The seaport of Sochi is closed for cargo vessels as construction of a new passenger terminal to meet the flow of visitors in time of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics will kick off within the nearest days, head of the city's Transport and Communication Administration said.

"The decision [about the closure of the seaport] was taken in relation with the beginning of construction works over new passenger terminal. The sea gates will be temporarily opened for passenger carriers only," Alexei Smaglyuk said.

The reconstruction will involve not only the seaport's maritime terminals but also the coastal infrastructure, he added.

The XXII Winter Olympic Games will open in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi on February 7, 2014.

Seventy-two out of 242 Olympic facilities planned to be built in Sochi are already under construction.

Current IOC President Jacques Rogge has thanked Russia for its preparations for the Games and for heeding the IOC's advice on developments.

SOCHI, September 5 (RIA Novosti)