The legal framework for assigning a study on the future of Larnaca’s port and marina is currently being prepared by Cyprus’ attorney general’s office. This was confirmed on Tuesday by Larnaca Mayor, Andreas Vyras.


Speaking at a regular press briefing, Vyras said that the city has accepted the decision of President Christodoulides to assign the study to Greece’s port planning authority. The decision was made through a Cyprus-Greece state agreement. The authority, a government body under Greece’s public asset development fund (Taiped), will assess the port, marina, and surrounding land.


“The matter is now at the attorney general’s office to prepare the necessary legal framework and documents,” Vyras explained.


The mayor highlighted ongoing cooperation with the government and relevant ministries to ensure progress. This follows the collapse of an agreement with the private company Kition Ocean Holdings, which had initially secured the project.


“The situation is not easy,” he admitted, “but we are following the necessary procedures. One achievement is securing around €40 million. This will fund various municipal projects that were not included in the previous plan.”


Vyras stressed the need to complete the study quickly so a new investor can be found. He also raised the possibility of state-funded development.


“We will push for this study to be done as soon as possible,” he said.


“Once ready, we can launch a new tender. If needed, the works could even be carried out by state services such as the ports authority, using government funds, as there will be revenue for the state.”


When asked about investor interest, he noted that there have been expressions of interest but nothing concrete yet. Vyras downplayed concerns that the failed contract with Kition caused financial harm to Larnaca.


“There were no serious costs,” he assured.


“Development in the city continued despite the termination of the contract.”


He added that while the port and marina project is important, Larnaca’s overall growth does not depend on it. During the briefing, Vyras also responded to recent criticism from former transport minister and current President of the Famagusta District Local Government Organisation, Yiannis Karousos. Karousos accused him of not reacting strongly enough to the loss of the investment. The mayor rejected the claims, stating that the municipality did everything possible to support the project. He emphasised that legal rulings had to be respected.


“When the attorney general issues a legal opinion stating that there is a contract violation, and the transport ministry confirms it, how could we ignore that?” he asked.


He challenged Karousos to publicly dispute the attorney general’s ruling if he disagreed.
Vyras also touched on plans for a new maritime technology, science, and sustainable development school under the Cyprus university of technology (Tepak).


“We expect an official decision from the Cyprus president within the month,” he said.


If the government fails to support the project in Larnaca, he warned of a strong public reaction.
“If there is any backtracking, the city’s response will be extreme,” he cautioned.

The university needs formal approval from the cabinet to proceed. The plan is to establish the school in the Mackenzie area by September 2027. Regarding the presence of Greek universities in Larnaca, Vyras confirmed discussions with representatives from both the national and Kapodistrian university of Athens and the national technical university of Athens (Metsovio). While no final decisions have been made, he assured that Larnaca is fully prepared to host academic institutions.


“We have the necessary buildings,” he said.


“The universities themselves need to decide which faculties will be based here.”


He clarified that Greek universities are considering multiple locations in Cyprus and that there is no rivalry between cities.


“If several universities establish faculties in Cyprus, there will be enough opportunities for multiple municipalities,” he noted.


Vyras concluded by stating that while no agreements are finalised, Larnaca is in ongoing discussions and will not accept being treated unfairly in the process.