On April 22, 2024, Mr. Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation, and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Research and Innovation Foundation, paid an official visit to the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI).
The Chief Scientist was briefed on the activities, capabilities, and perspectives of the Institute in promoting sustainable technological development at national, regional, and international level. Mr. Skourides highlighted the importance of Maritime and Marine Affairs and the international dimensions of both in the context of the Blue Economy, as well as the role that CMMI can play in these areas.
The discussion focused on the opportunities emerging through research for the development of products and services, the utilization of which will work multiplicatively for the sustainability of the Institute, the industrial ecosystem, and the country's economy.
During the meeting, the CEO of the Institute, Mr. Zacharias Siokouros, presented -among others- the recent achievements of the Institute and in particular:
· The design and construction of a zero-emission, low acoustic footprint vessel, intended to operate as an autonomous multi-role platform (ZEST - Zero Emission Sea Transporter),
· The design, construction, and networking of floats for data collection from the marine environment, for marine surveillance and oceanographic studies (the first fixed research platform was deployed in the Amathus marine area),
· The development of robotic systems, which will operate as a "swarm" and will be used in monitoring and addressing marine pollution applications,
· The design and production of elements for the creation of artificial reefs, using eco-friendly materials and three-dimensional printing.
Mr. Siokouros also referred to the 4 Twinning programs recently secured by the Institute, through which further international orientation, extroversion, and collaborations of the Institute are developed.
