Cyprus remains a prime destination for investors eyeing lucrative deals in the real estate sector, as the island offers a variety of investment opportunities for both local and foreign investors, according to a leading real estate company. The biggest opportunity at the moment is on the south east coast, in Larnaca, as the government moves … Read more
Gov. Kathy Hochul is pushing a New York City tax hike to replace the $15 congestion pricing tolls she indefinitely postponed — a last-minute funding Hail Mary that drew fierce opposition Thursday. Lawmakers and business groups slammed the prospect of a tax increase, especially after Hochul scuttled congestion pricing Wednesday because it would “break the … Read more
The Cyprus government has scrapped a €1.2 billion concession for the development of the Larnaca marina and port, leading to questions about the financial viability of public contracts and the administration’s cash flow.
The government has terminated a 1.2 billion euro investment contract with Kition Ocean Holdings for the development of Larnaca port and marina due to the contractor’s failure to renew a required guarantee. The government will seek compensation and pursue outstanding guarantees through legal channels. “Plan B” involves re-tendering the project, with the state ready to operate the port without interruption. Kition did not participate in a meeting to discuss the transition process. The government remains committed to the project and will evaluate what went wrong in the contract.
The LNG import project at Vasilikos in Cyprus has faced recurring problems and delays. The project, which aims to switch power generation from oil to natural gas, could reduce electricity prices by one-third, resulting in annual cost savings close to €300-€400 million. The project has faced issues due to a badly conducted tender, unclear terms of reference, and a contractor with no experience in such projects. The current contractor, CPP, has claimed additional costs and the project is not progressing as expected. The government is considering various options to complete the project, including finding a way to move forward with the present contractor, seeking independent expert advice, and exploring alternative plans if necessary.
– Chinese-led construction firm CPP-Metron Consortium Ltd (CMC) called for a meeting with a “decision maker” appointed by the Cypriot government in a “neutral territory” such as Dubai.
– The situation at the under-construction liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Vasiliko has reached a crisis point.
– CMC has offered a comprehensive solution to de-escalate the situation and save the project.
– Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides is set to meet with Chinese ambassador Liu Yantao to discuss the impasse.
– Etyfa has persistently breached payment obligations under the contract for the Vasiliko LNG facility.
– CMC suspended work in January as an “absolute last resort” due to payment issues but lifted the suspension in March on assurances from Etyfa.
– Etyfa has made changes to the project and has refused to pay for them, including refusing to take delivery of the completed FSRU.
President Nikos Christodoulides is in contact with the company and various EU and non-EU member states to create prospects for the resumption of talks. The Vasilikos terminal project has three phases, with progress varying in each. The President will meet with the Ambassador of China to discuss the project, emphasizing the need for solutions to be found with goodwill. A plan B exists, but the government intends to proceed with the contract obligations.