Kition: Government’s failures disrupt Larnaca port

Kition Ocean Holdings has launched a scathing critique of the government’s handling of the transition of operations at Larnaca Port and Marina. In a recent letter, the company claimed the "government’s complete inadequacy in managing the situation is the cause of every problem."

The conflict escalated on May 27, 2024, when the government issued what it termed a termination notice of the concession agreement concerning Larnaca Port and Marina, which Kition Ocean Holdings disputes. The company was ordered to vacate the premises immediately, without a transition period to ensure a smooth handover of operations and assets.

"The government chose not to implement a transition period, arriving with police but no real plan or direction on how to proceed without negatively impacting the port and marina," Kition Ocean Holdings stated. The company argued this decision contradicted the concession agreement’s provision for a notice period to allow for an orderly transfer of assets.

The lack of planning has disrupted port and marina operations, affecting staff, work processes, and asset transfers. Despite these challenges, Kition Ocean Holdings claims it has shown significant restraint and continues to strive for a swift transition.

The company also accused the government of bad faith and shifting blame for operational issues. According to Kition Ocean Holdings, the government has misled the media and public, suggesting the company was unwilling to cooperate, which the company denies.

After the termination, two meetings were held to discuss the handover. Kition Ocean Holdings requested the appointment of an IT specialist to assist with software transfer, but the government failed to understand the technical requirements, the company said. Eventually, Kition Ocean Holdings designed a step-by-step process to facilitate the transition.

The company also asked the government to specify which machinery needed immediate transfer and ownership documentation. This process faced delays until July 17, 2024, when the government began to address these issues.

Regarding weighing bridges, the company’s June 20, 2024, letter inquiring about calibration certificates went unanswered until the July 17 meeting, where the government agreed not to use Kition’s certificate and the transfer was completed.

Claims that Kition Ocean Holdings locked the machinery and withheld it from the government are false, the company asserted. It stated that all keys were with employees and that the machinery was accessible since May 27, 2024.

Kition Ocean Holdings maintains that the government’s actions and statements are damaging its reputation and reserves all legal rights. The company continues to make every effort to ensure a smooth transfer of assets, but stresses the need for timely and appropriate government cooperation.