Huge €1.2 bln Larnaca port, marina project on track
Cyprus’ largest investment project, the EUR 1.2 bln redevelopment of Larnaca port and marina, is on track as the final touches are added to the blueprints before the consortium takes over next April.
Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos was in Larnaca port on Thursday to be presented with the Master Plan for the port and marina by the Cypriot-Israeli consortium awarded the project.
Karousos said Larnaca and the country would benefit from the investment, as thousands of jobs will be created, and billions will flow into state coffers.
The Master Plan will be presented to various departments before the port, and the marina is handed over officially to the consortium on 1 April 2022.
Karousos said government departments are already working full speed to issue permits needed.
The consortium awarded the project is Kition Ocean Holdings, a Cypriot-Israeli consortium composing of investors Eldeman Holding BV and Alexandrou Corporate Services Ltd.
The minister said the project, essentially privatizing the Larnaca port and marina, is a “milestone”, which will bring about a significant upgrade to the area but pressure Limassol port to up its game.
“Healthy competition between the two ports in Larnaca and Limassol will lead to better prices, charges and tariffs for users but also to competition between the companies who will be looking to upgrade services related to the operation of the ports and the marina”.
Karousos said the port’s environmental footprint would be next to zero, as production of pollutant emissions will be minimal.
Local jobs
Panos Alexandrou, CEO of Kition Ocean Holdings, expressed satisfaction with “the perfect and flawless cooperation that we have so far, both with the government, the President and ministries who have given direct instructions to services”.
“Several estimates have been made; it is a project that will take about 12-13 years to build.
“It is estimated that the project will generate for the Republic revenues of around EUR 12 bln in the long run.
“There will be about 4,000 new jobs created, calculating those directly tied to our company and those created by companies such as restaurants that will open outlets at the commercial part of the project”.
Alexandrou said priority would be given to locals from Larnaca and Cypriots in general
Asked when the project will be taking off, Alexandrou said that “the project will start to take shape in mid-2022, when the bulldozers are entering the marina, carrying out the necessary demolition works”.
The work will be carried out in four phases over 15 years. The BOT project will see the government receiving fixed rent, and a percentage of the revenue through a concession agreement with the port/marina operated on a 40-year lease and the real estate is acquired on a 125-year lease.
After 40 years, the port and marina can be handed back to the government, deciding on their management.
Also, the works include the expansion and reconstruction of the existing marina to accommodate 650 boats from 5 to 150 metres long and offer facilities such as boat repair and services.
The upgraded marina will also accommodate mega yachts up to 150m.
Works include constructing the Marina Yacht Club with offices, cafes, event venues, sailing and diving schools.
An upgraded Larnaca port will accommodate ships up to 450 metres in length, such as luxury cruise ships, energy exploration vessels, military, and other merchant ships.
During the first phase, an ultra-modern passenger terminal will be constructed to serve large cruise ships, which can now include Larnaca.
Completion of the project follows three phases of construction, including luxury villas, imposing residential buildings with 360-degree unobstructed views, office buildings, a shopping area with restaurants and a traditional market.
The second phase includes approximately 20,000 sqm of University Lecture and Research Theatres.
A medical school will co-exist next to a medical centre, a hotel and hospitality college and a blue marine, environmental and energy university.