Research
and Innovation

Research for Impact

The Department of Maritime Transport and Commerce (DMTC) at Frederick University is a multidisciplinary research hub dedicated to advancing sustainable, digital, and resilient maritime systems. Our research focuses on the interaction between land and sea and the sustainable development of Blue Economy sectors operating along the Cyprus coastline and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. 

Through strong collaborations with industry, public authorities, research institutions, and international partners, the Department develops innovative solutions to contemporary maritime challenges. Our research portfolio spans sustainable shipping, port operations, maritime policy and governance, coastal and marine environmental management, maritime digitalization, artificial intelligence applications, and smart maritime systems. 

DMTC combines academic excellence with practical impact. Through nationally and European-funded projects, the Department contributes to the development of climate-neutral ports, coastal pollution monitoring and response systems, maritime decarbonization strategies, smart port technologies, and sustainable Blue Economy initiatives. By integrating scientific research with stakeholder needs, we bridge the gap between academia and industry while supporting evidence-based policy development and capacity building. 

The Department seeks to be recognized as a leading academic and research partner for maritime and Blue Economy innovation in Cyprus and the wider Mediterranean region. Closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), our vision is to generate knowledge, foster innovation, and contribute to the sustainable growth, competitiveness, and resilience of maritime communities and industries. 

Building on Cyprus’ strategic maritime position and longstanding relationships with key maritime authorities, ports, shipping organizations, and international stakeholders, DMTC continues to strengthen its role in shaping the future of maritime transport, commerce, and sustainable coastal development. 

Key Focus Areas 
  • Sustainable Ports
  • Marine Pollution Detection & Response
  • Coastal & Marine Ecosystem Protection
  • Smart & Digital Shipping
  • Maritime Economics, Policy & Regulation

Research Highlights 
  • Leading green port & shipping innovation (Onshore Power Supply, emissions reduction)
  • Advanced marine pollution monitoring & response (AI, drones, real-time data)
  • Strong EU-funded project portfolio & international partnerships
  • Active student integration in applied research & innovation

Strategic Role in Limassol 
  • Limassol’s EU Mission for Climate-Neutral Cities by 2030- The Department leads the “Coast and Sea” pillar as Scientific Advisor—supporting decarbonization, cleaner ports, and coastal resilience. Link: https://nzlimassolconference.com/
  • Blue Limassol Forum – Annual forum bringing together academia, industry, public authorities, and civil society to address challenges and opportunities related to the Blue Economy and sustainable coastal development. Link: https://www.limassol.org.cy/en/blue-forum-limassol-news-2020 

Aiming to build Centres of Vocational Excellence for port transition, this initiative supports the development of skills and knowledge aligned with green and digital port operations. Partners: Frederick University, 24 partners and 3 Associates. Funded by: ERASMUS+. Link: https://portability-project.eu/. DMTC Team: Angelos Menelaou, Emmanouil Nikolaidis, Sergios Antoniou 

The project aims to establish a living lab and pilot-test seagrass Posidonia oceanica restoration in Cyprus through innovative and eco-friendly approaches, enhancing marine biodiversity, supporting the development of a national restoration strategy, and raising awareness of the vital role of seagrass ecosystems in maintaining healthy coastal environments. Partners: Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab, Frederick University, Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), University of Genova. Funded by: RESTART 2016 – 2020. Link: https://resposcy.com/ . DMTC Team: Angelos Menelaou, Demetris Kletou 
Funded by the Cyprus–Israel Bilateral Program through the Cyprus Research & Innovation Foundation, the project aims to develop an innovative in-transit hull cleaning system that removes marine growth while the ship is underway. This eco-friendly alternative to conventional antifouling methods minimizes harm to marine ecosystemsand lowers the risk of invasive species transfer. Partners: Frederick University and Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. Funded by: Restart 2016-2020. DMTC Team: Angelos Menelaou, Sergey Popravko, Christina Menelaou 

