PORT AND MARINA OF LARNACA - PROPOSAL OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY - IT PREFERS SEPARATION AND CALLS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF LAND AREAS AS WELL - Filenews 20/3 by Natasa Christoforou
The Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCI), which has 400 registered members, published its proposal for the developments in the port and marina of Larnaca on Friday afternoon. The PCCI states that, with the data available to it at the moment, it prefers the proposals of the Ministry of Transport for the two infrastructures to be taken over by the Cyprus Ports Authority, which were based on a study by the Growthfund of Greece and were presented before the Larnaca Development Committee on February 20.
However, it sets as a condition the development of land space, something that was not included in the proposals of the Ministry of Transport, which causes strong reactions in Larnaca. "The utilization and upgrading of the existing infrastructure of the port and marina is a project of strategic importance for the sustainable development of Larnaca, as well as for the strengthening of Cyprus' position in the field of shipping and maritime tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean region," the Chamber states, among other things.
The proposal of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry is quoted in full
The main objectives of the proposed development can be summarised as follows:
- The substantial upgrading of the existing port infrastructure
- The creation of a modern passenger and tourist terminal
- The development of commercial activities
- The creation of tourist and leisure activities at Larnaca Marina
- To enhance the tourist attractiveness of Larnaca and the wider area
- Attracting domestic and international investment
- The creation of new jobs
- The functional and urban interconnection of the port and marina area with the urban fabric of the city
The proposal for the port of Larnaca
Taking into account the findings of the relevant study by Growthfund, the Chamber considers that the second development option is the most appropriate approach based on the current and immediate future operational data of the port. The PCCI expresses its support for this option, provided that the possibility of future expansion of port infrastructure is ensured in the event of a significant increase in port activity.
In this context, it is proposed:
- the possibility of extending the northern quay at a future stage
- Increasing the turning circle radius to allow the safe entry of larger ships into the port.
At the same time, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry recommends the utilization of the western pier of the port through the creation of a quay, which will allow the service of additional merchant ships and will enhance the overall operational capacity of the port. This development is considered necessary due to the fact that, in this way, the unhindered continuation of port activities is ensured during the upgrading works on the two quays (north and south).
In addition, according to the data of the study, the depth of the port should be increased to reach 13 meters. Today, in some places the depth does not exceed 11.8 meters, while in other places it is limited to about 11 meters, which limits the ability to serve larger ships.
In order to ensure the smooth operation of the port, it is also necessary to substantially strengthen the storage infrastructure, with new and modern facilities, in order to serve the needs of the commercial department and the users of the port more effectively.
At the same time, in the area of the south pier, we propose the creation of a new passenger terminal. This station will function as the main reception portal for visitors, cruise passengers and crews of various vessels and will be located in direct functional connection with the marina.
The new terminal should include:
- Reception and passenger service areas
- Check-in and waiting areas
- Retail stores
- Dining and recreation areas
- Tourist services
- administrative areas
- auxiliary operating spaces.
The proposal for the Larnaca marina
The existing marina currently hosts yachts and provides basic mooring services. However, it is noted that the existing infrastructure needs to be significantly upgraded in order to serve a larger number of vessels and visitors, at European level and safely. At the same time, there is a limited utilization of coastal areas for tourist and commercial uses, which creates significant potential for further development.
Based on the Growthfund study, the Chamber proposes the adoption of the second growth option, provided that future expansion needs, if they arise, are taken into account. That is, we agree with the expansion of the northern quay and the increase of berthing capacity by about 200 berths. Please note that in the context of consultations with our members who use the marina, there is a suggestion that with the development of the Marina there should be a redistribution of the placement of the boats because this may lead to the increase of boat places.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry recommends that the Dry Docking area be created on the north side of the area, on the port side (on the side where the oil tanks were located), in order to ensure more efficient service of the boats, to lift larger boats and not to have visual and acoustic nuisance in the Marina area.
Alternatively, in the event that the lifting position remains as provided for in the Superfund study, it should be ensured that the facilities will be able to serve vessels up to 65 meters long, with a lifting mechanism capable of lifting vessels weighing up to 180 tons. In this case, substantial measures must be taken in matters of nuisance, which will certainly arise.
