Tensions rise over Larnaca port and marina development plans

The project to develop the Larnaca port and marina remains stalled following the termination of the contract with Kition Ocean Holdings in May 2024. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades recently blocked the Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA) from presenting development proposals to local stakeholders. The minister stated that political decisions must first be based on an upcoming study by the Greek Growthfund and Dutch experts, expected by late April. Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras expressed frustration over the lack of coordination, noting that local officials had received prior assurances from the CPA that a proposal for land use was being prepared. In response to these developments, Mayor Vyras has scheduled an emergency meeting of the local development committee for April 17. The government insists that the Ministry of Transport holds sole authority over the project's direction to ensure operational efficiency. Meanwhile, the CPA had previously discussed a development plan exceeding 86 million euros involving three phases of port upgrades, though this has now been sidelined pending the ministry's final guidance.