Legal office blocks direct transfer of Larnaca marina to port authority

On October 22, 2026, the Law Office of the Republic of Cyprus issued a critical ruling stating that the Larnaca marina and its associated land cannot be transferred directly to the Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA). This intervention, delivered by Rena Papaeti to the Parliamentary Transport Committee, effectively halted previous government plans to streamline the development of the marina by handing it over to the CPA without a competitive process.

According to the legal opinion received by the Ministry of Transport on October 9, the state must initiate a formal tender process for the marina's development. While the legal assessment found no obstacles to the transfer of the port facility itself, the marina is subject to different ownership regulations that mandate public competition. Minister of Transport Evi Tsolaki noted that the legal analysis also raises concerns regarding potential litigation risks from the former developer, Kition, should the ownership status be altered.

Transport Minister Tsolaki stated that the ministry now intends to develop the port and the marina under separate strategic plans to ensure viability. The legal analysis regarding potential risks associated with the previous contract will be disclosed to parliament as the government re-evaluates its project roadmap following this regulatory setback.