Back to blogging :). Today we got the inside scoop on the world of concrete thanks to joint presentations from Vassiliko Cement, Vassiliko Port, and VTTV! We first learned about the composition of concrete and got an in-depth explanation of each step of their production process. There are several steps involving everything from extracting, crushing, blending, heating, and storing and it was interesting to learn how many logistical details are involved in creating the 2nd most used material in the world. Vassiliko has two limestone quarries, two clay quarries, and one gypsum quarry and we learned that the resources in one quarry typically last fifteen years before they must replant that quarry and switch to another. As cement production is one of world’s leading producers of carbon emissions, sustainability is certainly a topic of concern for large production plants like Vassiliko. While carbon emissions are inevitable due to the chemical reaction necessary to make the product, Vassiliko said they are looking into adopting alternative fuel sources. They have also reduced their production schedule from year-round to nine months out of the year.
Vassiliko Port is a private port owned by Vassiliko. Unlike the the Cyprus Port Authority we visited yesterday that facilitates cargo ships, cruise ships, yachts, etc., Vassiliko’s Port is used solely for the importation of raw materials and exportation of their finished goods. Their imports consist of materials that are not native to Cyprus and their exports consists of clinker and cement, as well as scrap materials and other bulk cargo for third-party commerce. I was surprised to find out that Vassiliko exports clinker as this is not a usable product, but the port manager explained that it is bought by concrete companies that need more clinker than they can produce.
VTTV is a company that mainly acts as an oil blending and storage facility. They have four berths handling oil product, a loading arm, and a jetty that extends off-shore. They are a key component in the supply chain by holding excess oil, and they also have their own internal supply chain consisting of marine operations, warehousing, customs, truck loading, and additional services.
Our final stop of the day was Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute, a research and innovation company specializing in marine technology, marine sciences, and marine social sciences. They presented a multitude of new and exciting projects working toward increasing sustainability in marine activities. My favorite was a coordinated jet ski invention that would serve to collect oil spills floating on the surface of the sea!
