Cyprus deputy ministry for shipping is now ready to launch a study into the cost and viability of setting up a new ferry company linking Cyprus with mainland Greece (and Europe). It is already in contact with the ministry of shipping in Greece, the House transport committee revealed on Friday, January 25.
The committee examined the need for a coastal connection with the Greek country and the rest of Europe following a proposal by Disy MPs Nicos Tornaritis and Annita Demetriou.
According to Natasa Pilidou, Deputy Minister for Shipping, a ferry link with Greece was one of the main goals of the deputy minister.
After the cabinet approved the venture in October 2018, a study was being prepared to calculate the cost, after which funds are to being sought from the European Union. If necessary, further funding is to be provided by the state.
Deliberations are due to be completed by the end of next week, to finalize the preparation of the study, that should be completed within ten weeks from the day of signing the contracts.
According to the deputy minister for tourism, Savvas Perdios, the tourist aspect of the link has to be "of a high-quality level in order to attract quality tourism from Greece."
Perdios added that Port Limassol had to be turned into a tourist base and a hub. The new ferry link is planned to connect with Piraeus-Athens.
Studies show that around 10% of the public can't travel by plane. Currently, there are 12,000 signatures for the creation of the ferry link.