Gothenburg’s historic quay is being restored



Monday, April 10, 2017 - 13:03 by ce-press

Over 100 years ago, the first Swedish American Line vessel sailed for the USA from Stigbergskajen in Gothenburg. This historic quay is now being resurrected as a cruise reception centre under the name America Cruise Terminal.

This year will be the final season in which cruiseships can dock at Frihamnen. The area will form part of a major urban development scheme with the construction of homes and offices, forcing the present cruise terminal to find a new location.

The new central cruise terminal will be at Stigbergskajen in Masthugget. The quay and part of the terminal building, Amerikaskjulet, are currently being restored and will be ready to welcome vessels from spring 2018.

“The location is ideal as it is within walking distance of the inviting and vibrant districts of Majorna, Linne and Haga, and just a short journey by public transport or chartered bus into the city centre.” Jill Soderwall, vice president cruise Gothenburg Port Authority, explained.

Amerikaskjulet was constructed in 1912 and operated as a passenger terminal until 1975. The building was then converted into offices. Part of it will now be converted into a reception hall with a tourist information office, souvenir shop and other facilities.


The maximum length for vessels calling at America Cruise Terminal will be 225m, 25m longer than the current maximum length at Frihamnen. “We believe that America Cruise Terminal will lead to more cruise companies including Gothenburg on their itinerary,” commented Soderwall. “The extremely keen competition to attract cruiseships makes a good welcome extremely important.”

Around half of the ships that call each year sail under the Alvsborg Bridge and dock centrally. The largest vessels will continue to dock at the terminal at Arendal.

Before the inaugural season in 2018, the whole of the outside of Stigbergskajen will be renovated. Ten metres of the quay will be demolished and rebuilt, the bollards will be reinforced, ramps will be constructed and parking spaces for buses will be created.
Seventeen vessels are already scheduled to put into the new terminal.


Gothenburg Port Authority and Goteborg & Co have been working actively since 2008 to market Gothenburg as a cruise destination. The number of calls has increased significantly with a record high in 2014 of 73 vessels, carrying over 100,000 passengers. There has been a slight downturn since then, due largely to keen competition from other ports, particularly in Denmark. In 2008 there were 18 calls and 14,200 passengers with a record high in 2014 of 73 calls and 108,000 passengers. Last year there were 34 calls and 56,000 passengers.
Gothenburg’s historic quay is being restored
(c) Port of Gothenburg





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