8 minute read
GUARDIANS OF THE BLUE
With the maritime sector transitioning to sustainable sailing practices over recent years, marinas, as gatekeepers of the sea, are playing a major role in these efforts. Which is why, alongside the luxury and enchantment of its sun-kissed waters, Limassol Marina’s true magic extends beyond aesthetics. In fact, a key pillar in its success story is the pioneering sustainability initiatives and rigorous standards it upholds. These were woven into its planning and construction from day one, to maintain a pristine environment for generations to come, while fostering a ‘Blue Health’ sanctuary for its current guests, visitors and sailing community.
A daily commitment to a cleaner sea – Limassol Marina’s team in action during the Marina Sweep. This hands-on effort is backed by smart tech, clean-up events, and ongoing water-quality checks to protect and preserve the coastline.
Envisioning A ‘Blue Space’’
Reflecting on how it all began, Assistant Marina Manager Vasilis Kareklas outlines the sustainability journey of Limassol Marina’s premier sailing destination. Given that the coastline is Cyprus’ crown jewel, it needs to be protected and maintained by all in the marina industry, he explains. This was the reason that, while the Marina was still at the planning stages, harnessing cutting-edge green innovation was a non-negotiable dimension of the project. “This allowed us to set an example and establish ourselves as a market leader in the Mediterranean,” he says. And with the launch of the Marina in 2014, the benchmark for environmental responsibility was set for others to follow.
Sustainability is also inextricably entwined with the services Limassol Marina provides to all – be they mariners or crew, residents or visitors – and an essential component of its long-term success. “We have a reputation as a world-class destination,” says Vasilis, “and we have a duty to our community to offer world-class services. To do that, we must ensure we have created an environmentally healthy and efficient operation, while upholding our responsibility to protect our most precious asset: the marine ecosystem that allows us to do what we do.”
Furthermore, Vasilis adds that the Marina’s vision for a sustainable future extends beyond its own immediate environmental footprint. “We do our best to lead by example, looking at our impact and seeking opportunities to keep improving, keep innovating and investing, so that we can set the standard that everyone will benefit from.”
Sustainable By Design
Today, the fact that sustainability had been baked into its DNA, gives the Marina the advantage in meeting its eco-commitments, and determines the course going forward. “Unlike many marinas that are retrofitted, we were able to select the infrastructure and technology that we wanted, right from the start,” explains Vasilis. For Limassol Marina, this meant opting for sustainable systems such as, for example, floating pontoons. These use a mooring system called Seaflex, which keeps them secure without the need for driving piles into the seabed, thereby avoiding disturbance to the natural environment. Related measures include the Marina’s use of shore-power systems to reduce vessels’ emissions and fuel consumption and allow for a no-generator policy; the in-berth sewage collection systems for larger berths; and the filtration systems that were fitted into higher-risk areas, such as fuel stations and the boatyard and washdown areas. Meanwhile, one of the most impressive examples of sustainable design is the Marina’s Castle Residences. As the Marina’s final homes to be completed, the complex utilises the fully-renewable resource of geothermal energy. “It is a particular source of pride,” says Technical & Property Manager Andreas Moyseos, “as it’s only one of a handful of buildings in Cyprus to use this energy source. We harvest heat from the seabed and use it for heating and cooling. Not only is this a safe and sustainable energy source, but it also allows for the sleek design of the Castle Residences – not a solar panel or external VRV pump in sight.”
Joint Efforts And Accolades
And the desire to care for the superyacht hub’s azure asset is no less than contagious. When it comes to sustainability efforts, everyone who frequents Limassol Marina in any capacity is enthusiastically on board. “It’s a common mindset,” says Vasilis, “because people feel that having a cleaner, healthier environment really does improve their quality of life. So, everyone is happy to do their part and be involved.” This is particularly apparent in the environmental awareness events Limassol Marina hosts every year, which include SUP clean-up days that always have high turnouts from the Marina community, as well as the greater public.
A quick glance confirms that Limassol Marina’s environmental stewardship is apparent in all aspects of its footprint. From the conveniently-placed separate bins for recycling in every public area, to its LED lighting, fitted with photocell sensors, to the waste management in its commercial zones that also includes specialised cooking-oil disposal for all restaurants. “If something can be done in a more environmentally-friendly way, we do it,” Andreas explains, referencing the range of the Marina’s eco-conscious strategies. “We are in the process of going paperless. We use organic fertilisers and recycled water to maintain our green areas. Our gardening equipment is battery-powered where possible. Our buggies and scooters are electric. We offer facilities for people to opt in, and they do. Everyone is all in.”
As for managing environmental practices, it’s a key part of Limassol Marina’s daily operations, to ensure nothing is overlooked when it comes to protecting the coast. “Our team does a daily Marina Sweep,” says Vasilis, “which means they monitor the waterways to collect any debris that comes in on the currents. They check for evidence of problems such as leaks or any illegal activities. They pull any pollution that floats in, out of the water, with the help of two, automatic pollution-collection machines that are fitted in two public areas.”
The Marina’s sustainability commitment is apparent everywhere. From the dedicated recycling bins in all its public areas, to its LED lighting and electric buggies and scooters, to the waste management of its commercial zones.
Such efforts have not gone unnoticed at the international level. Over the years, Limassol Marina has earned several awards and accreditations. A Blue Flag Marina since 2015 – the first in Cyprus to receive the prestigious accolade – it has also been accredited as an International Clean Marina and a 5 Gold Anchor Platinum-certified Marina by the Yacht Harbour Association. Additionally, the Marina has received many ISO certifications, in particular ISO 14001 for its environmental management and practices, implementing rigorous guidelines for pollution protection, clean waters and safety of marine life, while responsibly managing waste. Today, it is in the process of receiving ISO 50001 for energy consumption and efficiency, adds Vasilis. “We are proud to be a part of these programmes, and it allows us to keep innovating, keep looking forward, and keep improving.”
Committed To ‘Blue Health’
The Marina’s desire to maintain a healthy environment applies to the entire length of the Limassol coastline. “We want everyone to be aware and actively involved in what we are doing, not just within the Marina, but across the city and the island,” Vasilis says. This means working closely with other marinas, local authorities, and the wider community, making recommendations and sharing experiences. “We’ve hosted studies and research projects, worked with universities, and participated in forums to help educate people, but also improve our own activities.” Most recently, the Marina contributed to a pollution prevention and monitoring scheme run by the Limassol Blue Forum, using drones and artificial intelligence to identify and clean up any pollution along the coast.
Looking ahead, as it navigates its next chapter, sustainability and a better tomorrow continue to be high on Limassol Marina’s agenda, with its sights set on making ‘Blue Health’ a reality for all. As a city-centre yachting and lifestyle destination in a coastal town, the aim is to encourage people to get out and experience all the benefits of living on or near the water, which also means inspiring and empowering the Marina’s community to offer back and care for its shared environment, says Vasilis. “The sea offers us so many benefits – to our health, the economy and to future generations – and we need to preserve it and allow it to flourish.”
