A Grant Agreement was signed on 31st January 2024 by the European Funds Unit of the Ministry of Interior, as the Managing Authority of the Home Affairs Funds, and the Cyprus Police, as the Beneficiary, for the financing of the project titled “Purchase of Class C' Vessels for border surveillance”.

The project is pertinent to the purchase of ten (10) Class C' Vessels (type RIB - RIGID INFLATABLE BOATS) for the needs of the Port and Marine Police, with the aim to strengthen its operational capabilities for the surveillance and protection of the coastline, the ports and the territorial waters of the Republic. In addition, the training of 20 members and 10 technicians serving at the Port and Marine Police in the use, maintenance and operation of the boats and the operation of all the instruments, machinery and devices of navigation and telecommunications.

The vessels will be used in all marine bases in the non-occupied area of Cyprus (Protaras, Agia Napa, Kato Paphos, Latsi, Larnaca and Limassol), mainly for border surveillance, as well as search and rescue cases during which it is required to respond in a prompt and timely manner. The vessels will strengthen and upgrade the National Coordination Centre for the purposes of complying with the Eurosure European System for border surveillance, prevention of cross-border crime and combating of illegal immigration, as part of the priorities of the Republic of Cyprus.

The receipt and use of the patrol vessels will be an important upgrade of the fleet of the Port and Marine Police, which will strengthen its operational capabilities and contribute to the effective control of the maritime borders of the Republic of Cyprus. Specifically, it will improve the timely detection, identification and intervention at the maritime borders and will enhance the operational capability of the Port and Marine Police, so that it can successfully carry out its duties and operations and patrols faster and with a lower fuel consumption.

The project is implemented within the framework of the Border Management and Visa Instrument, and it is jointly financed by the European Union and the Republic of Cyprus, with a total budget of €5,640,311.87.
Project implementation period: 01/10/2021 - 31/03/2025.