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Cyprus Ports Authority Initiates OPS System Study for Limassol Port

Strategic Move for Maritime Decarbonisation

The Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA) has embarked on a pivotal step towards environmental sustainability by commissioning a detailed study in collaboration with DBA S.p.A. The firm is tasked with analysing the development of an onshore power supply (OPS) system at Limassol Port—a critical component in Cyprus’ strategy to reduce maritime emissions.

Comprehensive Evaluation for Future Readiness

The study will meticulously assess the technical, economic, and environmental dimensions of the planned OPS installation. This analysis includes the evaluation of necessary upgrades to the existing port infrastructure. The goal is to establish a robust framework that will enable vessels to connect to the local power grid, thereby powering down engines during docking and minimizing idling emissions.

Alignment With EU Climate Mandates

This initiative is intrinsically linked to the European Union’s climate agenda, including the objectives laid out in the Green Deal and the broader drive to decarbonise maritime transport. Recognised as a project of strategic importance for Cyprus, the OPS system is expected to play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of port operations while bolstering the island’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Collaborative Effort Under the DecarbonLIM Project

The OPS study forms part of the extensive DecarbonLIM project—’Decarbonising Limassol Port Through OPS and Renewable Energy Solutions’—which receives co-funding from the European Union. The project reflects a collaborative effort involving CPA, Frederick University, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), the Transmission System Operator (TSOC), the Municipality of Limassol, and key operational partners such as DP World Limassol Ltd and Eurogate Container Terminal Limassol Ltd. Together, these stakeholders are set to drive a significant transformation, positioning Limassol Port at the forefront of eco-friendly maritime operations.

Only 1% Of Cyprus Farms Use Precision Farming Technologies

Cyprus remains one of the European Union’s least digitised agricultural economies, with just 1% of farms using precision farming technologies in 2023, according to Eurostat.

The findings come as the EU continues to encourage the adoption of digital tools aimed at improving agricultural productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

Internet Access Expands, But Digital Uptake Lags

Internet access has improved across the bloc, although adoption remains uneven. Eurostat found that 43% of EU farms had internet access in 2023, with northern and central European countries leading the way.

Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Austria all reported internet access rates above 90%.

Greater connectivity, however, has not translated into widespread digital adoption. Farm management information systems, which help farmers manage day-to-day operations, were used by only about 11% of EU farms. France was a notable exception, with around 60% of farms using the technology.

Precision Farming Concentrated In Larger Operations

Robotics adoption also remained relatively limited, with only about 7% of EU farms using robotic technologies. Overall, around 18% of farms with utilised agricultural area employed at least one precision farming technology or practice in 2023.

These included robotics for plant protection, band spraying, variable-rate application, precision crop monitoring and soil analysis. Despite representing fewer than one in five farms, these holdings accounted for around 44% of the EU’s utilised agricultural area.

The figures suggest that precision farming remains concentrated among larger agricultural businesses, where investment in digital technologies is typically easier to support.

Cyprus Lags Behind EU Leaders

Luxembourg, Finland and Estonia recorded the highest shares of utilised agricultural area managed by farms using precision farming technologies, each exceeding 75%.

At the other end of the ranking, Cyprus recorded just 1%, while Greece and Romania reported between 10% and 15%. The results indicate that Cyprus remains at an early stage of digital adoption in agriculture, even as precision farming becomes more widespread across parts of the European Union.

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