General

Key ports

Which are the key ports in your jurisdiction and what sort of facilities do they comprise? What is the primary purpose of the ports?

Limassol is the main port of Cyprus. Located on the south coast, it is a multipurpose port with modern facilities for handling passengers, containers, roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro), general cargo vessels and bulk carriers; it also provides support to offshore oil and gas operations. Based on the information provided in the website of the Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA), it includes:

  • five warehouses of total area 39760m2;
  • open storage spaces;
  • stacking areas for containers; and
  • 2,570 metres of quays (container, general cargo, passenger, etc).

The northern quay has a length of 430m with maximum depth of water 11m, the western quay is 450+320m with maximum depth of water 11m-13m-16m and a 50m ramp with 16m maximum depth of water. Further, the eastern quay has a length of 480m with maximum depth of water 11m and the southern quay has a length of 300m with maximum depth of water 16m. There is also a quay on the southern site of the eastern quay of 40m length and 11m maximum depth of water. Moreover, the extension of the port’s quay on its western basin by 500 meters has been completed recently.

The marine area of the port is approximately 1km2 (square kilometre) and the land area is 1.3km2. The Limassol Port has a nominal annual handling capacity of 600,000 TEU (20ft equivalent units);

The second port in size is Larnaca, also on the south coast, approximately 60km east of Limassol, close to the principal international airport. It is a multipurpose port having an area of 445,000m2 and deals with all types of cargo, including:

  • containers;
  • ro-ro;
  • bulk (animal fodder, grain, gypsum);
  • conventional (lumber, iron, fertilisers, automobiles); and
  • oil products.

It has two quays for the mooring of ships, the south quay of length 340 metres with maximum water depth 11.4 metres and the north quay of length 326 metres with water depth 9.3 metres.

Larnaca also has an oil terminal for tankers. Current developments in the Larnaca port include the intention to purchase of a new mobile crane that will be used for general loads as well as containers of limited strength and the upgrading of one of the two gantry cranes.

There is a smaller port at Vassilikos, on the south coast approximately midway between Limassol and Larnaca. It belongs to the CPA but is leased on a long-term basis to the main cement producer in Cyprus. It principally deals with bulk cargo including exports of cement and imports of animal feed, cereals, minerals, construction materials and scrap metal. The main oil terminal is nearby at Vassilikos. New facilities opened for business in 2014, including a deep-water marine jetty. There are two quays, the northern of 360m length and the western of 125m length. Furthermore, it has turning circle of 280m diameter, the water depth is 9m and the maximum length of ship that can berth is 180m of 8.6m draught.

There are plans that the port of Vassilikos will be constructed into a new industrial port, that will operate as oil and gas service centre and it is expected to be ready by 2023.

Its strategic location makes Vassilikos the first terminal of its kind in the Eastern Mediterranean, connecting Europe and the Black Sea with the Middle East and Asia.

There are also smaller dedicated oil terminals for the electricity generation stations at Vassiliko and at Dhekelia, east of Larnaca. Mooring is effected on buoys and unloading takes place through submarine pipelines.

In addition, there are several ports for fishing and recreational vessels, the largest of which are at Paphos, Limassol and Latchi.

There is also a commercial port in the area occupied by Turkey, at Famagusta. This port and the other ports in the occupied area were declared closed in 1974 by the Cyprus government and ships calling at them are subject to sanctions. The CPA and the Department of Merchant Shipping are the main bodies policing the sanctions.

Reform and port models

Describe any port reform that has been undertaken over the past few decades and the principal port model or models in your jurisdiction.

Until recently, all ports in Cyprus were owned and operated by the CPA, which provides:

  • piloting and towage services;
  • facilities for loading and unloading of ships;
  • cargo handling and storage;
  • transhipment trade;
  • passenger handling; and
  • cession of licences to third parties.

The piloting and towage of all ships within the port area is provided by the CPA, without exception. Piloting is mandatory.

Generally, the loading and unloading of ships is carried out by agents appointed by the shippers. The agent is responsible for securing the use of cranes and storage facilities from the CPA, the services of stevedores to load and unload the vessel, and porters for the horizontal movement of loads.

Loading and unloading of ships at the Vassilikos industrial port is carried out by the lessee, which manages the port under licence from the CPA, using the lessee’s equipment and personnel.

In an exception to the traditional model, the Vassilikos oil terminal is operated by its owner, a private company. The oil terminals for the electricity generation stations are operated by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus.

