The Cyprus Ports Authority (ALK) has presented a 20-year roadmap containing €415 million (±50%) in projects to develop Larnaca’s long-delayed port and marina, officials said.
The proposal, unveiled to the Larnaca Development Committee, aims to revive the two critical state infrastructures that have remained stagnant for two decades following three failed privatization attempts with private investors. Under the new plan, public ownership of the infrastructure will be maintained by ALK, while private capital will be drawn through partnership models.
The sweeping plan includes developing 85,000 square metres of onshore land and merging the Phinikoudes seafront with the former refinery area into a unified coastal zone featuring public spaces, footpaths, cycle lanes, squares, and recreational areas.
Implementation hinges on approval from all stakeholders and the completion of a feasibility study. If accepted, ALK will launch an architectural competition and draft a Concept Master Plan. Officials noted that the budget figures are indicative and carry a 50% margin of uncertainty because they were calculated before the completion of the master plan.
The development is split into three main sub-projects spanning from 2027 to 2045:
Onshore Land Development (€190 million)
Targeting 35,000 square metres within the marina and 50,000 square metres of adjacent land stretching north towards the port, these projects will be completed within a decade. Initial phases will focus on landscaping, a temporary connection to Europe Square, and moving existing shipyards to other locations to prevent noise pollution. Main infrastructure like roads and multi-storey parking lots will follow, with commercial plots leased to third parties.
The land-use schedule includes:
- Landscaping existing areas (2027-2028): ALK – €2 million
- Relocating shipyards (2027-2028): ALK – €3 million
- Road network infrastructure (2028-2029): ALK – €15 million
- Public squares & green spaces (2029-2031): ALK – €3 million
- New parking facilities (2029-2031): ALK and/or third parties – €10 million
- Retail commercial spaces (2029-2031): Third parties – €7 million
- Exhibition spaces / Naval Club (2029-2031): Municipal authorities – €15 million
- Restaurants & entertainment venues (2029-2031): ALK and/or third parties – €15 million
- Sports facilities (2028-2029): Municipal authorities – €5 million
- Centres of Excellence / CMMI (2029-2031): Municipal authorities – €5 million
- Office buildings (2029-2031): ALK and/or third parties – €50 million
- Hotel and Conference Centre (2031-2036): Third parties – €50 million
- Cultural & environmental projects (2031-2036): ALK and/or municipal authorities – €10 million
Marina Expansion (€20 million)
Following a market sounding exercise, port and supporting land infrastructure will be expanded over a 10-year horizon to add 150 to 200 new berthing slots.
- Maintaining existing infrastructure (2027-2028): ALK – €3 million
- New services building (2029-2031): ALK and/or third parties – €2 million
- Leeward breakwater extension (2031-2036): ALK and/or third parties – €7 million
- New southern quay wall (2031-2036): ALK and/or third parties – €5 million
- New floating piers (2031-2036): ALK and/or third parties – €3 million
Port Modernisation (€205 million)
This 20-year project focuses on upgrading commercial and passenger operations. Initial steps will replace port equipment to improve environmental standards and service levels. Phased maintenance will ensure port activities are not disrupted. Demolishing existing warehouses will clear space for a new Passenger Terminal that connects pedestrians directly to the marina and the town.
The long-term infrastructure schedule includes:
- Infrastructure maintenance & equipment upgrades (2027-2028): ALK – €11 million
- Network upgrades & building maintenance (2028-2029): ALK – €4 million
- Warehouse demolitions (2029-2031): ALK – €1 million
- New Administration & Passenger buildings (2031-2036): ALK – €15 million
- Building demolitions (2031-2036): ALK – €2 million
- New south-western quay wall (2036-2041): ALK – €50 million
- New north-western quay wall (2036-2041): ALK and/or third parties – €25 million
- New leeward breakwater & new basin (2036-2041): ALK and/or third parties – €35 million
- Extension of southern quay & breakwater (2041-2045): ALK – €50 million