Today started at Vassiliko Cement Works. Concrete is the world’s second most consumed material behind water as well as Cyprus’ third largest export. First, we listened to a presentation that detailed the process of concrete production. Vassiliko Cement Works first takes raw materials, like limestone and clay from its own quarries, and fires them in industrial kilns to make clinker. The clinker then gets turned into the final product: cement. After our lecture, we were given a tour of the port and main control center.
In addition to cement and clinker production, Vassiliko also owns and operates a port. The main purpose of the Vassilko port is to serve the needs of the company. The port’s main imports are alternative fuels and raw materials needed to make cement products whilst its exports are Vassilko products. One benefit of owning and operating its own port is reduced costs for the company. Because the plant is located right next to the port, transportation time and costs are minimized.
Unlike other companies we have seen on our trip, I feel that Vassiliko Cement Works follows through with the sustainability clause included in its mission statement. Vassiliko works to reduce its CO2 emissions by optimizing its cement production process. By investing in new technology and engineering new methods, Vassiliko has not only made their production process more efficient but also more environmentally friendly. For example, their new clinker production and transportation line utilizes gravity to move clinker from storage silos to cargo ships, eliminating the use of fuel. The new clinker technology, which is an enclosed system, also provides a safer working environment for employees by reducing air pollution created by dust. Another way Vassilko is working to decrease emissions is by introducing alternative fuels. Some of their current methods include sludge, sewage, and chopped tires.
After leaving our hard hats and construction vests behind, we headed over to the town of Zygi which is right by the water. For lunch, we had a HUGE fish mezze which tasted so fresh!
Our next company visit of the day was MSC. We were greeted by so much enthusiasm and an eagerness to answer all of our questions. MSC is a world leader in ship management and they operate the world’s largest ship called the MSC Irina. Similar to our visit to CSM, we were able to see MSC’s ship tracking system. One thing that was different then CSM though, was that we were able to view all the other ships (not owned by MSC) on the water as well.