Larnaca marina management requires open tender, MPs told

Larnaca, Cyprus. MPs and Larnaca interest groups were surprised on Thursday to learn that the marina’s management cannot legally be handed directly to the Ports Authority (CPA), complicating redevelopment plans. An official from the attorney-general’s office told parliament that an open tender was the only available route because the marina belongs to the state.

Different ownership arrangements

The parliamentary discussion challenged the previous understanding that the CPA was responsible for managing both Larnaca’s port and marina for redevelopment purposes.

According to the official from the attorney-general’s office, the CPA could submit a bid in the tender for the marina’s management. The port, however, belongs to the authority, allowing it to retain management there.

A CPA representative said the redevelopment road map covered both facilities, but completion of either component was not conditional on completion of the other. His comments indicated that the proposed port works could proceed in the meantime.

Government commitment and calls for clarity

Transport Minister Evi Tsolaki acknowledged the legal complications while assuring those attending that the government intended to move forward with the overall project.

She recalled that the government had ended its €1.2 billion concession agreement covering the port and marina with Kition Ocean Holdings in 2024 because the consortium had failed to renew a required financial guarantee letter.

Angelos Hadjicharalambous, who heads the Larnaca district local government organisation (EOA), urged clarification of the project’s legal status.

He said the government had conveyed an impression of commitment to the project at an earlier meeting attended by President Nikos Christodoulides and the former transport minister.