News Archive

29/07/2024

New associate member: DMC Nordic

DMC Nordic is a full-service destination management company and a member of The World’s Leading Ground Operators. With well-established offices and a team of local experts across Scandinavia and the Baltic region, it operates over 500 ports of call.   The company has been specialising in crafting tailor-made experiences for its clients since it began in 1983.   With over 40 years of experience, it promises to deliver authentic excursions that let the destination speak for itself, allowing passengers to explore and take part in the rich cultures and stunning landscapes of Norway, Denmark, Estonia, Sweden, Finland, Greenland and beyond.   The company also offers tailored services for turnaround, pre & post extensions, shore excursions and land programmes, working closely with port agents to ensure smooth and attentive service throughout.   Bozidar Despenic, director of cruise operations, DMC Nordic, says: “Whether in the most remote areas of Norway, the smallest towns in Denmark, the secluded islands of Estonia, or the bustling market towns of Sweden, we guarantee our presence and commitment to making guests feel at home. Our hospitality services extend both onboard and ashore, bringing personality, local experience, and excellence to every interaction.”   The company is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices that protect and preserve the destinations visited. By supporting local economies and eco-friendly initiatives, it ensures that its operations benefit both the travellers and the communities visited.

29/07/2024

Visby welcomes newcomers with new walking routes

This year Visby is set to receive a record 11 inaugural calls out of 110 in total. "our extended season began in mid April, easing out until the end of October but with the final five calls in December4. The numbers for 2025 are looking similar with 100 calls booked so far," according to Anna Sylvan, cruise manager Visby, Copenhagen Malmo Port.   The medieval city is cited on rocky hills and has many cobbled streets and alleys making it a challenging but rewarding city to discover on foot. The region has recently developed four different tours for independent guests, which are aimed at dispersing them better throughout the city. A banner at the port displays the QR code for anyone wanting to branch out on their own. These Routes to Visby present four different thematic walking options, up to a maximum of 2.9km in length - scenic route, garden route, cultural route and commerce route - that lead passengers to different gates in the city wall. “Preset routes in the Google Maps app make it accessible to all at the press of a button,” explains Sylvan. Gotland also has 100 medieval churches to be explored on overland tours or by bike. Along these roads wildflowers are left to bloom in an effort to increase biodiversity and attract more bees and butterflies. In Visby, the botanical garden, sheltered by the city wall, offers a variety of nectar-giving flowers. "We know there are beehives on top of the cathedral and in the ruins of Saint Clemens so that our buzzy wildlife are able to collect," adds Sylvan.

26/07/2024

CRUISE ACTIVITY AT PORTO CRUISE TERMINAL INCREASED 27% IN CALLS AND 10% IN PASSENGERS IN THE FIRST SEMESTER OF 2024

2024 ON TRACK TO BECOME THE BEST YEAR EVER FOR CRUISES AT THE PORTO CRUISE TERMINAL The Porto Cruise Terminal has recorded 71 cruise ship calls and 73.341 cruise passengers during the first semester of 2024, which means a 27% increase in cruise calls and a 10% increase in the number of cruise passengers over the same period of last year. The first half of the year was also marked by 7 cruise ships inaugural calls out of 19 planned, until the end of 2024. Due to seasonality, the highest concentration of cruise activity was recorded in April and May. Just in these 2 months the port welcomed 45 vessels that brought nearly 46.000 passengers to the region. Most of the passengers visiting Porto Cruise Terminal and the Porto & the North of Portugal Region were from the United Kingdom (36%), followed by Germany (29%) and from the USA (23%). The size of the ships has also been increasing significantly over the past few years. Vessels GT grew by 9% in the first half of 2024 compared with the same period of 2023. If the forecasts hold, Porto Cruise Terminal could once again reach record numbers by the end of the year. 162 cruise ship calls are already planned to visit the port and cruise passengers’ numbers are expected to rise above 150.000.

