In the first half of 2026, Cyprus plans to announce a new tender for maintenance and dredging works at the entrance to the waters of the Pomos fishing harbor. This was officially stated by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, in response to a query from MP for the Paphos district, Valentinos Fakontis.
The issue was raised following appeals from local residents and professional fishermen, who for a long time have been pointing out the unsafe condition of the harbor, especially during stormy weather.
Why the Harbor Urgently Needs Works
According to the MP, during a recent visit to Pomos he personally confirmed that the condition of the pier and the harbor entrance poses a real danger to vessels. The problem is particularly acute in winter, when strong winds and waves create hazardous conditions for mooring and anchoring fishing boats.
The Ministry confirmed that the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research has already acknowledged the need to deepen the harbor entrance. Initially, it was planned to launch a single tender combining works in Pomos and Kato Pyrgos, but following objections from the local community, the project was split, and separate procedures are now being prepared for each location.
When the Works Will Begin
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the new tender for maintenance and dredging of the Pomos fishing harbor waters is expected to be announced in the first half of 2026. This approach will allow the project to be better tailored to the real needs of the region and speed up implementation.
In addition, the installation of a video surveillance system in the harbor is planned for 2026. This decision was taken following a request from the Association of Professional Fishermen, which called for enhanced security and better monitoring of the infrastructure.
Safety as a Priority
The authorities emphasize that the condition of the harbor is under constant monitoring, and specialists from the Department of Fisheries maintain regular contact with local fishermen. Special attention is given to preventing incidents such as those that occurred in the autumn of last year, when two fishing vessels were damaged and sank due to a strong storm.
Currently, Cyprus operates 13 fishing harbors designed to serve professional fishermen and ensure vessel safety. The largest number is located in the Larnaca and Famagusta districts, including harbors in Ayia Triada, Paralimni, Ayia Napa, Liopetri, Xylofagou, Ormidia, Larnaca, and Zygi.
In the Limassol region, harbors operate at the Old Port and in Akrotiri; in the Paphos district—in Kato Paphos, Pegeia, Latchi, and Pomos; and in the Nicosia district—in Kato Pyrgos.
What’s Next
The modernization of fishing ports remains a state priority, particularly in light of climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Infrastructure upgrades, dredging of harbor waters, and the introduction of security systems are expected to enhance the resilience of coastal communities and create safer working conditions for professional fishermen.
It is expected that the implementation of the planned projects will strengthen the economies of coastal areas and improve the overall safety of maritime activity in Cyprus.