Cyprus Ports Authority plans for the Expansion of Latchi Harbour
Key Points:
- The first green Port in Cyprus
- Full utilization of Renewable Energy Sources for its operational expansion
- A record investment of €45 million from the Authority’s reserve
The event took place in the renovated Old Warehouses of the Cyprus Ports Authority in Latchi Harbour. The Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr Yiannis Karousos, the Presidential Candidate of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Averof Neophytou, and Members of Parliament, Mayors, Community Leaders, state officials, Latchi Nautical Club and the general public attended.
The Mayor of Polis Chrysochous, Mr Yiotis Papachristofis, said that the area’s residents welcomed the expansion of Latchi harbour. He further stated that Latchi harbour was our area’s focal tourism point. According to Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos, the decision to expand the Port took into account the trend and growing interest in maritime tourism in the Mediterranean and Cyprus.
“The advantages of expanding the Port of Latchi are obvious. The creation of new berths in combination with high-quality tourist infrastructure will turn Polis into a popular tourist destination,” the minister said.
We would agree this is a good thing!
Yet, infrastructure is critical to any ‘check-in’ harbour. Latchi is the logical first Port of entry (at least from the west) for sailing enthusiasts visiting Cyprus. Its infrastructure should be ‘brilliant’, especially with expansion. If you sail to Greece, the welcome and the professionalism is second-to-none. We should provide the same facilities here for visitors.
The Director of Limassol Port, Mr Panagiotis Agathokleous, referred to the importance of the Latchi throughout the centuries. Indeed, this is an ancient community – and we should not lose sight of our history.
Mr Agathokleous further explained the mixed-use of Latchi harbour. Fishing boats, trip boats, boat hire and private boats – all of which have differing priorities. Not least, there are restaurants and other businesses that depend on the success of this much-loved harbour.
The expansion may not sit well with everyone. And, quite rightly, environmental impact studies should be undertaken. Latchi has the opportunity to light a beacon for sustainable boating. For this decade and many more to come. That’s why it is vital to consider commercial, environmental and sea life concerns.The Cyprus Ports Authority plan to add 350 new berths – so it is vital to minimize any impact on the area. Likewise, that kind of expansion demands services – so it’s a balance. And one with which the club is happy to assist.
The Director General of the Cyprus Ports Authority, Mr Anthimos Christodoulidis, referred to the new windward breakwater approximately 850 meters long. That goes a long way past the current ‘north wall’
He further explained the construction of a new 215m long western side of the new windward breakwater, the construction of a new leeward breakwater approximately 250 meters long, and the construction of new piers inside the new leeward breakwater. Dredging is required to create a new land area of around 22500 sq.m.