Tuesday, August 29, 2017 - 17:32 by ce-press
Larne is a small and friendly harbour situated at the beginning of the Causeway Coastal Route and 20 miles from Northern Ireland’s capital Belfast. Historically a ferry port, it is looking to diversify. This year Hebridean Princess called and will return next year.
Harbour master Anthony Van Damme comments: “What they like at Larne, is the clean facilities, less than 40 minutes away from some of the major local attractions [see below] and that the coaches can be driven up to the quay and literally pick up the passengers from the bottom of the gangway.”
There are three quays with the capacity to accommodate vessels up to 205m in length and 6m to 7m draught. The basin has depths up to 10m. Routine dredging takes place to maintain depths, however should there be a business case for improving the depths, Van Damme says this would be considered.
Anchorage is available for vessels with no size limitations. The present landing stage, which is 2nm away, could be made ready for cruise passengers should there be a demand. There is ample parking space for buses.
Larne Port has a passenger terminal with free wifi, a small cafe/shop, toilets and luggage-handling facilities. The railway station is right next to the passenger terminal. There is public transport to Belfast and up the Antrim coast. Larne centre is 15 minutes away on foot. Shuttle buses can be organised.
The whole port facility is in a Passenger Port Facility ISPS area. Security is provided by G4S. “Because we operate a regular ferry service from Larne, the G4S staff are used to dealing with passengers and are very customer focused,” explains Van Damme.
There are two 12m gangways and three 6m gangways that can be hired out to the vessel. There is also a fixed boarding bridge.
In terms of costs, “the grt cost for a cruise vessel is about 40% lower than a normal cargo vessel, in recognition of the high gross tonnage of the vessels” says Van Damme, whilst adding: “If cruise companies wish to sign up to a minimum number of calls, we would look at this and offer discounts or incentives as appropriate.”
Berths are allocated on a first-come first-serve basis. “At present we have no firm bookings, hence there is plenty of availability. We are a small operation with short lines of communications. Once a berth is booked it is yours unless you cancel the booking.”
There are on-site waste facilities but, for cruise vessels, extra skips will be brought in. Fresh water is available at every quay and is charged in line with the costs to the port.
The port is only 35 minutes’ drive from Belfast International airport.
Tourist attractions include UNESCO world heritage The Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills Distillery, Titanic Belfast, Carrickfergus Castle, Glenarm Castle and walled garden and The Gobbins Cliff Path.
“Our professional staff will go the extra mile to ensure that your passengers and crew get an authentic Northern Irish welcome and outstanding customer service during their stay,” concludes Van Damme.
