Filenews 10 May 2022 - by Natasha Christoforou
New air in the port of Larnaka, where from Friday the first cruise ships will begin to arrive, with the prospects being particularly auspicious, since it was found that large new generation cruise ships can be accommodated without a problem. The Kition Ocean Holdings consortium, which has been in charge of the city's port and marina since April 1, is planning €1.2 billion in projects, has already closed deals for the arrival of cruise ships.
As the CEO of Kition Ocean Holdings Ltd, Panos Alexandrou, told "F", so far the consortium has closed an agreement for the arrival of 24 cruise ships by the end of the year. Most cruise ships will arrive from ports in Israel and Egypt and will carry 600-800 people at a time, while the one arriving on Friday will have about 1,000 passengers.
The positive thing is that the port can also accommodate large cruise ships, as was evident on Monday after the "Seabourn Sojourn" of Carnival Cruises, which can carry 3,500-4,000 passengers, entered on a trial basis. Carnival Corporation & plc, is an American-British giant company, with a fleet of more than 100 vessels and is in advanced consultations with the consortium, in order to start cooperation with each other, from next year. Kition Ocean Holdings' goal is that by 2023, 50 passenger ships will arrive annually at Larnaka port.
The first works began at the marina
The consortium, meanwhile, began to carry out small works at the Larnaca marina, pending the Environmental Impact Assessment Study by the competent Authority, which is expected by the end of May and will give the green light for the major projects.
At the moment, a space is being created for families with children, for the realization of events in the Larnaca marina, which will be ready, according to Mr. Alexandrou, by the end of June. In addition, he made a deal with a well-known restaurant in order to open in the area. In early 2023, the first works at the port will begin.
It is noted that the works at the port and marina of Larnaka will be carried out over twelve years, in four phases. The first phase of the project will last about five years and will include the construction of public space infrastructure and arms in the marina area. In addition, a road will be created that will unify the coastal pedestrian street of Finikoudes with the roundabout of the port. During this time, building facilities will be constructed such as the Port Authority, the Nautical Club, the entrance building to the port, as well as a cruise passenger terminal, which will make the city a tourist hub.
