The Queen Mary 2, one of the largest cruise ships in the world, docked at DP World Limassol port on Friday for a one day transit call. The ocean liner berthed for the day, giving many of its 2,500 passengers a chance to enjoy sights ashore. Passengers boarded 50 buses from the passenger terminal to visit attractions including Kolossi, Kourion, Paphos, Omodhos and Nicosia, whilst others explored Limassol, the port’s operator DP World Limassol said in an announcement.
The giant cruise ship with a length of 345 meters departed Limassol at 5pm continuing its journey through the Mediterranean.
“DP World’s multi-purpose terminal at Limassol port is well positioned to effectively handle the diverse size and scale of operations that our clients require”, said Charles Meaby, General Manager of the port operator, adding that “the team at DP World Limassol provided excellent operational and customer services to ensure passengers moved through the terminal with ease and efficiency.”
In January, DP World took over the administration of Limassol port, in a move by the government that fell short of full privatisation. At first, DP World Limassol and handlers EuroGate suffered teething problems and inconsistencies with transport companies, despite having a full year to prepare for the changeover.
Already some fees and charges have been revised, while the operator has expressed its intent to make Limassol port much more competitive and a better revenue earner for the state, then when it was in government hands.
Concession holders Eurogate and DP World agreed to pay EUR 1.9 bln over the 25 year management period.
After competitive bids had been received in late 2015, the consortium of Eurogate International GmbH (majority participant), Interorient Navigation Co. Ltd and East Med Holdings S.A received the concession for the container terminal, and the consortium of DP World Ltd (majority participant) and G.A.P Vassilopoulos Public Ltd received two separate concessions for the operation of marine services (with P&O Maritime) and of the multi-purpose terminal.
