The Paphos Marina project, which has been in the works for over 30 years, has yet to be realized despite numerous efforts and changes in the tender process. In 2024, the project was once again in the spotlight when the Cyprus Ministry of Tourism announced a deadline for proposals and discussions regarding the construction of the marina.
The Cyprus Tourism Ministry has set a deadline for bids from interested parties for the Paphos Marina project . All bids must be submitted no later than January 25, 2025, after which the ministry intends to hold a tender. The preliminary announcement outlined the key features of the marina, giving market participants the opportunity to prepare their bids.
George Mais , President of the Paphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that the Paphos Marina project had been plagued by various legal and bureaucratic issues over the years, leading to numerous delays. It was important for the current project to avoid previous mistakes and ensure clarity of conditions to avoid a repeat of the difficult situations with previous tenders.
History of the Paphos Marina Project
The Paphos Marina project has a long history, dating back over 30 years. In 2008, the contract was awarded to the Cybarco Pandora consortium, but its victory was challenged by competitors, leading to legal proceedings. In 2016, the project was awarded to the Poseidon consortium, but after a long battle, it failed to secure the required level of funding. In 2017, a bid for the project was approved by Pafilia Developers, but they soon withdrew.
The process continued with new legal disputes and decisions being rejected in the courts. In 2020, discussions about the possibility of creating a combined yacht marina with a berth for cruise ships also encountered obstacles. Despite the difficulties, further steps were taken in 2023 to continue the process, including signing agreements with consultants to prepare documentation.
In 2024, the Ministry of Tourism signed a contract with the Deloitte Triton Paphos Marina consortium to provide consulting services during the tender process. The project is expected to be completed by 2029, barring further delays. An important element of this stage is the preparation of clear and understandable conditions for future tender participants in order to minimize risks and avoid previous mistakes.
Current plans suggest that a successful tender for the project will be held before the end of 2026, with the Paphos Marina expected to be completed by 2029. However, it is important to consider that the project has already faced numerous legal and financial challenges that could lead to further delays. Careful monitoring of the process will be necessary in the future to ensure that deadlines and guarantees given to contractors are met.
