Akureyri calls on the increase as pier extension is completed

Wednesday, October 5, 2016 - 11:06 by ce-press

Work to extend the pier at Oddeyrarbryggja is complete. The pier now measures 240m in length and has been fitted with new 200t storm bollards. Recent dredging means the depth alongside now ranges from 9.5m to 11m. Vessels of up to 350m in length can now be accommodated alongside.

So far 137,936gt MSC Splendida, at 333m in length, is the largest vessel to call. However Petur Olafsson, port director Port of Akureyri, commented: “We have already calls for a new MSC ship in the year of 2018, 167,000gt.”

This year the port received 104 calls, of which 12 were to Grimsey Island. Next year numbers rise significantly to 140, of which 22 are to the island.

Two new whale watching companies have recently set up business just 300m from the cruise pier. The tours take just three hours and this summer there were 100% sightings. In the autumn the companies also offer a Northern Lights tour.

Akureyri calls on the increase as pier extension is completed

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MSC Cruises

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Akureyri

Akureyri sits on the shores of Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjordur. It is the country´s second-largest town and the self-proclaimed capital of the North. With a population of just 19,600, there are many things that set Akureyri apart. The nearby Lake Mývatn for example is set in a bewitchingly beautiful area, featuring rock columns, geothermal vents and the popular Mývatn Nature Baths. Located approximately one hour away from the port, Lake Mývatn consistently proves itself to be the most popular shore excursion for cruise passengers visiting Akureyri. Another popular tour is the short flight to Grimsey Island - the only part of Iceland to cross the Arctic Circle. The small island has excellent tourist facilities, an interesting variety of landscapes and is home to a huge bird population during the summer months.