Limassol Port Station (CAO-LIM)
Limassol Port Station (CAO-LIM)
Limassol (pop. 154,000) is a port city located on the south coast of Cyprus, the second biggest urban area of the island and hosts the island’s principal port. It is situated 40 km west of the largest industrial area and fossil fuel power plants. Limassol is the most polluted city in Cyprus, frequently exceeding the legislated standards for particulate matter.
The Cyprus Atmospheric Observatory Limassol port station (CAO-LIM) was launched in early 2025 as part of the Horizon EU Net4Cities project. Its strategic seaside position, located right on the Limassol port’s wave breaker (coordinates: 34.6445° N, 33.01633° E), enables continuous monitoring of air pollution emitted from ships and port operations. Ports are recognized as major contributors to local air pollution and public health risks, including elevated levels of NO2 and PM. CAO-LIM is expected to fill critical data gaps by quantifying shipping-related emissions directly at the source.
The CAO-LIM station comprises two stacked containers. The upper container houses sampling instruments for both particulate and gaseous pollutants, while the lower container serves as a storage facility.
In addition to the core CAO instrumentation listed below, the station currently hosts a Naneos LDSA outdoor monitor, an Airmodus butanol CPC, and an EarthSense Zephyr air quality monitor, installed as part of the Net4Cities project.
Data from the station are accessible here
Location & Access
CAO-LIM is located at the wave breaker of the Limassol “new” port. GPS Coordinates: 34.6445° N, 33.01633° E
Our facility is strategically located south of the main Port’s basin. This position allows us to capture emissions from maritime activities, as the prevailing winds are mostly northerly.
- Proximity to key measurement zones, including industrial and marine influences.
- Secure and accessible infrastructure, with 24/7 gated access for authorized personnel.
- Logistical support, including power and network connectivity.
Access to the facility requires an access card issued by the Port Authority.
Visitors and collaborators must coordinate in advance with the research team to arrange temporary access clearance.
For more information, please contact Michael Pikridas or Rima Baalbaki.

Hosted Instruments

Manufacturer: Aerodyne Inc
Model: Q-ACSM
Measures: Non refractory chemical composition of PM1

Manufacturer: Magee Scientific
Model: AE33
Measures: eq. Black carbon and aerosol absorption

Manufacturer: Teledyne-API
Model: T300
Measures: CO concentration

Manufacturer: Teledyne-API
Model: T100U
Measures: SO2 concentration

Manufacturer: Airmodus
Model: A20 butanol CPC
Measures: particle number concentration
Lung deposited

Manufacturer: Teledyne-API
Model: T200U_NOy
Measures: NO, NOy concentration

Manufacturer: Teledyne-API
Model: T400
Measures: O3 concentration

Manufacturer: PALAS
Model: FIDAS 200
Measures: PM concentration

Manufacturer: Cooper Scientific
Model: 625i
Measures: Metals in ambient air