Limassol port shore-power plan awaits grid applications and European funding

Limassol, Cyprus. A proposal to provide berthed ships at Limassol port with electricity from shore still requires a national grid connection and European funding, with important administrative steps unfinished. Transport Minister Evi Tsolaki said land had been requested for a substation, but applications for a transmission network connection had not been submitted.

Implementation steps remain pending

The proposed system, known as cold ironing, would enable vessels to use shore-supplied power instead of operating their engines while docked. Information provided by Tsolaki indicates that essential procedures needed to implement the project remain incomplete.

MP Fotini Tsiridou has questioned the delays, warning that additional setbacks could threaten Cyprus’ prospects of securing European financing.

Concerns over funding and progress

In comments to Entrepreneurial Limassol, a periodical issued by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), Tsiridou said she had seen some progress. However, she had not received a formal reply to her parliamentary question.

She maintained that the scheme should be further advanced, noting that comparable projects in other European port cities had already received EU funding. She also expressed concern that delays could reduce the amount of European financing available or prevent Cyprus from obtaining support.

Environmental benefits and backing

Tsiridou said shore-supplied electricity would cut air pollution and noise from ships’ engines during port stays and improve conditions in nearby urban areas. She argued that the port needed to remain connected to the wider city and described the infrastructure as necessary and an obligation at European level.

According to Tsiridou, work on the technical, economic and environmental studies has advanced. She said implementation was supported by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), Cyprus ports authority (CPA), port operators and participating companies.