Cabinet decides on private management for Larnaca Port and Marina

Minister of Transport, Communications, and Works, Alexis Vafeades, has announced steps towards the redevelopment of the Larnaca Port and Marina.

Announced following the Cabinet meeting on 28 November, the measures aim to modernise the area while laying the groundwork for future investments.

As Vafeades announced the management, operation, and maintenance of the Larnaca marina and port will be temporarily transferred to private operators for a period of five years or until long-term redevelopment plans are finalized. These operators will not be required to initiate development projects during this interim period.

He also said that personnel currently employed by the state Larnaca District Development Agency (ANETEL) will transition to the private managers as part of the agreement.

Until private operators are secured, the Transport Ministry and Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA) will oversee the maintenance and operation of the marina and port, respectively. Both entities are authorised to implement immediate maintenance works, with a transitional deadline set for December 31, 2025, or earlier if private managers are appointed.

The Cabinet also repealed a 2019 decision regarding Vasilikos port and authorized the CPA to manage its expansion into a new industrial hub.

The Ministry is also moving forward with additional projects, including deepening the marina, launching an architectural competition for a new yacht club, and commissioning a study for the expansion of the port and marina facilities.

Minister Vafeades emphasised that the marina and port developments will proceed as separate projects. He noted that there’s no current indication of a single entity capable of managing both, but if such an applicant meets all criteria, they could oversee both facilities.

Regarding timelines, the Minister stressed the urgency of appointing private operators, though the exact duration will depend on the public procurement process. "Whether this takes three or six months will depend on the procedures followed by the Ministry," he said.

(Source: CNA)