The Ministry of Transport will aim to resolve the last serious pending issue after the termination of the contract with Kition Ocean Holdings for the development of the Larnaca port and marina, with officials from the Ministry meeting company representatives today.
The goal is to initiate the process of transferring the assets of the two infrastructures to the state to restore normality.
The former contractor company is expected to claim compensation for both the equipment and the termination of the contract. However, they have not yet revealed their intentions.
Speaking to philenews, the Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeades, stated that Kition has not informed the state whether they will seek compensation for the assets in the port and marina.
He pointed out that, in their opinion, based on the agreement, the assets should be transferred to the state without any cost.
During today’s meeting, as mentioned by Minister Vafeades, the process of recording and transferring the equipment will be determined.
Priority will be given to acquiring the two large cranes and two weighing machines to restore normal operations at the Larnaca port.
“There are quite a few assets, and a detailed record must be made. We want to immediately address the issue of transferring the cranes and weighing equipment, and then deal with the rest, which are not as critical to the port’s operation,” said the minister, adding that the Port Authority continues to collaborate with private subcontractors to avoid significant disruptions.
In the coming days, the Minister of Transport will also submit to the President of the Republic the recorded proposals regarding the future of the project, with final announcements on the chosen scenario expected by the end of the month.
On the table are two proposals that include various scenarios. The first concerns the unified redevelopment of the port and marina through an investor, while the second, which has more scenarios, involves separating the project.
The second proposal includes the costed proposal of the ad hoc committee created by the Larnaca stakeholders, which seems to be gaining ground, although the final decision rests with President Christodoulides. “We had stated that we would collaborate with the Larnaca ad hoc committee and seriously consider their suggestions,” Vafeades pointed out when asked.
It is noteworthy that the Larnaca stakeholders wish to immediately implement some works in the marina, not exceeding €40 million.
These include the construction of a Yacht Club costing €12 million, the modernisation of berthing infrastructure estimated at €10 million, and landscaping of the area estimated at €2 million.
Regarding the port, the proposal of the Port Authority for management is favoured, with Larnaca stakeholders preferring the transfer of pollutant cargo to the Vasiliko port.
