With a ceremonial toast of Commandaria, the naming ceremony of the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute's (CMMI) first zero-emission vessel, EVPLOIA APHRODITE, took place on October 24, 2024, at Larnaca Marina. This vessel is the product of research funded by the European Union under the Co-Develop program of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF).
The vessel's honorary ‘godmother’ was the Shipping Deputy Minister to the President, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis.
The event was addressed by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou; the Shipping Deputy Minister, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis; the Deputy Mayor of Voroklini, Mr. Neophytos Fakontis, representing the Mayor of Larnaca; the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation, and Technology, Mr. Demetris Skourides; and the CEO of the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, Mr. Zacharias Siokouros. The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Dr. Nicodemos Damianou, as well as ambassadors, consuls, partners, and collaborators of the Institute.
Speaking at the naming ceremony, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, stated: “This vessel marks the beginning of a new, more sustainable era for our maritime sector and points the way toward a more environmentally friendly future. The zero-emission technologies developed through the A-ZEST program are a significant initiative to create innovative solutions and represent a promising prospect for the green transition... The 'smart' digital solutions and autonomous functions that may emerge from this endeavor have potential for technology transfer to other sectors within the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment.”
The Shipping Deputy Minister, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, stated: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this pioneering vessel, especially CMMI, for leading the way toward a future without fossil fuels by constructing a zero-emission vessel that will sail along Cyprus’s coastlines and provide a practical, sustainable solution for short-distance routes. Supporting scientific research for the protection of our oceans is one of the key priorities for a sustainable blue economy.”
On behalf of the Mayor of Larnaca, Mr. Andreas Vyras, the Deputy Mayor of Voroklini, Mr. Neophytos Fakontis, stated: “The vessel’s naming ceremony coincides with the completion of five years of real, substantial growth for the Institute, showcasing in the best possible way what can be achieved through the collaboration of inspired scientists and researchers with experienced professionals and dynamic, innovative companies.”
The Chief Scientist, Mr. Demetris Skourides, stated: “The purpose of today’s event fills us with optimism about what Cyprus can achieve by harnessing research, technology, and innovation in the vital sector of shipping... The ZEST initiative could serve as a benchmark for new zero-emission autonomous platforms linked to aerial and underwater systems, creating new opportunities for Cyprus.”
Finally, the CEO of the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, Mr. Zacharias Siokouros, stated: “Both internally at CMMI and in our informal or institutional interventions, our dominant narrative is that ‘for a sustainable and competitive future, we need research that has value today, is useful now, has measurable impact, addresses challenges, and answers questions.’ The Institute has close collaboration with the industrial ecosystem of Cyprus. In this context, together with SignalGeneriX and FP Marine, utilizing local expertise for the study, design, and construction, we are presenting today the ZEST, the first zero-emission vessel with minimal acoustic footprint, aimed at protecting marine life, which will sail along the coast of Cyprus... I believe that CMMI rightfully deserves to be recognized as the National Center of Excellence in Research and Innovation for the marine and maritime sectors. However, we do not stop here. Our vision is to continue our journey with even more successes in research while maintaining the spirit and dynamism of a startup, creating spin-offs that will further enrich the respective ecosystem and the economy.”
After the greetings, the official naming ceremony took place, which included the unveiling of the vessel and a short boat trip within Larnaca Marina. Finally, a reception was held in a specially designed area of Larnaca Marina, where guests had the opportunity to learn about the research equipment available at the Institute and the research programs in which it participates.
Partners in the ZEST project consortium include the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, SignalGeneriX Ltd, and FP Marine Limited.
For more information, please contact press.office@cmmi.blue.