There have recently been substantial further changes to this traditional model, arising from the privatisation of Limassol port. In April 2016, concession agreements were signed to outsource the operations of the Limassol port, with the state retaining ownership of the port and the operators taking responsibility for its future development through the expansion of commercial activities and the implementation of best operational practice.

The agreements involved an initial fee, a minimum annual fixed fee, and a revenue share payable by the concessionaires. Based on the business plans submitted by the concessionaires, privatisation should yield revenues of almost €2 billion. In addition, it is expected to provide other benefits. Making the port more efficient and competitive should reduce costs for importers and should also increase the volume of transhipment business.

Following completion of the privatisation process in February 2017, Limassol port operations are now provided by three private concessionaires:

  • P&O Marine Services, which is responsible for marine services;
  • DPWorld Limassol Ltd, which is responsible for the handling of general cargo and passengers; and
  • Eurogate Container Terminal Limassol, which is responsible for handling containers.

The privatisation model is now expected to extend to Larnaca port. The Transport Ministry announced a new plan for the port in January 2017, and negotiations are currently taking place with a view to agree a project of development for Larnaca port.

State development policy

Is there an overall state policy for the development of ports in your jurisdiction?

Upgrading of port facilities is a priority for the government and the CPA. Limassol port has been deepened, the existing quays and parts of the breakwater have been strengthened, and a project has recently been completed extending the container quay by 500 metres to accommodate the next generation of ships. A new passenger terminal was completed in 2017. It is fully compliant with EU safety and security requirements and includes a departure hall and two arrival halls, separate luggage handling facilities, and catering and other facilities.

Following the expansion of the Vassilikos oil terminal in 2014, there are more plans for expansion of the port infrastructure to serve as a centre for oil and gas services.

Green ports

What ‘green port’ principles are proposed or required for ports and terminals in your jurisdiction?

Ports and port development are subject to domestic environmental legislation, which is fully aligned with EU legislation and international conventions. Major projects are subject to completion of appropriate environmental impact assessment, and pollution control laws impose obligations regarding waste management and environmental sustainability.

Legislative framework and regulation

Development framework

Is there a legislative framework for port development or operations in your jurisdiction?

The direct legislative framework for port development and operations is the CPA Law, which was enacted as a condition for World Bank funding of the construction of Limassol and Larnaca ports. It gave the CPA responsibility for the formulation of policy regarding ports and for the development, management and operation of ports. It aimed to create an independent and flexible organisation free of public sector bureaucratic procedures, able to operate on a commercial basis.

Following completion of the first stage of the privatisation of Limassol port the CPA has been restructured and assumes a new role as regulator for the concessionaires and their activities at Limassol port and, as further ports are privatised, for their operators. New port regulations are now in effect to regulate port activities.

Regulatory authorities

Is there a regulatory authority for each port or for all ports in your jurisdiction?

The CPA is the regulatory authority for all the ports.

What are the key competences and powers of the port regulatory authority in your jurisdiction?

Apart from the power to declare a port closed, which is reserved for the Council of Ministers, the CPA Law gives the CPA comprehensive powers over the provision and management of port services, including powers to:

  • prescribe, regulate, control and prohibit the use of any port areas or movement or any activity in them;
  • provide piloting and towage and other navigational facilities, such as lighthouses and buoys;
  • promote the use, development and growth of ports;
  • appoint, license and manage pilots, and license and supervise other workers in port areas;
  • provide firefighting and, subject to the approval of the Council of Ministers, security services at ports and their approaches;
  • advise the Minister of Transport on any matter falling within its remit; and
  • anything else that is incidental to its duties.

In the performance of its duties, the CPA may hold property, undertake commercial activities, provide services and enter into contracts of any nature. It may compulsorily acquire property under the provisions of the relevant law, and it may borrow and incur credit.

Harbourmasters

How is a harbourmaster for a port in your jurisdiction appointed?

Harbourmasters are appointed by the CPA.

Competition

Are ports in your jurisdiction subject to specific national competition rules?

There are no specific competition rules applying to ports: the general domestic and EU competition law framework applies.

Tariffs

Are there regulations in relation to the tariffs that are imposed on ports and terminals users in your jurisdictions and how are tariffs collected?

Article 25 of the CPA Law gives the CPA the power, in consultation with the Council of Ministers, to set fees payable for the use of ports and facilities provided by the CPA or by others within port areas, the terms of payment and the manner of enforcement and collection. The Law was amended in preparation for privatisation to give the operators of privatised ports the power to set their own charges and commercial terms.

