The Role of LCCI in the Construction and Development of the New Limassol Port

The New Limassol Port is one of Cyprus’s most important port infrastructure projects and plays a decisive role in the country’s commercial and economic development. Its creation stemmed from the need for modern port facilities capable of meeting the growing commercial and industrial demands of Limassol.

Until the early 1970s, Limassol was served by the Old Port, which had significant limitations. The need for a new, modern port became particularly pressing during the 1960s, as Limassol was developing into an important commercial and industrial centre. The expansion of port infrastructure was considered essential for the further economic development of both the city and Cyprus.

The Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) played a significant role in advocating for the project. Since its establishment in 1962, the Chamber had highlighted the need for a modern port and represented the needs of the business community before the State.

In 1965, during the presidency of Mr Stavros Galatariotis, a meeting was held between representatives of Limassol and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios, to discuss, among other matters, the advancement of plans for the construction of a new port in Limassol. In view of the political situation following the events of 1963, new plans were drawn up for the construction of the port to the east of the existing harbour. To accelerate the project, the Minister of Communications and Works instructed that the preparation of the technical study be expedited. Meanwhile, the economic study was assigned to a specialised organisation following contacts and initiatives undertaken by Mr Stavros Galatariotis and Mr N. Roussos.

In 1968, during the presidency of Mr Evagoras Lanitis, representatives of LCCI met with the Minister of Communications and Works, Mr Titon Fanon. At the meeting, it was confirmed that the study for the construction of the new port had not been abandoned. Its preparation had been assigned to the British engineering consultancy Rendel, Palmer & Tritton, with a six-month deadline for completion.

In 1971, during the presidency of Mr Stavros Galatariotis, LCCI submitted a memorandum to the then Minister of Communications and Works, setting out specific proposals to better meet the port’s operational requirements. Among other things, the Chamber requested that provision be made for four passenger ships to berth simultaneously at the port’s quay. The proposal aimed to facilitate passenger movements and container loading and unloading operations. The Chamber also raised the issue of constructing a coastal road to improve access to and the overall operation of the port.

In August 1974, following the Turkish invasion, significant initiatives were undertaken to safeguard the full and uninterrupted operation of the New Limassol Port. These efforts took place during the presidency of Mr Nicos Pattichis and subsequently that of Mr Kyriakos Chamboullas. LCCI Honorary President Mr Stavros Galatariotis also participated in these efforts in his capacity as Vice-Chairman of the Cyprus Ports Authority. The objective was to establish all the necessary conditions for Limassol Port to assume a leading role in the movement of goods and in meeting Cyprus’s needs, particularly following the loss of Famagusta Port as an operational facility.

The Turkish invasion of 1974 and the loss of access to Famagusta Port significantly transformed the role of the New Limassol Port. It emerged as a principal gateway for the Republic of Cyprus’s foreign trade, acquiring even greater strategic and economic importance. After 1974, the port was gradually developed and expanded to meet the growing needs of the Cypriot economy. Port facilities were extended, equipment was upgraded, and container-handling capacity was enhanced.

Between 1980 and 1982, the 480-metre eastern pier was constructed. In 1984, two gantry cranes were installed along the eastern quay to serve vessels and handle containers. During 1994–1995, as part of the development and upgrading of port infrastructure, the western quay of the New Limassol Port was extended southwards by 320 metres. This extension was intended to accommodate roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels and meet the growing demands of the transhipment trade. In addition, five mooring buoys were installed to accommodate vessels required to remain in port for repairs, lay-up or seizure.

Within the port’s land area, the Cyprus Ports Authority provides covered and open storage facilities, as well as specially designated areas for container stacking. These facilities support the efficient handling and movement of goods, enhancing the port’s functionality and operational capacity.

The New Limassol Port’s buildings accommodate important government services, as well as the new passenger terminal, which has been operating since July 2017 and is managed by DP World Limassol. The presence of these services within the port facilities facilitates the coordination of operations and the provision of services to port users.

A major development was the commercialisation of port operations during 2016–2017. International companies took over the management of specific activities, including Eurogate, which operates the container terminal, and DP World, which manages general cargo and passenger operations.

This development contributed to the modernisation of the port’s operations and strengthened its international presence. LCCI’s relationship with the New Limassol Port did not end with advocating for and helping bring about its creation. It has continued through sustained efforts to modernise infrastructure, improve services and strengthen business activity.