By
Alice Chambers |
On 29 November, the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM) launched a tender process to reinstate a passenger ferry service between Cyprus and Greece. The weekly service will run seasonally between April/May to September/October, totaling 22 return sailings per year.
Following the European Union rules, state funds of €5.5million will be provided for the three-year contract and the operator will have the option to extend the contract for a further three years.
“Reviving the ferry connection will help us to continue building our relationship with the rest of the Mediterranean and we welcome the opportunity to expand the ferry link to a third neighbouring country beyond Greece too,” said Vassilios Demetriades, Cyprus SDM minister. “We also recognise that there will be higher demand during the summer season and, therefore, will consider a seasonal ferry connection to encourage a broader range of applicants for this tender. We believe this link will be hugely advantageous to the region as a whole and look forward to reviewing the tenders in the new year."
The tender is open to comments and questions and the Cyprus SDM will adjust the tender requirements based on feedback. Tender proposals are open until midday on 28 January 2022.