Breaking news

Larnaca Port And Marina Set For A New Development Era Under €415 Million Roadmap

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 7, 2026

Larnaca’s port and marina could enter a new phase of development under a €415 million long-term proposal unveiled by the Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA), which aims to transform the city’s waterfront into an integrated coastal district through a mix of public investment, municipal participation and private-sector partnerships.

The proposed roadmap, valued at €415 million, plus or minus 50%, would be implemented over 20 years and seeks to unlock two state-owned assets that have remained largely underutilised following three unsuccessful attempts to attract private investors.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Beyond upgrading the port and marina, the plan includes the redevelopment of around 85,000 square metres of land and the integration of Finikoudes with the former refinery area into a continuous waterfront featuring public spaces, pedestrian routes, cycling paths, squares and leisure facilities.

A Single Master Plan For An Integrated Coastal District

The CPA would retain ownership of the assets while inviting private investment through partnership agreements. Development would follow a single master plan built around three priorities:

redevelopment of the marina’s surrounding land;
expansion and upgrade of the marina;
modernization and long-term development of the commercial port.

The roadmap covers the period from 2027 to 2045 and begins with the preparation of a master plan, sustainability studies and consultations with local stakeholders. An architectural competition and Concept Master Plan would then establish the overall framework for the project.

The authority noted that all cost estimates remain indicative and could vary by as much as 50% until the master plan is completed.

Land Development Marks The First Phase

The redevelopment of land surrounding the marina and port represents the largest visible transformation for residents and visitors. Budgeted at approximately €190 million, the programme covers both the existing marina site and neighbouring land extending towards the port.

Early works would focus on improving public spaces, relocating the existing shipyards, upgrading road infrastructure and creating new parking facilities. Later phases envisage hotels, office buildings, restaurants, exhibition venues, sports facilities, cultural projects and other commercial developments delivered largely through concession agreements with private investors.

Marina Expansion Focuses On Capacity

The marina component carries an estimated budget of €20 million and is designed to increase capacity by 150 to 200 berths under the Growth Fund’s Scenario 2 proposal.

The programme includes maintenance of existing infrastructure, construction of a new services building, expansion of the breakwater, a new southern quay wall and additional floating docks.

Port Modernization Forms The Largest Investment

At an estimated €205 million, the port redevelopment accounts for almost half of the overall programme.

Initial investment would focus on upgrading equipment, infrastructure networks and existing facilities while maintaining uninterrupted operations. Later phases include new passenger and administrative buildings, demolition of obsolete warehouses, construction of new quay walls, expansion of commercial berths and the creation of a new harbour basin capable of accommodating both cargo and passenger vessels.

A Long-Term Vision For Larnaca

If approved, the proposal would reshape one of Cyprus’ most strategically important coastal areas over the next two decades.

By combining transport infrastructure, commercial development and public spaces under a single master plan, the CPA aims to transform Larnaca’s port and marina into an integrated waterfront district capable of supporting tourism, investment, business activity and urban regeneration.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Europe’s Deadly Summer Heat Exposed The Cost Of A Warming Continent

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 23, 2026

Europe experienced its deadliest summer for heat-related deaths on record in 2026, with an estimated 24,400 excess deaths linked to extreme temperatures across 30 countries. Researchers estimate that human-induced climate change was responsible for around 32,000 of the deaths attributed to heat in the study’s broader analysis, accounting for 65% of the total.

The findings highlight the growing public-health consequences of global warming, largely driven by fossil fuel use, as extreme heat becomes more frequent and severe.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

A Summer Of Dangerous Heat

Between June and August, heatwaves pushed temperatures in Western Europe to an average of 2.9°C above the 1991–2020 norm, with some days reaching 12°C above average. Nearly a third of estimated heat-related deaths occurred during a particularly intense heatwave between 17 June and 1 July.

“These numbers are a stark reminder that our hotter, more extreme summers are having an increasingly severe impact on public health,” said Dr Clair Barnes, a researcher at Imperial College London and co-author of the study.

The estimated toll exceeded previous peaks of around 29,000 deaths in summer 2022 and 28,000 in 2003 across the region studied.

How Researchers Estimated The Toll

Researchers modelled the relationship between temperature and mortality across 854 urban areas in the EU, UK, Norway and Switzerland, covering around 40% of the population in the 30 countries studied.

The analysis incorporated temperature records, age, socioeconomic conditions, environmental factors and access to healthcare. By comparing actual temperatures with those expected without human-induced warming, the team estimated the additional deaths attributable to climate change.

Final official mortality figures for summer 2026 are not yet available in many countries, and heat-related deaths are often underreported because their effects can be difficult to identify directly.

Older People Face The Greatest Risk

People aged 85 and over accounted for roughly half of the estimated deaths. However, the impact extended across age groups, with around 800 excess deaths among adults aged 20–44 and approximately 6,000 among people under 65.

Southern Europe experienced the highest mortality burden, reflecting hotter temperatures and other vulnerabilities, including air pollution, limited green space and unequal access to healthcare and heat-alert systems.

Italy, France And Spain Record Highest Toll

Italy recorded an estimated 13,303 heat-related excess deaths, followed by France with 7,268 and Spain with 6,824. Germany recorded around 6,340, while the UK saw an estimated 4,354 deaths.

In the UK, the heat also placed significant pressure on healthcare services. Andrew Hartle, Professor of Practice of Anaesthesia at Imperial College Healthcare, said demand during the summer resembled that of a severe winter virus season.

Cities Urged To Strengthen Heat Protection

Researchers say cities can reduce the risks through climate shelters, external shading and building retrofits, alongside measures to help residents avoid exposure during the hottest hours. Checking on vulnerable people, staying hydrated and following heat alerts are also important.

The researchers stress that adaptation must go hand in hand with reducing fossil fuel use to limit further warming. The findings underline that extreme heat is already a major public-health threat across Europe, with thousands of lives at risk each summer.