At Limassol, the concessionaires apply the tariffs included in the concession agreements.

Vessels belonging to the National Guard or the police service, or those providing humanitarian services, are exempt from charges.

Are there restrictions relating to the currency applied to the tariffs or to any fees that are payable by a port operator to the government or port authority? Are any specific currency conditions imposed on port operators more generally?

The euro is the official currency, and currency is freely transferable.

Public service obligations

Does the state have any public service obligations in relation to port access or services? Can it satisfy these obligations through a contract with a private party?

The state has obligations with regard to the operation and safety of ports arising from international maritime conventions, from membership of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding, from International Maritime Organization Resolutions, and from EU legislation.

Joint ventures

Can a state entity enter into a joint venture with a port operator for the development or operation of a port in your jurisdiction? Is the state’s stake in the venture subject to any percentage threshold?

Given that the CPA may contract out the entire operation of a port (and has done so) there would be nothing to stop it entering into a joint venture with a port operator for the development or operation of a port.

Foreign participation

Are there restrictions on foreign participation in port projects?

There are no restrictions on foreign participation. The majority partners in the consortia awarded concessions to operate Limassol port are all overseas companies, some from non-EU countries.

Public procurement and PPP

Legislation

Is the legislation governing procurement and PPP general or specific?

The legislation enabling the privatisation of the ports is specific, but as Cyprus is an EU member it is required to comply with EU public procurement legislation. There is a comprehensive framework of public procurement law. The principal law regulating public procurement is Law No. 12(I)/2006 as amended, which transposes EU Directive 2004/18/EC on public procurement into domestic law, and the detailed regulations on the coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts, public service contracts and related matters issued under the law. All other EU public procurement directives have also been transposed.

Proposal consideration

May the government or relevant port authority consider proposals for port privatisation/PPP other than as part of a formal tender?

This is unlikely. In all cases the process would be required to comply with public procurement legislation, which generally involves a tender.

Joint venture and concession criteria

What criteria are considered when awarding port concessions and port joint venture agreements?

There is no explicit legislation, but guidance can be obtained from the recent Limassol port award process. These included:

  • personal situation criteria, which had to be met by all members of any consortium;
  • financial eligibility criteria, which had to be met by the consortium as a whole, weighted by individual members’ participation; and
  • professional eligibility criteria, which had to be met by the member designated as port operator.

The Personal Situation Criteria are used to ensure that consortium members are ‘fit and proper’ and that no consortium member meets any of the grounds for mandatory or discretionary exclusion on grounds of integrity. In addition, the CPA reserved the right to disqualify any consortium or member on grounds of the protection of the essential interests of the state, including its national security.

The Financial Eligibility Criteria were designed to ensure that interested parties were in a sound financial position and in possession of the necessary financial resources to execute the project.

Similarly, the Professional Eligibility Criteria confirm that interested parties have the requisite operational resources, expertise and experience.

In addition, tenders were evaluated on the basis of the financial terms offered, in terms of an initial sum, annual payment and revenue share.

Model agreement

Is there a model PPP agreement that is used for port projects? To what extent can the public body deviate from its terms?

There is no model as such, but it is reasonable to assume that any future PPP agreement will be based on the Limassol model.

Approval

What government approvals are required for the implementation of a port PPP agreement in your jurisdiction? Must any specific law be passed in your jurisdiction for this?

The CPA Law contains the necessary powers.

Projects

On what basis are port projects in your jurisdiction typically implemented?

With few ports to deal with, there is no ‘typical’ basis as such. The Larnaca privatisation process is based on the Limassol model and it is reasonable to assume that any future projects will be based on a broadly similar model.

Term length

Is there a minimum or maximum term for port PPPs in your jurisdiction? What is the average term?

There is no explicit minimum or maximum duration. The Limassol port process envisaged a duration of between 20 and 25 years for container and multipurpose terminal operations, and between 10 and 20 years for pilotage, towage and other marine services.

On what basis can the term be extended?

There is no standard provision.

Fee structure

What fee structures are used in your jurisdiction? Are they subject to indexation?

The Limassol port process envisaged an initial sum, annual payment and revenue share. Details of the final commercial terms agreed with the successful bidders have not been made public. Fees are regularly announced.

Exclusivity

Does the government provide guarantees in relation to port PPPs or grant the port operator exclusivity?

In the Limassol PPP the concessionaires have exclusivity in terms of the services they have contracted to provide.

