We started out our day by visiting Vassiliko Cement Works. They were established in 1963 and have 233 employees and 350 contractors. In the presentation they explained how they build their product which was a much more complex process than I was expecting. Something I found interesting was that they own 2 limestone quarries, 2 clay quarries, and 1 gypsum quarry. This adds to their vertical integration since they do no need to outsource their raw materials. We got a tour of their large facility, including a control room where they could monitor all parts of the process at once.
Next, we got to hear from someone who works at the Vassiliko port. They work hand in hand with the Cement Works by exporting clinker and cement and importing coal and alternative fuels. They serve 300 ships per year and are operating 24/7. After their presentation, we got to ask questions to Vassiliko Cement Works and Port about the efforts the company is taking to become more sustainable. They said that they are focusing on an increase use of alternative fuels instead of fossil fuel. They stated that due to the chemical reaction of limestone in the cement process, they will never be able to have 0 emissions, but they are currently using about 60-70% of alternative fuels in their process.
Our next presentation was from VTTV, a logistics and storage company for oil products. They have 3.4 million barrels of storage and they contain clean petroleum products. VTTV has their own private jetting that can hold up to four vessels and is located in deep water so that the largest ships are able to be docked. The presenter explained that oil storage terminals are necessary because it creates a byproduct to be used any time a company may need it. This solves the issue of the disconnect between supply and demand. Until a large oil trader, oil broker, or local oil retailer needs their supply of oil, they are able to safely store it at VTTV’s premises. VTTV is focused on making sure they are moving things efficiently for their consumers.
Our next visit was to the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute. They are a nonprofit research organization that receives money from the EU. A member from each division of the institute talked to us about the projects that they are currently working on, all of which have the same goals of preventing pollution, protecting ecosystems, and sustainability. My favorite project was from the robotics department. They are developing “sea centaurs” which are two autonomous jet skis that will collect and contain pollution in the sea. They have collision avoidance capabilities as well as search and rescue applications. I enjoyed this one because it showed how creative the team was at solving the pollution problem that the world is facing. While I am not sure exactly the how sustainability will appear in my career later on, this project will remind me to think outside of the box when implementing sustainability in my job.
