Filenews 30 April 2022 - by Ioanna Mantzipa
Sails again after 21 years the ship that will connect Cyprus with Greece by ferry. The first trip will take place on 19 June 2022 from Limassol port, with the Cypriot-flagged ship "Daleela" and the trip will last about 30 hours. This is one of the 35 actions of the announced strategy of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping for Cypriot shipping, which is being implemented.
Yesterday, at a press conference held at the "Panos Solomonidis" Cultural Center, the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Vassilis Dimitriadis, presented the company to which the offer was awarded, as well as all the details about the ship's passenger capabilities and the prices that have been set. He also called on all citizens to embrace this effort, so that through the passage of time and when the subsidy will not exist, the maritime passenger connection can continue and be sustainable.
The ship has the capacity to carry up to 400 passengers. It has 38 first class cabins, 68 second class cabins, 110 air seats and the ability to carry more than 100 vehicles. Among other things, it will offer catering and leisure services. It is planned to make 4 routes in June, 8 in July, 7 in August and 3 in September.
Speaking during the conference, the Deputy Minister of Shipping pointed out that the Government is implementing a commitment to alternative connectivity of Cyprus with continental Europe. "After 21 years, the last itinerary was recorded on October 8, 2001, with the ship Salamis Star, our fellow citizens, aerophobic, students, those who want to travel to Greece by car or motorbike or to carry diving equipment and all Cypriot citizens will now have the opportunity for an alternative connectivity and transition to Greece by sea."
He argued that the sea passenger connection between Cyprus and Greece will further enhance maritime tourism, attracting both Greeks to our country and European citizens.
As regards the tendering procedure, reference was made to the open tender notice on 25 November 2021, with a cataleptic date of 28 January 2022. Three bids were submitted, but the tender had been cancelled because all three companies concerned did not meet the basic requirements. "As part of the procedure, the Deputy Ministry addressed the three economic operators and only one bid was submitted," Mr. Dimitriadis said, noting that the offer was from Scandro Holding Ltd, to which it was awarded, after it was evaluated and met all the criteria.
Under the Cypriot flag the ship
The ship has a Cypriot flag and was built in 1991. As stated by scandro Holding Ltd's CEO, Marios Michael, the contract provided for the operation of a restaurant and café, however the company decided to add bars, playgrounds, as well as other already entertainment, such as casinos.
It should be noted that in the restaurant the prices will be affordable and the full meal will not exceed €12 per person. As far as people with disabilities are concerned, there will be a person on a 24-hour basis to serve them and they will be able to be accompanied. Among other things, Mr. Michael added that the company has provided for the hosting of a small number of pets, in a specific area of the ship.
The Mayor of Limassol, Nikos Nikolaidis, congratulated the Deputy Ministry and Mr. Dimitriadis himself for the success of the maritime passenger connection, stressing that this service has social and national dimensions. "Cyprus reduces its degree of isolation from continental Europe significantly and enters into a prospect of upgrading, in addition to maritime transport in terms of our Limassol, the port of Limassol and the rest of Europe and the countries of the region", said Mr. Nikolaidis, noting that the Limassol Municipality will support this effort, will highlight it and welcome visitors in the best possible way.