Other incentives

Does the government or the port authority provide any other incentives to investors in ports?

This would be a matter for negotiation on a case-by-case basis.

Port development and construction

Approval

What government approvals are required for a port operator to commence construction at the relevant port? How long does it typically take to obtain approvals?

Details of the specific commercial arrangements relating to the Limassol port and the Vassilikos industrial port are not public, but they would need to be compatible with the general legal framework regarding planning and environmental protection.

Port construction

Does the government or relevant port authority typically undertake any part of the port construction?

Hitherto, the CPA has been responsible for any construction works, but any future upgrade works at Limassol will be the responsibility of the concessionaires. It is reasonable to assume that a similar approach will be adopted in future as other port operations are privatised.

Does the port operator have to adhere to any specific construction standards, and may it engage any contractor it wishes?

At Limassol port the operators are required to obtain the prior agreement of the CPA and any other government bodies for proposed works. It is reasonable to assume that a similar approach will be adopted in future as other port operations are privatised.

What remedies are available for delays and defects in the construction of the port?

This would be a matter for negotiation on a case-by-case basis, depending on factors such as the nature of the works and the relative bargaining powers of the parties.

Port operations

Approval

What government approvals are required in your jurisdiction for a port operator to commence operations following construction? How long does it typically take to obtain approvals?

This will vary according to the circumstances of the case but, in general, compliance with all environmental, safety and marine legislation will be required. In the case of the Vassilikos oil terminal, the entire process from planning to commencement of operations was completed in less than three years.

Typical services

What services does a port operator and what services does the port authority typically provide in your jurisdiction? Do the port authorities typically charge the port operator for any services?

Concerning the services offered by CPA, please refer to question 2. In the Limassol port and the Vassilikos industrial port, which are the only ports where ownership and operation are segregated, the port authority makes available the existing facilities. The concessionaires operate these facilities and may supplement them with equipment they provide.

Access to hinterland

Does the government or relevant port authority typically give any commitments in relation to access to the hinterland? To what extent does it require the operator to finance development of access routes or interconnections?

This would be a matter for negotiation on a case-by-case basis.

Suspension

How do port authorities in your jurisdiction oversee terminal operations and in what circumstances may a port authority require the operator to suspend them?

The CPA is responsible for oversight of the operations of Limassol port. The specific arrangements are confidential.

Port access and control

In what circumstances may the port authorities in your jurisdiction access the port area or take over port operations?

Such transactions are made on an individual basis, so this would be a matter for agreement between the parties. The specific arrangements in the case of Limassol port are confidential.

Failure to operate and maintain

What remedies are available to the port authority or government against a port operator that fails to operate and maintain the port as agreed?

See question 34. Additionally, the competent authority may impose administrative fines.

Transferrable assets

What assets must port operators transfer to the relevant port authority on termination of a concession? Must port authorities pay any compensation for transferred assets?

See question 34.

Miscellaneous

Special purpose vehicles

Is a port operator that is to construct or operate a port in your jurisdiction permitted (or required) to do so via a special purpose vehicle (SPV)? Must it be incorporated in your jurisdiction?

Such transactions are made on an individual basis, so this would be a matter for agreement between the parties. The detailed arrangements in the case of Limassol port were confidential, but it is apparent that locally incorporated SPVs were used as the structure for the concessionaires.

Transferring ownership interests

Are ownership interests in the port operator freely transferable?

Such transactions are made on an individual basis, so this would be a matter for agreement between the parties. The arrangements in the case of Limassol port are confidential, but common sense would indicate that the port authority would wish to have a means of ensuring that the port operator maintained sufficient resources and could not transfer its obligations to a ‘straw man’.

Granting security

Can the port operator grant security over its rights under the PPP agreement to its project financing banks? Does a port authority in your jurisdiction typically agree to enter into direct agreements with the project financing banks and, if so, what are the key terms?

See question 34.

Agreement variation and termination

In what circumstances may agreements to construct or operate a port facility be varied or terminated?

See question 34.

Contractual breach

What remedies are available to a government or port authority for contractual breach by a port operator?

See question 34.

Governing law

Must all port PPP agreements be governed by the laws of your jurisdiction?

See question 34.

Disputes

How are disputes between the government or port authority and the port operator customarily settled?

See question 34.

Updates and trends

Key developments of the past year

Are there any other current developments or emerging trends that should be noted?

Key developments of the past year44 Are there any other current developments or emerging trends that should be noted?

Please see question 1, 2 and 3.