Larnaca: An agreement was signed today for the construction of a new building for the School of Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development of CUT in Larnaca, which is expected to open in the fall of 2028 and is projected to enroll approximately 500 students.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the project involves the construction of facilities for the School in Larnaca, on a plot located near the parking lot in the Mackenzie area. The facilities will include lecture halls, classrooms, conference/meeting rooms, staff and student offices, specialized laboratories, as well as advanced IT infrastructure and support for distance learning.
The total floor area of the facilities amounts to 4,960 square meters of enclosed and covered space, while the estimated cost is calculated at 11.9 million euros plus VAT.
In a message from the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, delivered during the signing ceremony in Larnaca and read by Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hatzimanoli, it is noted that ‘today’s signing marks the transition from planning to the implementation of the Government’s vision for strengthening and modernizing higher education, the promotion of mobility and cross-border cooperation with the aim of establishing Cyprus as a Regional and International Center for Higher Education and Research.’
The President noted in the address read by the Deputy Minister that ‘at a time when the broader Middle East region is being tested by serious geopolitical upheavals, such as the recent conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, the need for stable pillars of knowledge, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence becomes even more apparent.’
The Republic of Cyprus, he continued, ‘by leveraging its strategic location at the crossroads of three continents and its strong ties with both the European Union and the states of the region, has the potential to serve as a bridge of stability, dialogue, and scientific cooperation. In this context, our investment in higher education-and particularly in fields such as marine sciences, technology, and sustainable development takes on even greater significance, as it is directly linked to issues of energy security, the protection of marine resources, and environmental management.’
He also noted that ‘in a country surrounded by the sea, whose history, economy, and culture are inextricably linked to it, the emphasis on maritime knowledge is not merely a developmental choice, but a strategic necessity with multiplier benefits, which strengthens Cyprus’s geopolitical role as a reliable partner and regional hub of stability and innovation.’
He further said that ‘the establishment of the School in Larnaca is the result of coordinated efforts by the Government, the House of Representatives, the Municipality of Larnaca, and the Cyprus University of Technology. The passage of the relevant amending legislation and the University’s Regulations for the creation of the School confirms our shared commitment to investing substantially in knowledge, research, innovation, and sustainable development.’
Regarding CUT, he noted that ‘it has consistently demonstrated its dynamism and outward-looking nature, offering quality education and actively contributing to the production and dissemination of knowledge,’ and that “the expansion of its activities in Larnaca reinforces its role as a modern and innovative academic institution and creates new opportunities for collaboration with international research centers and organizations.”
At the same time, ‘Larnaca is entering a new phase of development. The establishment of the School as the first public higher education institution in the city of Zeno is expected to serve as a catalyst for the city’s economic, social, and cultural revitalization, attracting students, researchers, and investments,’ he said, adding that ‘this will strengthen the local economy, create new jobs, and improve the quality of life for citizens.’
The Republic of Cyprus, he emphasized, ‘recognizing the strategic importance of the project, has pledged its full support, securing the necessary funding for the construction of the School. This investment is tangible proof of the priority we place on Higher Education, Research, and Innovation as key pillars for sustainable development and the enhancement of our country’s competitiveness.’
In his remarks, CUT Rector, Panayiotis Zafeiris, stated that ‘today marks a particularly important milestone in this journey. Our recent agreement with the government, approved late last year, provides for the establishment of a new School with two academic Departments in Larnaca: The School of Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development, which will include the Department of Marine Sciences and Technology and the Department of Sustainable Development,’ he said.
He added that ‘these fields are not merely timely, but constitute strategic pillars for CUT and the future of Cyprus. Marine sciences and sustainable development are directly linked to our country’s competitiveness, environmental protection, and the creation of a resilient and innovative production model.’
The establishment of the School in Larnaca, he continued, ‘aims to contribute substantially to the scientific advancement of these fields, to strengthen research and innovation, and to align education with the needs of the labor market.’
As he said, ‘once fully developed, all the programmes of the new School of Marine Sciences, Technology, and Sustainable Development are expected to create a dynamic student population at CUT in Larnaca of approximately 500 students, with the city of Zeno now becoming a dynamic part of the map of development, mobility, and prospects.’
Furthermore, the President of the CUT Council, Andreas Karakatsanis, said in his remarks that ‘today’s signing of the agreement is tangible proof of our shared commitment to creating a knowledge hub that will highlight the sea as a pillar of innovation, development, and sustainability.’
He added that ‘Larnaca, a city inextricably linked to water, the sea, and the salt flats, is the ideal location to host this ambitious School. Through this strategic partnership, CUT is not merely acquiring new infrastructure; it is launching a vision that aims to make Cyprus an international center of excellence in marine sciences, smart shipping, cutting-edge technology, and the sustainable development of coastal and other regions,’ he said.
The new School, he continued, ‘will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research and education, combining academic excellence with the contemporary needs of society and the economy. ‘Our goal is to attract leading scientists, create pioneering study programs, and act as a catalyst for new investments, innovative businesses, and highly specialized jobs in the local community,’ he noted.
In his remarks, Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras described today as ‘a significant day and a historic moment that marks the culmination of years of efforts, advocacy, and perseverance, and proves that when there is vision, cooperation, and faith, even the most ambitious goals can become a reality.’
He added that today’s signing ‘is a decisive step for the city’s future. This is the first public university school in Larnaca, a strategic investment in knowledge, innovation, and-above all-our young people.’
Larnaca, the Mayor continued, ‘is changing with a plan and a clear vision, evolving into a modern student city and a dynamic center for education, research, and development. ‘The new School will become a pillar of excellence and innovation, leaving an immediate mark on the economy, society, and sustainable development of the region,’ he said, noting that ‘it will leverage Cyprus’s geographical location and strengthen our country as a regional and international center of maritime knowledge and expertise.’