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Department of Merchant Shipping to coordinate proposals for funding under the Motorways of the Sea initiative

The Cyprus Department of Merchant Shipping has invited owners and operators of ships flying the Cyprus flag to submit proposals for funding under the Motorways of the Sea initiative, part of the European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility.

Motorways of the Sea consist of short-sea routes, ports, and associated maritime infrastructure (including hinterland connections) and equipment that facilitate short sea shipping or sea-river services between maritime ports. The objective of the initiative is to promote environmentally-friendly, viable, attractive and efficient sea-based transport links integrated into the entire transport chain, and to remove bottlenecks in the EU's transport system by making shipping a viable alternative to other, overcrowded, means of transport.

Funding is available for a variety of purposes, including emission reduction and conversion to less polluting fuels, enhancing rail interoperability, and, in particular, improving cross-border sections, infrastructure development in ports, establishment of new sea-based transport services integrated into the logistics chain and upgrading of existing services.

The CEF Programme will finance up to maximum of 30% of eligible costs for works, or up to 50% of eligible costs of studies, including pilot activities. Up to €1.9 billion of funding will be available under the 2016 Call for Proposals, which opened on 13 October and which will close on February 7, 2017. Since Cyprus is eligible for funding under the EU Cohesion Fund, entities in Cyprus may access the entire budget. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, the parent ministry of the Department of Merchant Shipping, will provide advice and assistance on applications.