Zeebrugge’s E800,000 investment in a state of the art passenger covered gangway last year has benefited passengers in 2010.
Last year the Belgian port had 59 calls with 67 expected this year and 73 next. Passenger numbers in 2009 totalled 170,000 with 145,000 so far this year on 47 calls.
The port offers a berth at the Swedish quay but it is possible to accommodate two ships at the 500m-long quay if the regular roro is not in port. Queen Mary 2 has been able to come alongside. Terminal facilities are arranged for the passengers as necessary.
There is a smaller berth located at the old mole according to Meil Vermogen, director sales Port of Zeebrugge, where ships up to 150m in length can be accommodated .
Walking time to the city centre is between five and 15 minutes. Shuttle buses are provided but whether they are free or not depends on the arrangement with the cruiseline.
The turning basin is 500m and there is no air draught restriction. Wastewater reception and recycling facilities are available at the port.
There are a number of projects under discussion to improve the existing facilities but no decisions have yet been taken. However Miel Vermorgen says: “We would eventually like to offer check-in facilities for passengers arriving from Brussels airport and boarding a cruise in Zeebrugge”.
