU Green Deal.