Navigating change towards the sustainability of the marine and maritime sector

The Department of Maritime Transport and Commerce offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs as well as professional courses, with the aim to equip students for leadership roles in a wide range of areas within the maritime and commerce field. We aim to be a high quality educational provider, offering up-to-date programs which meet the labor market’s demands and address the world’s current challenges.

The Department’s Faculty is involved in research, with significant contributions to innovative and sustainable maritime practices. Through collaborations with research organizations both nationally and internationally, the Department aspires to be part of the advancement and transfer of knowledge in the maritime field, for the benefit of local and European economy and society.

Students are actively involved in the Department’s research, covering all aspects of Shipping Markets and Economics, as well as Marine Safety and Coastal Sustainability.

Some highlights of our recent research work are:

• Environmental risk assessment study conducted by members of the Department’s Faculty and Researchers, to identify the growing risks to the coastal environment of Limassol - Development of the first-ever curriculum for the position of ‘Environmental Officer in Nautical Tourism’, in the form of a modular online course.
• In the framework of Limassol’s EU Cities Mission to be climate-neutral and smart by 2030, the Department is leading the thematic area “Coastal and Sea Area” as the Scientific Advisor, prioritizing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and safeguarding Limassol’s marine and coastal environment.
• EMMERA Project: Addressing the gaps on cross-border collaboration on marine pollution risks in the Eastern Mediterranean, the EMMERA project, coordinated by Frederick University, presents an innovative proposal for the region with the aim to develop a risk assessment methodology and an E-platform to share information, process and analyse data on marine environmental incidents, and provide warnings for detecting marine pollution events, as well. Partners are the University of Piraeus, the University of Haifa, the Cyprus Ports Authority and Elefsis Port Authority.

Blue Limassol Forum

The Department of Maritime Transport and Commerce, in a strategic collaboration with Limassol Municipality, organizes the annual Blue Limassol Forum which aims at promoting maritime and environmental awareness amongst local citizens and engaging them in decision making for Blue Growth and Environmental Sustainability.

The Forum is a broad-based platform in which all stakeholders (representatives of public authorities, organizations, and companies operating in Limassol's Blue Economy sectors, as well as renowned experts and researchers in the sustainability of maritime and coastal zones from Cyprus and abroad) have a floor to speak and exchange views.

Within the framework of the Forum, Frederick University and Limassol Municipality conducted a research study on the environmental risks and economic benefits of sector activities within the coastal and marine area of Limassol bay. Analysis and findings provide strategic recommendations on risk mitigation practices. This is the first integrated research study intended to identify priorities and action for the benefit of Limassol and its citizens and it suggests a roadmap for future environmentally-focused research projects for the coastal city of Limassol.