The development of Larnaca port offers a potential to attract more cruise ships and companies to Cyprus, Shipping Deputy Minister, Vassilis Demetriades said on Tuesday, during his visit at the headquarters of the contractor company, Kition Ocean Holdings, in Larnaca.

He added that this project is particularly important for the local economy, both for the city of Larnaca and for Cyprus as a whole. “There clearly is added value for shipping and the supply chain in Cyprus, as well as for cruise ships and recreation ships”, he said.

Demetriades responded to questions about the consequences of the war in Ukraine and said that the shipping in Cyprus is affected due to the EU sanctions to Russia, but noted that the European Commission is expected to proceed with legislative measures for the support of the shipping sector within the EU.

On behalf of Kition Ocean Holdings, Managing Director Panos Alexandrou, responded to questions about the company’s goals in 2023, in regard to cruise ships and said that up to 10 extra cruises are expected next year. He also said that the aim is not for the new passengers’ terminal to share the arrivals at the Limassol port, but to attract new cruise companies, even with larger cruise ships.

Also, Alexandrou underlined the significant role of the harbor’s proximity to Larnaca international airport and spoke of the program “arrive-stay-sail” that will allow travelers to arrive at the airport and sail on a cruise ship, after a short stay in Larnaca.