A Lebanese shipping company has advertised a ferry link between Cyprus and Lebanon without having secured the necessary permits, raising serious questions and concern among Cypriot authorities.

The company has announced plans to launch routes from Lebanon to Larnaca from 9 June, while also referring to possible future extensions to Syria and Turkey. The main concerns for the authorities relate to whether the required licences have been obtained, whether the approval procedures are lawful and whether all passenger safety conditions have been met.

The issue emerged on Thursday through social media posts by Cedar Waves, a Lebanese shipping company and subsidiary of the Abou Merhi agency. The company promoted a sea connection between the port of Jounieh and Larnaca, claiming that the journey would take less than four hours. It also published timetables, departure times and ticket prices.

For now, however, the plan appears to remain at the level of public announcements. According to reports, the company has not submitted any formal proposal to the competent Cypriot authorities.

Without the necessary approvals and operating licences, vessels cannot dock at Cypriot ports or operate within Cyprus’ territorial waters.