Greece-Cyprus Ministers Discuss Possibility of Ferry Link

The possibility of implementing a much talked about ferry link between Greece and Cyprus topped the agenda of talks between Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis and Cyprus Deputy Shipping Minister Natasa Pilides in Athens.

The two sides discussed the possibility of introducing a 30-hour ferry service between the two countries, and later to other ports in the Mediterranean, and the mutual economic benefits this decision would have, including the increase in tourist flows as well as boosting competition between airlines and shipping companies.

According to media reports, Greece has agreed to opening a slot at Piraeus port for the ferry and pledged to work together with Cypriot authorities for the facilitation of passport and health controls, as well as for the promotion of the route.

In the meantime, Cypriot authorities are still waiting for a European Commission approval of an annual 5-million-euro subsidy for the re-launch of the route.

Cypriot daily Phileleftheros reports that the once reinstated, the ferry service will run at least once a week in the May-September period and once fortnightly for the rest of the year.

The same paper reports investor interest by several parties in Greece and Cyprus.

The development of marine tourism with emphasis on cruise and diving tourism was also examined with both sides agreeing to work together towards this goal by expediting investments in these areas.

In 2018, a Cyprus-based group launched an online campaign  calling for the reinstatement of the ferry service connecting Piraeus with Limassol (Lemessos) in Cyprus which was discontinued some 20 years ago.