Limassol: Limassol port is on standby, should a request be submitted, to receive third-country nationals from conflict zones under the activation of the Special National Plan ESTIA, Port Master Panayiotis Agathokleous told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on Monday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Agathokleous stated, "We are implementing the ESTIA plan and remain on standby," emphasizing that no request from any embassy for an evacuation and use of the Limassol port has been received yet. He highlighted that both the Cyprus Ports Authority and all competent services-Civil Defence, the Red Cross, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs-are prepared to implement the plan if necessary. The requesting country may choose either the Larnaca or Limassol port for evacuation purposes.
In the event of a request concerning Limassol port, Agathokleous mentioned that the reception of third-country nationals will occur at the DP World Limassol terminal. This protocol was followed last summer when the plan was previously activated.
Agathokleous further explained that in recent days, the Ports Authority has been operating at Security Level 2. This entails heightened security measures, including patrols and increased checks at terminal entrances, ensuring readiness for any potential emergencies.
The Special National Plan ESTIA, developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, is designed for activation during emergencies or crises. It facilitates the safe evacuation of civilians from nearby crisis areas, particularly from the wider Middle East region, through Cyprus. The plan may also be implemented in cases of natural disasters, enabling the evacuation of EU and third-country citizens through Cyprus.