The proposal for the land area
We suggest that the development of the land area should be the product of an international architectural competition and be consistent with the overall development plan, both in the sea and in the land zone. In our opinion, the creation of an integrated seaside complex should include (without being absolute):
- conference center
- Nautical Club
- cultural and entertainment venues
- retail stores to serve visitors and boat owners
- Upgraded marina facilities
- Dining and recreation areas
- public promenades and green spaces
- maintenance and technical support services for vessels.
- outdoor gym
- Theme Park
The marina can develop into an important maritime tourism hub for Cyprus and the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Transportation and Parking Infrastructure
For the smooth operation of the area, it is necessary to develop adequate transportation and parking infrastructure, as well as to improve road connections. In this context, the following are proposed:
- the creation of pedestrian streets
- The development of bicycle lanes
- The interconnection of the area with the public transport network
- the designation of special parking areas for buses and taxis on land, with the aim of facilitating passenger access.
Economic Benefits
The implementation of the proposed development is expected to contribute substantially to the economic development of the area and to the strengthening of the competitiveness of Larnaca.
Expected economic benefits include:
- the creation of a significant number of new jobs
- the strengthening of business activity
- the increase in revenues from port services
- the increase in revenues from marina services
- the further development of the tourism sector
The development of the area is expected to attract an increased number of visitors, boosting the traffic of the coastal zone and, by extension, the activity of local catering, leisure and trade businesses
Environmental Sustainability
The development of the area should be implemented in accordance with the principles of sustainable development and environmental protection.
In this context, the following are proposed:
- the construction of energy-efficient buildings
- the utilization of renewable energy sources. Creation of shading parking spaces using photovoltaic systems.
- the implementation of modern waste management systems
- the protection of the marine ecosystem
- the creation of extensive green spaces.
Social Synergies
The implementation of the project is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local community and the economy of Larnaca.
In particular, it is expected to contribute to the strengthening of local economic activity, the creation of new employment opportunities, as well as the overall upgrading of the image and functionality of the city.
At the same time, the development of the area will contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the inhabitants and the strengthening of the tourist identity of Larnaca.
Conclusions
The Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Industry unanimously supports the port-marina separation and the development of a modern, commercial, multifunctional and flexible port. As an LCCI, we do not disagree with the concession of ownership of the Port and Larnaca Marina to the Cyprus Ports Authority. However, we consider it particularly important to cooperate with private managers both in Larnaca Marina and in the Port, ensuring efficient operation in the long term, attracting know-how and implementing strategic investments.
The main objective should be the in-depth, rational and effective operation of these two very important infrastructures, as well as the implementation of the necessary investments that will ensure their sustainable development and upgrade.
Based on the study of Growthfund, the Chamber recommends the adoption of the second option for the development of both the Port and the Larnaca Marina. A basic condition is to ensure the possibility of future expansion of the infrastructure, according to the third option of the study, in the event of an increase in port activity, traffic to the marina and tourism development.
The design of the development of the land area can be obtained through an international architectural competition (master plan), in order to ensure high quality design, functionality and the optimal integration of the development into the coastal front of Larnaca. Within this framework, further consultation will take place with the Cyprus Ports Authority on this point. Our suggestion is that the pieces of the land area be separated and given to private investors for their development.
The development of the Port and Marina of Larnaca is a project of strategic importance for the economic and tourist development of the city, the wider region, but also the country.
The implementation of the proposed development has the potential to transform Larnaca into an important hub of entrepreneurship, shipping, tourism and leisure in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Note:
The Chamber submits this proposal which was taken based on the current data we have in front of us. At the same time, the above positions arise through the context of the consultation we carried out with our members who are users of the port and the marina.
At the same time, it is pointed out that this proposal is not binding and is mainly based on the Growthfund study, which, as it seems, has significant shortcomings in terms of available data.
As the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we consider it appropriate to emphasize that the preservation of all uses within the port is our fixed and unchanging position, as we believe that the viability of the port presupposes the non-exclusion of any use.
Overall, the study can be seen as a realistic and safe starting point. However, it cannot be considered a complete strategic proposal. It reduces the risk of failure, but does not ensure success.
The right approach is to use it as a basis, while asking for concrete improvements: full financial documentation, a clear strategic market positioning and an integrated development plan linking all the individual elements of the project.
