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Limassol Port Station (CAO-LIM)

Overview

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 

  • View from station

  • Container top floor

  • Station container

  • Naneos LDSA monitor

    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.

    Location & Access section

    Hosted Instruments

    Press + to see more information about each instrument.
    Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM)

    Manufacturer: Aerodyne Inc

    Model: Q-ACSM 

    Measures: Non refractory chemical composition of PM1

    Aethalometer

    Manufacturer: Magee Scientific

    Model: AE33

    Measures: eq. Black carbon and aerosol absorption

    CO analyser

    Manufacturer: Teledyne-API

    Model: T300

    Measures: CO concentration

    CO analyser

    Manufacturer: Teledyne-API

    Model: T100U

    Measures: SO2 concentration

    Condensation Particle Counter (CPC)

    Manufacturer: Airmodus

    Model: A20 butanol CPC

    Measures: particle number concentration

    Lung deposited 

    NOy analyser

    Manufacturer: Teledyne-API

    Model: T200U_NOy

    Measures: NO, NOy concentration

    O3 analyser

    Manufacturer: Teledyne-API

    Model: T400

    Measures: O3 concentration

    PM monitor

    Manufacturer: PALAS

    Model: FIDAS 200

    Measures: PM concentration

    Xact Multi-Metal monitor

    Manufacturer: Cooper Scientific

    Model: 625i

    Measures: Metals in ambient air