Lemesos Port Expansion Continues (Cyprus)

Lemesos port in Cyprus will be further extended and upgraded with the construction of an additional 500-metre quay.

The signing of the contracts with the successful tenderer is now a reality and therefore the construction works for the extension to the existing port’s quay on its western basin, thus reaching to a total 1270m, will start soon. The project aims to satisfy the needs generated to accommodate the new generation ships.

Lemesos quay extension is the second stage of €60 million project – during the first phase, the port was deepened to -16 metres in the western basin and to -17m for the port’s turning circle and entrance channel. The port’s existing quays and parts of the breakwater were also strengthened about four years ago.

Additionally, at Lemesos port a new passenger terminal is already being built and is estimated to be handed for use in 2014. The new passenger terminal, of a total of 6.800m2, will significantly add value to the cruise and passenger handling character of the port. It is fully compliant with EU safety and security requirements and, includes one departure hall, two arrival halls, separated area for luggage handling and receipt, a glamorous restaurant on the first floor and a big parking place as well as offices for providing all needed high quality services to visitors.

The port’s capacity will be further enhanced with a series of other projects in the mechanical and electrical technology fields, the most significant of which are, the purchase of three super post panamax gantry cranes, a new 60 tons capacity tug boat and a new pilot boat.

Completion of planned efforts for Lemesos port is estimated to be reached upon the completion of the port’s segregation into two parts, separating its twin character, thus commercial and passenger port, in addition with the upgrading of the port’s infrastructure and standards to fully comply to the needs generated from the development of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) in shipping as well as works for exploiting hydrocarbons found in Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and neighbouring countries.

Concerning Vassiliko port, the main port for bulk cargo of industrial origin and dirty cargo, the Ports Authority is also involved in ongoing discussions with various Governmental Departments for the final configuration of the master plan for the port’s reconstruction. The overall aim is to enhance the port’s performance while at the same time considering the new perspectives which emerged from the hydrocarbon levels found in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus. An additional boost on the port’s operations will arise from the construction and operation of a new jetty for which relevant licenses have been granted during the past year to Vitol Tank Terminals International BV (VTTI BV).

Cyprus Ports Authority whilst applying an ethics policy with a social approach has further proceeded with the implementation of the project which refers to the redevelopment and redesigning of the Old Lemesos port. This whole new cultural, historical and commercial centre within the old Lemesos town area, is estimated to be ready by summer this year and is a centre which includes offices, restaurants, shops, a large square and cultural and events areas.

CPA has further worked towards complying with the continuously changing needs and upgrades of the shipping industry. Towards this, a new information technology project is currently held, aiming on the development of specialised applications, such as the port community information system (Port Community System), suitable to link all actors (stakeholders) and services engaged in the supply chain on a single submission point.

Efforts are also being made so as to enhance Paphos port character towards serving cruise traffic. Towards this, there are considerations for the construction of a new quay, which will facilitate cruise ships berthing.

[mappress]

Press Release, January 3, 2014