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EMBIO Diagnostics Acquires BlueTech’s Ballast Water Treatment Business: A Strategic Expansion

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 27, 2024

In a strategic acquisition, Nicosia-based EMBIO Diagnostics has acquired AG Catalytic Solutions, the developer of BlueTech’s non-chemical ballast water treatment technology. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for EMBIO, enhancing its portfolio with advanced environmental solutions for the maritime industry. AG Catalytic Solutions is well-known for its innovative approach to ballast water management, which is crucial for preventing the spread of invasive aquatic species and complying with international maritime regulations.

The synergy between EMBIO and AG Catalytic Solutions has been evident through their past collaborations, including the development of a portable ballast water testing kit. This prior partnership has laid a strong foundation for the integration of AG Catalytic Solutions’ technologies into EMBIO’s broader diagnostic and environmental solutions framework.

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With this acquisition, EMBIO aims to leverage AG Catalytic Solutions’ intellectual property and technological advancements to offer more comprehensive and eco-friendly solutions to its clients. The move also underscores EMBIO’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, positioning the company as a leader in the development of green technologies within the maritime sector.

The acquisition is expected to drive significant advancements in the treatment of ballast water, an area of increasing regulatory scrutiny and environmental importance. By incorporating AG Catalytic Solutions’ expertise, EMBIO is poised to enhance its service offerings, ensuring that shipping companies can meet stringent environmental standards while maintaining operational efficiency.

This development also highlights the growing importance of technological innovation in addressing global environmental challenges. As maritime regulations become more stringent, the demand for effective and sustainable ballast water treatment solutions is expected to rise, positioning EMBIO and its newly acquired technologies at the forefront of this critical industry transformation.

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Industry Uproar Over Reduction in Electric Vehicle Subsidies

by News Editor

April 26, 2025

The recent move by the government to curtail subsidies for electric vehicles has stirred significant discontent among car importers in Cyprus. The Department of Road Transport (DRT) has slashed available grants under the Electric Vehicle Promotion Scheme as of April 23, leading to a rapid depletion of the subsidy pool and leaving many potential applicants disappointed.

Importers’ Concerns

According to the Cyprus Motor Vehicle Importers Association (CMVIA), the lack of transparency and failure to engage stakeholders prior to the decision have eroded trust in the government’s commitments. Importers now find themselves facing a precarious situation, with substantial stocks of electric vehicles and mounting promotional expenditures.

Public Interest and EU Compliance

Although the scheme aimed to support the transition to zero-emission transport until 2025, the DRT states that the curtailing of funds was necessary to comply with European funding terms, which warned against delays in vehicle deliveries. This decision has fueled market uncertainty despite the application portal experiencing dynamic changes.

Industry’s Ongoing Demand

The CMVIA refutes any claims suggesting waning interest in electric vehicles, underscoring the rapid exhaustion of available grants as proof of substantial demand. They highlight the importance of meeting Cyprus’s green transition targets, including putting 80,000 electric vehicles on roads by 2030.

While the total budget for subsidies saw an increase to €36.5 million in 2023, thanks to additional funding, ongoing difficulties in timely vehicle distribution have led to premature closures of applications. In response, CMVIA has called for urgent dialogue with the Minister of Transport to reassess the decision, fearing that it could endanger the future of e-mobility in Cyprus.