Newsroom / CNA
The long-awaited upgrade of the Larnaka marina and port is being handed over to the Cyprus Ports Authority, the government announced on Friday, marking a major shift in how one of the island’s most important coastal redevelopment projects will move forward.
Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said the decision was taken during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Palace attended by President Nikos Christodoulides, local authorities, the Larnaka district leadership, the mayor, and representatives of the local chamber of commerce.
Under the new plan, the Ports Authority will take over the full project, including the port, the marina, and surrounding land areas, and will be required to present a detailed roadmap by June 30.
Speaking after the meeting, Vafeades said the goal is to modernize the port into a mixed-use facility that supports both tourism and limited commercial cargo, in line with long-standing requests from the city. He added that immediate priority will be given to upgrading equipment used for handling nuisance cargo in order to reduce environmental and health impacts on residents.
The marina itself is set for a major expansion, with plans to accommodate around 200 vessels. The surrounding land area, approximately 50,000 square meters, will be developed for urban use, reflecting what officials described as the city’s long-standing vision for the area.
A key part of the project also includes the long-discussed unification of Larnaka’s entire seafront, creating a continuous coastal front designed to improve public access and reshape the city’s waterfront.
Officials said the redevelopment will be carried out in coordination between the Ports Authority and local stakeholders, with a monitoring committee established to oversee progress.
According to the government, funding and resources have already been agreed upon in principle, while a detailed timeline and cost estimate are expected to be presented by the end of June.
“This project will contribute significantly to the upgrade and development of Larnaka and the wider region, while also creating a substantial number of new jobs,” Vafeades said.
Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras welcomed the decision, saying it confirms long-standing demands for both urban development zones and the unification of the coastline. He stressed, however, that the real test now is delivery.
“Citizens need to start seeing projects, not just promises,” he said, noting that the plan has been discussed for decades.