Involving 24 countries, PACT is a collaborative initiative addressing the critical challenges of energy transition in port city territories. The project adopts a value-driven approach that emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and the spatial and socio-cultural dimensions of the transition to sustainable energy. Funded by: European Cooperation in Science and Technology. Link: https://www.pact-costaction.eu/. DMTC Team: Angelos Menelaou, Thanasis Hadzilacos 

The EMMERA system is an e-platform that integrates advanced data analytics and specialized drone technology for the efficient detection of marine pollution incidents. Officially approved by the Cyprus government, it will be implemented by the Shipping Deputy Ministry starting January 1, 2026. Partners: Frederick University, Department of Maritime Transport and Commerce, University of Piraeus Research Centre, Haifa University, Cyprus Ports Authority, Eleusis Port Authority. Funded by: Union Civil Protection Mechanism. Link: https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/projects/emmera. DMTC Team: Angelos Menelaou, Thanasis Hadzilacos, Michalis Makrominas, Sergios Antoniou 
The project focuses on developing an integrated approach on alternative marine power for the Port of Limassol. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting cleaner energy use, improved logistics, and sustainable port-city integration. Partners: Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA), in partnership with Frederick University, DP World Limassol, Eurogate Ltd, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, the Cyprus Transmission System Operator (CTSO) and the Municipality of Limassol. Funded by: Connecting Europe Facility. DMTC Team: Angelos Menelaou, Thanasis Hadzilacos, Sergios Antoniou 
This national study explores the representation, needs, and employment barriers faced by women and men in ‘blue’ professions. Commissioned by the Commissioner for Gender Equality of Cyprus, the research provides critical insights to support gender equality and inclusive workforce development in the maritime sector. Contracting Authority: Commissioner for Gender Equality of Cyprus. Research conducted by the Department of Maritime Transport of Frederick University. Funded by: Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus - Office of the Commissioner for Gender Equality. DMTC Team: Angelos Menelaou 
The project aims to enhance maritime surveillance in Limassol Bay using surveillance drones and artificial intelligence to detect maritime pollution, unmanned surface vehicles to identify pollution sources and collect evidence, and an oil spill dispersion model to predict spill trajectories. Partners: Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab, CYENS Centre of Excellence and Frederick University. Funded by: RESTART 2016 – 2020. Link: https://irsai.org/. DMTC Team: Angelos Menelaou, Demetris Kletou 
Aligning with the EU Mission to "Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030", the project focuses on the protection and restoration of marine and freshwater ecosystems, supporting vulnerable coastal communities, and mitigating climate change impacts. Partners: Universidade de Aveiro (UA) (Coordinator) and >30 multidisciplinary partners. Local Partners: Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab, Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Limassol Municipality, Frederick University. Funded by: Horizon Europe. Link: https://a-aagora.eu/. DMTC Team: Angelos Menelaou, Demetris Kletou 

This project develops a specialized curriculum and online training courses for the role of Environmental Officer in the nautical tourism industry. Partners: BVWW – Bundesverband Wassersportwirtschaft e.V as project coordinator, Sea Teach, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Frederick University, European Boating Industry (EBI), German Maritime Foundation ‘Deutsche Meeresstiftung’. Funded by: ERASMUS+. DMTC Team: Angelos Menelaou, Emmanouil Nikolaidis 

The first comprehensive Environmental Risk Assessment covering all business activities operating in the Coastal Area of Limassol. Partners: Frederick University, DNV Greece, Environmental Research (MER) Lab and CMMI. Funded by: Limassol Municipality, EY, Total Energies, the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works. Funded by: Limassol Municipality, Ministry of Energy, Industry & Commerce, TOTAL Foundation. DMTC Team: Angelos Menelaou 
This project focuses on environmental protection in port-adjacent areas through the use of innovative training tools. Partners: University of Ioannina, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company, Frederick Research Center, Institute of Transport, University of the Aegean. Funded by: INTERREG. Link: ECOPORTIL-Environmental Protection of Areas Surrounding Ports using Innovative Learning Tools for Legislation | MarInEM. DMTC Team: Angelos Menelaou, Demetris Kletou, Emmanouil Nikolaidis