Santander has big plans for its Maritime Facade with the main reason for undertaking the reorganisation at the port being a brand new installation for passenger traffic.
The present quays next to the Passenger Terminal total about 700m in length and between 5m and 9m depth but they are not continuous (Albardea Dock: 267m length/7m to 9.5m depth and AnaosDock: 335m/9m). By filling in the area, the capacity for cruiseships will be multiplied, according to Sophie Lanos, Port of Santander.
The Spanish port is also considering developing two separate areas, one for cruise traffic and another for ferry traffic to the UK. The cruiseships would continue to call in the heart of the city but in a more modern and totally refurbished passenger terminal. Meanwhile a ferry terminal will be built about 400 yards away, hence separating the traffic. Investors will include the port, municipal, regional and national administrations.
In addition E50m is being invested by Fundacion Botin in building a new Art Center, Centro Botin de Arte y Cultura, designed by Italian architect Fenzo Piano. Covering 10,000m2 it will be next to the passenger terminal and the aim is for it to become a cultural icon much as the Guggenheim Museum is to Bilbao. Completion of the entire development is due in 2015.
The Spanish port received 10 calls and 12,000 passenger both in 2009 and 2010 including those from Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s Braemar, Seabourn Cruise Line’s Seabourn Sojourn and AIDA Cruises’ AIDAluna on her maiden voyage. For 2011 11 calls and 13,000 passengers are expected.
The quays are within the city centre but should a vessel have to dock at a commercial quay, free shuttle buses are provided for both passengers and crew. The international airport is 4km away with flights to main European cities.
