Thursday, July 28, 2016 - 15:04 by ce-press
On AIDAprima’s first call to her year-round homeport of Hamburg, the benefit of this new operation was not in doubt.
Helge Grammerstorf, national director CLIA Germany, commented: “We have seen about a 10% rise in Germany partly due to AIDAprima and Mein Schiff. We have a good chance to crack the two million passenger [mark] for the German market this year.”
“I think AIDAprima will be an amazing add-on for tourism to Hamburg. Also for ships coming year-round, there could be more. The utilisation of cruise infrastructure becomes year-round which is always better from an economical point of view. For the city of Hamburg it is even more of a chance to be on the cruise map.”
At the plaque exchange ceremony, president of AIDA Cruises Felix Eichhorn thanked minister of economic development and transport, Frank Horch, for his part in making the LNG operation possible. “Thanks to his support and collaboration we can get so far as we have today. With the infrastructure we are offering we are reaching a new dimension for the cruise business in Northern Europe, and especially the Port of Hamburg, will get further growth from the new momentum of the arrival of AIDAprima.”
He added: “On another note I know we are in the focus of environmental groups and everyone is looking at what is being done re the reduction of exhaust emissions. We believe the Port of Hamburg is the first. It is an example for other ports in Germany and we will do our utmost to develop and create all the pre-conditions for the new cruiseships which are under construction and will arrive also in regards to LNG bunkering. I am proud that this quality ship will sail from Hamburg.”
