New Ferry Service Launched from Jounieh Port in 2025, Connecting Lebanon and Cyprus
JOUNIEH, Lebanon – April 30, 2025 – The bustling coastal city of Jounieh, just north of Beirut, has ushered in a new era of maritime connectivity with the launch of a highly anticipated passenger ferry service from Jounieh Port. Officially commencing operations in the summer of 2025, this new route marks a significant milestone in regional travel, linking Lebanon with Cyprus and potentially beyond. The service is poised to boost tourism, facilitate business travel, and strengthen cultural ties between the two Mediterranean nations.
A New Chapter for Jounieh Port
The ferry service, which began operations in June 2025, operates from the recently upgraded Jounieh Port, a facility long known for its scenic beauty and strategic location along Lebanon’s coastline. The port, which has historically served smaller vessels and local maritime activities, underwent significant renovations to accommodate the new ferry operations. These upgrades include modern passenger terminals, enhanced docking facilities, and improved infrastructure to handle increased traffic.
According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Transport, the initiative stems from a collaboration between the Lebanese government and a consortium of private investors. The project was first confirmed in April 2025, following months of negotiations and planning. “This ferry service is a game-changer for Jounieh and Lebanon as a whole,” said Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades in a statement to local media. “It opens new avenues for tourism and trade while reinforcing our position as a key maritime hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Who Controls the Ferry?
The ferry operations are managed by a private consortium, MedFerry Solutions, a joint venture between Lebanese and Cypriot investors with expertise in maritime transport. MedFerry Solutions has secured a 10-year license to operate the route, with oversight from Lebanon’s Ministry of Transport and Cyprus’s Shipping Authority. The company has committed to maintaining high safety standards, competitive pricing, and reliable schedules to ensure the service meets the needs of both locals and tourists.
The flagship vessel, named Mediterranean Star, is a modern, high-speed ferry capable of carrying up to 500 passengers and a limited number of vehicles. Equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including onboard dining, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, the ferry is designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. MedFerry Solutions has also hinted at plans to introduce additional vessels if demand exceeds expectations.
Routes and Destinations
The primary route connects Jounieh Port to Larnaca, Cyprus, with a crossing time of approximately four hours. The service operates three times weekly during the peak summer season (June to September) and twice weekly during the off-season. Departures from Jounieh are scheduled for early mornings, with return trips from Larnaca in the late afternoon, catering to both day-trippers and longer-stay travelers.
Jounieh’s new ferry service is expected to appeal to a wide range of passengers. Lebanese tourists can now easily access Cyprus’s beaches, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife, while Cypriots and EU citizens eligible for a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival in Lebanon can explore Jounieh’s seaside resorts, the iconic Harissa gondola lift, and the cultural treasures of nearby Beirut.
In addition to the Jounieh-Larnaca route, MedFerry Solutions has announced plans to explore additional destinations in 2026, pending regulatory approval and market demand. Potential routes include connections to Limassol, Cyprus, and even Piraeus, Greece, building on existing summer ferry services between Cyprus and Greece. “Our vision is to create a robust maritime network that links Lebanon with key Mediterranean destinations,” said a spokesperson for MedFerry Solutions during a press conference at Jounieh Port.
Boosting Tourism and the Local Economy
The ferry service is already generating excitement among local business owners in Jounieh, a city renowned for its vibrant nightlife, seaside restaurants, and historic souk. “This is a huge opportunity for Jounieh,” said Maria Khalil, owner of a popular beachfront café. “More visitors from Cyprus and beyond will discover what makes our city so special.”
Tourism officials in Lebanon and Cyprus are equally optimistic. The ferry is expected to drive a surge in cross-border tourism, particularly during the summer months when Jounieh’s resorts and festivals draw large crowds. The service also aligns with Lebanon’s broader efforts to revitalize its tourism sector, which has faced challenges in recent years due to economic and political instability.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the launch of the ferry service has been met with enthusiasm, some challenges remain. Industry analysts have raised concerns about the sustainability of the route, given the high operational costs of maritime transport and competition from budget airlines offering flights between Beirut and Larnaca. MedFerry Solutions, however, remains confident that the convenience, affordability, and unique experience of sea travel will attract a steady stream of passengers.
Looking ahead, the success of the Jounieh-Larnaca ferry could pave the way for further maritime initiatives in the region. Plans for a larger tourist port in Jounieh, first proposed in 2014, are reportedly being revisited, with potential funding from international investors. Such a development could position Jounieh as a key hub for cruise ships and regional ferry services, further elevating its status on the global tourism map.
A Voyage of Opportunity
As the Mediterranean Star makes its regular journeys across the sparkling waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, it carries with it the hopes of a region eager to reconnect and rebuild. For now, the ferry service from Jounieh Port stands as a symbol of progress and possibility, inviting travelers to embark on a new adventure between Lebanon and Cyprus.
For more information on schedules and bookings, visit MedFerry Solutions’ official website or contact Jounieh Port authorities.