Filenews 26 April 2023 - by Natasha Christoforou
Before the knock-on effects on the economy began to be recorded, the mobilizations of professional boat owners in the port of Larnaka, which remained blocked for 36 hours, ended. The ferry operators, who were complaining about the increases in mooring fees and the loss of revenue from the closure of the listed dock, received assurances from Kition Ocean Holdings that they would be granted facilities in order not to further affect their turnover. That is why they decided on Tuesday afternoon to remove their boats from the entrance of the port.
The president of the Cyprus Ferry Operators' Association, Markos Alexandrou, said that they decided to end their mobilizations after the Minister of Transport asked them to give time to implement Kition's commitments and the mayor of Larnaka to grant advertising kiosks in Finikoudes. "If there is no implementation of the promises, we will review the situation and take our decisions in the next ten days," Alexandrou noted, adding that "the work on the dock and the construction site does not exist in practice," but only on paper.
The managing company sent its commitments in writing to the professionals, stating that it has already opened a corridor in which markings have been placed, in order for passengers to have access to ships that conduct daily cruises. It also notes that it is willing to provide free space for the creation of kiosks at the entrance of the marina and free advertising space to promote their services. It pledges to freeze increases in docking fees of 20-25% for at least three months and to reconsider its decision if owners continue to lose income.
The contractor in its letter also clarifies that the listed dock cannot be opened for safety reasons and that when the major works for the creation of an arm in the marina begin, the owners will be transferred to another site.
On his part, the mayor of Larnaka noted that he expects the ferry operators to arrange a meeting to discuss his proposal.
The front with professionals may have been closed for the time being, but this is still open with yacht owners, who in May, as "F" is informed, are also planning mobilizations at the marina and the port of Larnaka for the increases in mooring fees.
In an announcement, the Cyprus Moored Boat Owners Association had expressed its support for professional coastal operators before the end of the protests and even called on its members to actively support the protests.
The announcement speaks of arrogant behavior on the part of the investor. "Phrases like 'for us it's better for you all to leave', 'we had to close the marina for you', and 'find a field to put your boats in', are the ones we hear from Kition managers, who otherwise want us as their customers," they note.
