Today we got a chance to tour the Limassol Port and learn about the operations that happen at the port. The port, since 2017, is ran by private companies with the Port Authority just overseeing and regulating operations. One of the major companies that runs the port of Limassol is DP World who has a presence in all continents and has logistic centers, economic zones, ports/terminals, and marine services all over the world. The company is headquartered in Dubai. In Cyprus specifically, since 2017, DP world has contributed over 123 million to the local Cyprus economy. Within the port they have a terminal area, oil & gas area, and cargo area. These areas allow them to dock all kinds of ships from cruise ships to transporters and even battlecruisers. They even offer specialist services for submarines and military exercises. We also got to learn about P&O Maritime, a subsidiary of DP World, at the Cyprus port they offer porting services. Within the port they have 5 marine pilots, 3 tugboats, 2 pilot boats, 3 mooring teams, and 8 maintenance teams. Although it doesn’t seem like a lot, the port shockingly only has 8-10 ships move in and out a day.
We also got to learn about the Port Authority which is a public autonomous organization that is responsible for the ports of Cyprus. They manage ports in Limassol, Larnaka, Zygi, Dhekelia, Vasiliko, and Moni; alongside many smaller, non-commercial ports and fishing centers. They also run the national lighthouse authority. We also learned that Limassol is the main port of the island covering a sea area of 1 sq. km and a land area of 1.3 sq km. Ships are also not allowed to go directly from Cyprus to Turkey due to the division of the island, although cruise ships do not have to obey this rule. The ports in Cyprus are very efficient as forms that area required are only done one electronically. This is due to Directive 65/2010 which force a single window system, which is a system that forces a standardization of forms for ease of access and completion. They also offer support systems for offshore drilling through the port and the port was once use as a naval base for UNIFIL or the United Nation’s Naval Force. Many naval vessels still use the port for shore leave or the transit of military equipment to and from the middle east.
When it comes to these companies it is clear their place in the supply chain as they assist suppliers and distributors in getting their material to wholesalers, retailers, and other distributors. Although I’ve also noticed that this isn’t the only way they participate in the supply chain, they also provide services through docking of the boats, customs, cargo checks, and more. Allowing them to not only assist in the middle of the supply chain but also provide end-product goods or services during this assistance.