The Larnaca port and marina development is gaining momentum as the government prepares to issue tenders for expert involvement, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades announced following a two-hour meeting on Monday.
During the meeting, an ad hoc committee convened with Vafeades, where he confirmed that the tender documents are expected to be ready by mid-September. The minister emphasized that the process will move swiftly, with ongoing updates provided to all relevant local authorities.
On July 31, three short-term initiatives were outlined, including a study for the nautical club, the construction of a walkway connecting Finikoudes to the marina, and the upgrading and maintenance of the marina itself. Vafeades stated that experts from the public works department will begin drafting tender documents for the marina upgrades, while an architectural competition will be launched for the design of the nautical club.
Vafeades stressed the importance of an architectural competition, citing his desire for an iconic building that will stand out in both Larnaca and Cyprus. He has already met with the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (Etek) to discuss this.
Addressing a potential conflict with the nautical club regarding the entry and exit points for boats within the marina, Vafeades noted that he plans to meet with the public works department to explore the possibility of relocating these points to avoid delays.
By September, Vafeades intends to meet with the ad hoc committee to review the project timelines. When asked about the port authority’s proposal to participate in the project, the minister explained that Larnaca port’s development is part of a broader strategic state plan for port infrastructure. He indicated that decisions regarding Larnaca’s port would depend on how developments at the Vasiliko port fit into this larger plan.
The minister hinted at the potential scale of the investment, ranging from €500,000 to €1 billion, depending on the project’s scope, funding sources, and the best-suited project carrier. He highlighted Larnaca’s dual commercial and tourist roles, noting the need for expert analysis on how the port compares to others in the Eastern Mediterranean and the impact of geopolitical changes.
Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras acknowledged the challenges following the terminated agreement with Kition Ocean Holdings but expressed confidence in the strict timelines and oversight now in place to ensure proper implementation of the projects. Despite the setback with Kition, Vafeades confirmed that there are no indications of any obstacles to the current plans.
Both Vafeades and Vyras noted significant investment interest from both local and international parties. The minister highlighted the importance of engaging with investors, stating that their insights would contribute to a more informed decision-making process.
Since the government’s decision in May to terminate the agreement with Kition Ocean Holdings, which had left the €1.2 billion project in uncertainty, Vafeades has emphasized the necessity of this course of action due to Kition’s repeated failure to provide the required financial guarantee.
Source: Andria Kades, Cyprus Mail