Cyprus' deputy ministry of shipping announced on Monday, April 18, it had completed the evaluation of tenders for a ferry link between Greece and Cyprus.
The winning company behind the successful bid has been chosen but not yet unveiled. However, it was asked to provide the supporting documents for the signature of the contract, which is expected in the next few days.
A press conference where the bid will be announced is due to take place next week. During it, routes will also be revealed as well as details concerning the ferry fleet.
The maritime connection between Greece and Cyprus has been inactive since 2000.
After the failure to attract any bids via the first competition that closed on January 29, last year, the government of Cyprus raised the subsidy to EUR 5.5 million and cut the number of return trips to a total of 22 instead of 31.
The competition also included a provision that the 3-year contract can be extended for 3 more years.
The major stumbling block in the previous tender related to the fact that the Cyprus contract concerned the year-round service, whereas carriers prefer a seasonal service, so as to use their vessels on other routes during the winter months.