In 2022, the Cypriot established Blue Economy sectors employ about 56 000 people and generate around €1.8 billion in GVA. The Blue Economy has an extremely positive impact on the Cypriot workforce, employing roughly 12% of the national workforce. This share has increased on a year-to-year basis (8.8% in 2021). Cyprus has recorded an increase in contribution of Blue Economy sectors to the overall GVA, moving from 4.4.0% in 2021 to 6.8% in 2022.
The Cypriot Blue Economy is dominated by Coastal tourism, which contributes to 87% of Cypriot blue jobs and 80% to GVA, in 2022. The tourism sector has recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, with employment slightly below the values recorded in 2019 (59 000) and GVA above it (€1.6 billion).
The sectors that employ the second and third biggest shares of blue workers are Marine living resources (6%) and Shipbuilding and repair (3%). In terms of GVA, Shipbuilding and repair (6%), and Port activities (5%) contribute to an overall 11% of the entire national Blue Economy.
Overall, Cyprus ranked 11th and 12th in EU for contribution to persons employed and GVA in the sector Coastal tourism.
In 2023, the busiest ports in Cyprus are: Port of Zygi (155th busiest port in EU in terms of gross weight of goods handled) and Port of Lemesos (198th). In terms of passengers embarked and disembarked in ports, Lemesos is the first ranked Cypriot port, however it only ranked 452nd in in EU.
In 2021, Cyprus established a Policy Statement on Maritime Spatial Planning under the coordination of the Shipping Deputy Ministry, setting its vision, priorities, goals and strategic guidelines for the sustainable growth of its Blue Economy. In 2023, Cyprus established its first Maritime Spatial Plan, aiming to facilitate the sustainable exploitation and growth of its marine waters, focusing on the Blue Economy sectors of fisheries, aquaculture, energy (including offshore renewable energy), maritime and coastal tourism, shipping and ports, as well as promoting cultural heritage and the scientific research and knowledge.
The Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute (CMMI) seeks to drive sustainable blue growth by addressing the needs of industry and society. In 2022, the CMMI published a report on the emerging challenges and prospects of the Blue Economy, highlighting the role of green transport, renewable energy source, and the production of healthy food. The report also calls for the collection of relevant (Blue Economy) data at national level, research and investments in infrastructures.
Currently, there are some opportunities to acquire education and skills within the country. For example, the Cyprus Institute of Marketing offers a BSc in Shipping Management and a BSc in Tourism and Hospitality Management, the Frederick University offers an LLM in Maritime Law and Shipping Business and an MSc in Marine Engineering and Management, and the Cyprus Institute of Marketing offers a BSc in Shipping Management and an MSc in Shipping.
Marine Strategy Framework Directive: Economic and Social Analysis (ESA)
As part of the MSFD reporting obligations, Member States must provide an Economic and Social Analysis of the blue economy. This analysis is integrated into the broader reporting package under Articles 8, 9, and 10, which includes:
- The status of marine waters;
- The determination of GES;
- Environmental targets to achieve GES.
The Economic and Social Analysis (ESA) report for the 2024–2029 cycle is presented below in PDF format. This document is available in English translation, with the original language included where applicable.
The full reports submitted under Articles 8, 9, and 10 are available here: MSFD Reporting Portal.
For more information on the implementation of the MSFD, visit the European Commission’s MSFD page.
This interactive dashboard presents the evolution of the blue economy for Cyprus. It is designed to provide insights into key economic indicators over time.
At the top of the dashboard, there is a drop-down menu that allows users to select one of the following data categories:
- Employment: Number of jobs and workforce trends in the blue economy sectors.
- Gross Value Added (GVA): The contribution of the blue economy to the national economy.
- Turnover and Gross Profit: Revenue and profitability metrics of blue economy industries.
- Investment: Capital investment levels in blue economy sectors.
Once a category is selected, the main panel updates to display relevant visualisations, such as line charts or bar graphs, showing trends over time. These visualisations are accompanied by labels, legends, and tooltips to ensure clarity and accessibility.
The dashboard is navigable via keyboard and compatible with screen readers. All interactive elements are clearly labeled, and data visualisations include alternative text descriptions summarising key insights.