Ministers decide cruise focus for Larnaca port

By Andrea Sophocleous

DEVELOPMENT of Larnaca port will focus on servicing cruise ships and expanding the marina as well as catering to minor cargo traffic such as potatoes and wheat.

The Council of Ministers reached a decision on the future of Larnaca port yesterday, adopting the suggestions of a study by the Development Bank. Apart from expanding the marina and passenger services, the government proposes to develop the areas surrounding the port and connect the expanded port area with the rest of the city, creating a larger coastal zone.

The developments will be completed in three phases. The first phase, expected to last 15 months and run to a cost of £20.7 million, will concentrate on the construction of two berths for Ro Ro ships in the southwestern section of the port, construction of a new wharf and passenger terminal, and the removal of cranes and cargo warehouses.

The next phases involve the expansion of the northern jetty, the construction of new jetties for the anchoring of cruise ships and buildings relating to passenger traffic.

Regarding development of the surrounding areas, the Council of Ministers decided on the expansion of the Finikoudes zone as far as the port; the promotion of building complexes, and the creation of public squares, car parks and public buildings.

Ministers concluded in accordance with the Development Bank study that there is an increased demand for cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean and that Cyprus should be creating the appropriate structures to benefit from it.

The study also stated that the project was economically viable and could attract funding from various sectors.

The Cabinet appointed a committee made up of the Ministers of Finance, Communication and Works, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, and Labour and Social Insurance to compile a report on how the works should proceed.

Larnaca port workers held a protest outside the Presidential Palace on Wednesday calling on the government not to go ahead with the expected decision to turn Larnaca port into a passenger terminal — a decision they fear will put them out of work.

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