As a result of surveys and studies conducted by the Ministry, they are in a position to say that the line will be reinstated next year, said Pilides in a response to a question sent by the House.

Pilides said in her answer that her Ministry will put forward a request for financing from the European Commission and to prepare the tender for operating the route, the press reported.

She said that the Shipping Ministry is working on speeding up processes, while in consultation with their Greek counterparts over the matter.

“The goal is to complete all prework procedures so that, upon approval of the EU Commission, we can make a call for tenders in January, so that reinstating the line will be possible in May,” said Pilides.

The frequency of the route will be once a week from May to September and during the slower winter months once every fortnight. The sea trip will last for 30 hours with prices expected to be cheaper than flying.

The most likely port to serve the route in Cyprus will be that of Limassol and Piraeus port in Greece.

Meanwhile, a commercial roll-on-roll-off ferry linking Israel, Greece and Cyprus is said to be a success by operators Salamis Shipping after six months in operation.

Source: Financial Mirror