vafeades port — vafeades port — Concerns were voiced in Larnaca on Friday after transport minister, Alexis Vafeades, presented development options for the city’s port and marina, prompting criticism from local authorities who say the plans fall short of the city’s expectations.
- The study focused exclusively on maritime infrastructure, with no reference to the commercial or urban use of adjoining land areas, raising alarms among city officials.
Larnaca development committee members were presented with a technical study prepared by the Hellenic Superfund, with input from Dutch experts, outlining three development options each for the port and the marina.
The study focused exclusively on maritime infrastructure, with no reference to the commercial or urban use of adjoining land areas, raising alarms among city officials.
Vafeades port: Local Leaders Demand Comprehensive Solutions
Larnaca mayor Andreas Vyras expressed serious concerns about the lack of land development in the proposals. “The people of Larnaca expect developments that will create jobs and support the local economy,” he insisted. “I will not accept a solution that excludes land development. This is what the city is asking for.”
Proposed Developments Lack Scope
According to the study, options for the port range from maintaining current operations with minor upgrades to more extensive expansions involving deeper waters and new quays to accommodate larger vessels. For the marina, proposals include maintaining its existing capacity of 340 berths, creating a new basin with floating docks to add around 200 berths, or a larger expansion of the northern basin that could eventually host up to 700 recreational vessels.
State Involvement Essential for Success
Vafeades stressed that any chosen option would require active state involvement and public funding. “We want development that we can control,” he affirmed. “Larnaca cannot afford another failure. The solution must meet market needs, be sustainable and minimise risk.”
He also reiterated that the proposal by Prosperity Group, linked to former contractor Kition Ocean Holdings, to revive an integrated port-marina project cannot be accepted for legal reasons. The government is guided by risk management after three failed contracts over the past two decades. “I don’t care who the applicant is. We care about which solution the country adopts,” he added.
Concerns Over Financial Viability
The Superfund has advised against a single unified development, arguing that the port and marina should each be financially viable on their own. Vafeades warned that without integration into a broader supply chain strategy, the port could struggle to serve even domestic demand within two years.
A financial component of the study is expected by mid-April. Separate development with state participation could allow for faster implementation, though alternative arrangements would still require legal clearance.
Engaging the Community
In light of the feedback from local authorities, Vyras announced that a new meeting of the development committee will be held soon. Political parties, organisations, and the wider public will be invited to submit written views, ensuring that community voices are heard in the decision-making process.
