The cabinet of Greece decided on November 1 to conduct a new study into the efficiency of setting up ferry service connecting Greece and Cyprus.
Greek shipping deputy minister Natasa Pilidou introduced the decision after the cabinet meeting Thursday morning.
The potential of linking Cyprus and Greece through ferry is considered something especially positive for both passengers who have travel-related problems, such as aerophobia, but also for further expansion of Cyprus’ tourism.
According to Pilidou, a study would be conducted "to determine the financial gap likely created by the link so that the cabinet can decide whether to seek the funds from the EU."
Image: Port of Piraeus, Greece
An online campaign calling for reinstatement of regularly scheduled service by ferries connecting Piraeus (Athens) Greece with Limassol Cyprus gathered more than 11,400 signatures in July on avaaz.org. A Cyprus-based group launched the campaign in an effort to exert pressure on the governments of Cyprus and Greece to reinstate the ferry link that was discontinued 18 years ago.
Translated into 7 languages, the online petition addressed the mayors of Piraeus and Limassol, the head of the Cyprus Port Authority and the Cypriot president.
According to petitioners, regular ferry service to and from the ports of Piraeus and Limassol, and later to other Mediterranean ports, will have economic benefits for both sides, such as the increase in tourist flows and boosting competition between shipping companies and airlines resulting in lower fares.
The petition also stated that ferry service between Greece and Cyprus will benefit a number of Greek islands along the route.