Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) is one of the cross-cutting tools of the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) and contributes to the sustainable development of marine zones and coastal areas.
The National Maritime Spatial Plan was approved by the Council of Ministers on 20.12.2023 and entered into force on 29.12.2023 by Notification of the “Deputy Minister of Shipping to the President” in the Official Gazette of the Republic (R.A.A. 427/2023). The Maritime Spatial Plan has been posted on the Greek version of the website of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, at www.shipping.gov.cy under the link Maritime Spatial Planning.
It is noted that, based on article 22 of the Maritime Spatial Planning and other Related Matters Laws of 2017 and 2021 (Law 144(I)/2017 as amended by Law 34(I)/2021), the exercise/licensing of a use or activity in the maritime waters of the Republic, requires the prior obtainment of a relevant Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Compatibility with the Maritime Spatial Plan, issued by the Maritime Spatial Planning Committee, in addition to the provisions of other legislations that regulate licensing at sea. It is clarified that this provision applies to uses or activities carried out (or to projects carried out) by both private entities and government agencies.
In order to obtain a Certificate of Compliance or a Certificate of Compatibility, the interested state or private entity should submit a relevant application to the Maritime Spatial Planning Committee, through the Deputy Ministry of Shipping. The application form is available on the website of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping.
Also, according to article 23 of the above Law, before the licensing of any use or activity in the marine waters of the Republic in accordance with other applicable legislation, it should be checked and established that a relevant Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Compatibility, in accordance with the Maritime Spatial Plan, has been previously issued.
When the exercise of a certain use or activity is not regulated by any licensing under the current legislation in force in the Republic, the relevant licensing of the said use or activity shall be granted by the Council of Ministers, following a proposal prepared by the Maritime Spatial Planning Committee, and submitted to the Council of Ministers through the Shipping Deputy Minister.
For more information, please visit the MSP’s website and contact:
Deputy Ministry of Shipping Integrated Maritime Policy and Spatial Planning Unit |