This was largely a result of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 leaving the Port of Famagusta within occupied territory and inaccessible.

In the year 2000, 3,589,000 tonnes of cargo were handled whilst there were roughly 1 million passenger arrival and departures (>90% of total traffic).

[6] Over 50 international cruise liners include Cyprus in their Mediterranean Sea routes resulting in much of the passenger traffic.

Up to and including 1974, the British RAF 1153 Marine Craft Unit (MCU) was stationed in the western part of the harbor.

It covers an area of 40,000 square metres (430,000 sq ft), and is now a leisure centre with many restaurants, taverns and shops.