The 4th partners’ meeting of the European project MaRiTec - X (Marine and Maritime Research, Innovation, Technology Centre of Excellence) was held recently at the offices of CMMI (Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute) in Larnaca.  The Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) as one of the project partners, participated in the meeting with its representatives in person and online. 

During the 3-day meeting and in line with the implementation schedules, the strategic development plan of CMMI was updated and evaluated in various areas such as the creation of supporting infrastructure, workshops, submission of new project proposals for possible funding, development of new collaborations with organizations related to blue economy and the shipping industry. At the same time, the short-term and future goals were discussed. 

The Centre, which is based in Larnaca, has shown remarkable progress in its more than 2 years of operation, and is expected in the coming months to exceed 30 people in scientific and research staff. The following 10 research and innovation centres currently operate within CMMI:

−  Marine & Offshore Science, Technology & Engineering Centre.

−  Marine Robotics Innovation Centre.

−  Maritime Digitalization Centre.

−  Cyprus Marine Observation Network– Mission Control & Data Centre.

−   Marine & Coastal Ecosystems Centre.

−   Underwater and Seabed Technologies Centre.

−   Marine Cultural Heritage Centre. 

−   Centre for M2 Policy, Research and Regional Cooperation.

−    Maritime Human Element Centre.

−    Knowledge, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Centre.

On the first day of the meeting, a cooperation protocol was signed between CMMI, the Larnaca Municipality and the University of Cyprus aiming to strengthen cooperation of the three bodies in the fields of research, innovation and education. On the second day, an event was successfully organized with the participation of the Research, Innovation and Digital Transformation Deputy Ministry, the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, the Research and Innovation Foundation, the University of Cyprus University Oceanographic Centre and the Athens National Technical University.

In addition to the progress of CMMI, the Limassol Chamber also expresses its satisfaction with the positive developments regarding the creation of an artificial reef in a sea area of ​​Limassol, which will operate as an underwater research laboratory. The procedures for the identification of the precise location have progressed, additional and on-site studies are being carried out for the most suitable point for diving purposes, the supply of technological equipment with sensors and other systems will be completed soon and the necessary offers for the supply of other technical equipment are ready. This is a unique project which will be funded through CMMI and will serve the purposes of research and production of innovative practices and technologies, observation and development of marine life and biodiversity, protection of the sea and coastal ecosystems, etc. It is expected that with its completion, the artificial reef will attract international research organizations, universities, scientists and other organizations with the aim of developing collaborations to transfer know-how and initiatives for new research and studies.

The main mission of MaRiTec–X is the creation of an International Centre of Excellence based in Cyprus, which will operate on the basis of the promotion and advancement of scientific and business innovation in the field of shipping and marine life in the wider Eastern Mediterranean. It is in its 3rd year of implementation with a total funding of €30 million, of which €15 million is from the EU funding and the remaining €15 million from the Republic of Cyprus for infrastructure construction.

MaRiTec - X comprises the following 9 Organizations from Cyprus and abroad:

1.  Larnaca Municipality (project coordinator)

2.  Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute

3.  Limassol Chamber of Commerce & Industry

4.  Marine Institute of Ireland

5.  SmartBay Ireland

6.  University of Southampton

7.  Maritime Institute of Eastern Mediterranean

8.  Geolmaging Ltd

9.  Signalgenerix Ltd