The Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA) is expected to submit its development proposal for Larnaca port and marina by the end of April, with land area development included — the element whose absence from earlier government plans had drawn fierce opposition from Larnaca stakeholders.
An authoritative source told Phileleftheros that CPA technicians are preparing the proposal in coordination with the Ministry of Transport, and that it will cover developments in the port, the marina, and the surrounding land areas.
The proposal will be based on one the CPA submitted in November 2024 through the e-Consultation platform during an informal public consultation with potential investors — a proposal the government set aside at the time.
That earlier plan envisaged works exceeding €86 million across three phases: €9.4 million for upgrades to the road network, lighting, and storage facilities; €40 million for a new quay on the western side; and €37 million for an extension of the southern quay and construction of a new passenger terminal.
The CPA had said it was ready to carry out the works within three to four years, using a combination of its own funds and EU financing.
On the marina and its adjacent land, the CPA had previously indicated openness to a public-private partnership, saying — if the Ministry of Transport wished — it could work with the private sector on areas neighbouring the marina “so as to make the best use of the experience both parties have, in achieving the optimum result while listening to the wishes of the local community.” It gave as examples social amenity points for citizens, tourist service facilities, office space, a small hotel, and a restaurant.
The backdrop to the new proposal is the government’s own plan, presented by Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades on 20 February to the Larnaca Development Committee, based on a study by the Greek Growthfund.
That plan envisaged the CPA managing both facilities and carrying out what was described as mild development: improvement works on the northern quay — including lengthening, deepening, and reorganisation of the land area — and a new basin at the marina to increase its capacity by 200 vessels.
The proposals drew strong criticism because they made no provision for land area development. Vafeades subsequently told Phileleftheros that land development was not excluded.
The Larnaca mayor said the municipality was waiting to see the full details of the CPA proposal. “We are waiting to see what the Ports Authority’s proposal will include — what developments there will be at the port, the marina, and the land areas, the costing, the financing arrangements, and the timelines,” he said, adding that the Larnaca Development Committee would convene to take decisions once the proposal was submitted.
The mayor also confirmed that preparations for an architectural competition to establish a Nautical Club at the marina — a government commitment — were proceeding normally.
“We are moving the process forward and if it is decided that the Ports Authority has a broader plan for the marina, it can be incorporated into that framework,” he said. The municipality expects to be ready to launch the competition within two to three months.