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A consortium that was recently awarded the contract to design, build and operate a new marina complex at Larnaca in Cyprus will have to wait a little longer to find out if the decision that went in their favour still holds. The two companies who also competed for the project during the tendering process have had their complaints upheld and the review procedure must be done again. Work on the development is due to start at the end of this year for a planned completion date in 2013.

Marina developments are seen as crucial to the ongoing development of Cyprus as a tourist resort. With Mediterranean cruise ships growing ever larger, the ports on the island need to be improved in order for the ships to be able to dock. The project at Larnaca is due to increase the volume of marina berths by five-fold and will also include several new hotels, leisure and shopping facilities and new berths for super-yachts. The winning consortium will also receive a concession to operate the facility for 35 years before handing it back to the Cyprus state.

A similar project was awarded for Paphos, which will also now be reviewed. A further ambitious marina project at Limassol has already been awarded and will include a Dubai-style artificial island which will provide extra boat berths as well as luxury villas. New shops, restaurants and associated services are also planned.