Cyprus ports need joint energy and investment strategy, shipping agents chief says

Cyprus requires a unified plan for shipping, energy and environmental efforts to boost port development, according to Cyprus Shipping Agents Association President Reginos Tsanos. At the Italy-Cyprus Maritime Business Forum, Tsanos stressed the need for better coordination between government entities, energy firms, municipalities and the maritime industry.

He highlighted that the three sectors are interconnected but frequently work with conflicting priorities, decision-making processes, and timelines. Tsanos identified five areas for enhanced collaboration: transforming ports into smart energy centers, aligning regulatory frameworks, integrating investment planning across the blue economy, establishing a shared maritime digital platform, and coordinating marine spatial planning.

Concerns were raised about Cyprus' electricity infrastructure being a significant hurdle, necessitating coordinated planning among state bodies, local authorities, shipping companies, and energy providers. Tsanos proposed a shared maritime digital platform to optimize infrastructure planning, expedite decisions, and strengthen environmental monitoring.

He also advocated coordinated marine spatial planning to allow energy projects and shipping operations to coexist without causing unnecessary operational or regulatory conflicts. Regarding Cyprus' energy transition, Tsanos cautioned against investment choices that do not account for the shipping industry's rapidly evolving technology and the extended operational lifespan of vessels.

For existing ships, he suggested increased fuel efficiency and operational enhancements, such as better voyage planning, hull and propeller maintenance, engine optimization, and leveraging operational data with properly trained crews. For new vessels, he emphasized the importance of flexible fuel systems, including dual-fuel technology and designs that allow future conversions.

Shipowners should assess the availability of alternative fuels and bunkering infrastructure along their trading routes before adopting new technologies. In terms of Cyprus' investment potential, Tsanos highlighted planned developments at Vasiliko and the upgrade of Larnaca's port infrastructure as opportunities to enhance the nation's maritime sector.

He emphasized that Italian expertise in maritime technology and port digitalization could support these projects, drawing on international experience from Norway and Singapore. Tsanos concluded that deeper integration between ports and cities requires coordinated planning for infrastructure, electricity networks, and transport connections, treating shipping, energy, and environmental protection as components of a unified system.