David Dingle headlines CEC conference in Dublin

Carnival UK chairman David Dingle opened the Cruise Europe conference (CEC) in Dublin on June 1 with a state of the industry briefing, saying: “Members of Cruise Europe take a very important part in the development of the European cruise industry”.

With 61 newbuildings on order providing 185,000 lower berths between now and beyond 2021, the orderbook is at unprecedented levels and “the cruise industry is in an upswing”. While the average size of ships on order is over 3,000 lower berths, there is a great diversity in size from 100 beds up. For the first time ships are being specifically built for new markets such as China and Australia as well as to be run on LNG which requires a completely new fuel supply chain.

He pointed out that over the last five years the European cruise economy has grown by 18%. “Most of that during a period of recession and the contribution of E40bn is still pretty stunning.” He said there is still plenty of pent-up demand for Europe which needs unlocking, saying: “The main direction must be Europeans for these ships.”

Dingle pointed to the large regulatory and fiscal agenda that has to be managed. He said: “There is no doubt that cruiselines have reduced the scale of operation in the Emission Control Areas. But we are beginning to satisfy the critics, particularly those to sulphur abatement technology.”

The establishment of the Baltic as a special area for wastewater is a crucial step in terms of its environment. But asked that “adequate facilities are established in Baltic ports which means enough capacity for every berth that accommodates cruiseships".

As far as ports are concerned, tendering for the larger ships is unlikely while existing gangways will probably have to be upgraded.

He made reference to the European visa application process proving to be slow and the need to continue “to lobby to preserve Europe’s competitive VAT regime and resist inappropriate taxes”.

About 160 delegates attended including an all-time high of 10 cruiseline executives, 100 CE members, invited media and others attending the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) conference the following day.

Sessions covered such varied topics as issues faced with new-generation vessels, the challenge of luxury client expectations, port service requirements and developing new ports of call.