26/07/2024

RECORD-BREAKING ARRIVAL DRIVES PORT OF ABERDEEN’S DIVERSIFICATION

Port of Aberdeen today (26 July 2024) set a new benchmark for its capability and capacity as it welcomed the spectacular 290-metre long Costa Favolosa cruise ship, the largest vessel to visit the port in its 888-year history. The Costa Cruises vessel, which has 13 decks and weighs 113,307 gross tonnes, arrived at South Harbour from Kirkwall for a day-long stopover before departing to Edinburgh. The 4,000 guests and crew received an authentic Scottish welcome from the Robert Gordon College Pipe Band, Alba Bagpipes, and VisitAberdeenshire’s ‘Welcome to Aberdeenshire’ volunteers. Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Costa Favolosa, its guests and crew to Aberdeen. This is the latest demonstration of how we’re driving diversification in energy, trade and tourism with our expanded infrastructure. Activity levels at South Harbour have exceeded expectations, as we compete for a new scale of opportunities with prospective and existing customers. “As the UK’s oldest existing business, we know what it means to adapt and rise to the challenges of tomorrow. Together, in partnership with government and industry, we can drive sustainable economic growth and energy transition.” Chris Foy, CEO, VisitAberdeenshire, said: “The increase in calls for the 2024/25 season is further evidence of the region’s growing reputation as a quality destination for cruise operators.” Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is literally the biggest piece of evidence yet that the investment by Port of Aberdeen in the world class South Harbour facility and the work over the last few years by Team Aberdeen is seeing us established as a calling point of choice for UK and Northern European cruise operators. We are already welcoming tens of thousands of new visitors to the region every year as a result and this will grow exponentially by the end of the decade.” Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader, Councillor Christian Allard, said: “The arrival of the Costa Favolosa underlines Aberdeen’s growing importance as a cruise ship destination. Our city is being transformed – and both tourists and local businesses are enjoying the benefits.”

12/07/2024

Surprise Cruise Ship Visits Boost Business

Unscheduled cruise calls at Portland Port over the summer so far have boosted the local economy by a bumper £750,000. Five liners – including the iconic Queen Mary 2 – have visited the port at late notice after being unable to stop at their destinations elsewhere. The Ambassador Line’s Ambience, Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess and SAGA’s Spirit of Adventure have also made last minute calls. Latest to visit was the German line Plantours Kreuzfahrten’s MS Hamburg with 360 passengers. It was the first time the cruise line and one its ships had called at Portland. More than 8, 500 passengers have arrived on these additional ships from mid-May to July as the port – and its Dorset hinterland – becomes established as a ‘go to’ destination on the cruise map. Based on industry figures from the Cruise Lines Industry Association (CLIA), the stops were worth in the region of £750,000 to the local economy. Ian McQuade, general manager commercial and chair of Cruise Britain, said: “It is always a pleasure to welcome cruise ships on unscheduled visits. “The unscheduled calls total five to date this year, out of 10 enquiries. They reflect the area’s increasing popularity for cruise calls and represent a further valuable boost of circa £750,000 for the local hospitality and tourism industry. “Our location, new deepwater berths which allow the largest cruise ships to moor alongside and our reputation for pulling out the stops to accommodate visiting vessels make the port an attractive proposition for cruise lines on both scheduled and unscheduled visits. “Our thanks go to our dedicated and responsive team, including our contracted shuttle bus operators and welcome team, who have been able to help us accommodate the unscheduled ships and their passengers at very short notice.” Cruise lines divert to Portland after being unable to enter their destination ports for a variety of reasons, including weather conditions or industrial action. The Queen Mary 2, from the prestigious Cunard Line, was on a short break cruise of French and Belgian ports when she was diverted to Portland due to strikes in Le Havre, France. Ian said: “The feedback we have had is that the crew and passengers on the Queen Mary 2 were very happy with their visit which coincided with the popular Wessex Folk Festival on Weymouth harbourside. “Although she has been to the port before, during Covid, this was her first transit visit and the first by a Cunard ship. “It represented another milestone in the development of the port’s cruise business and its support for local businesses and the supply chain.” Portland Port’s cruise calls bring in circa £10m per year to the local economy, based on statistics from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) trade body for spend per head of passenger. The figure includes expenditure in shops, bars, cafes and tourism attractions along with transport and tours. Portland Port expects to have welcomed 50 ships carrying more than 110,000 passengers by the end of 2024. Portland Port has invested heavily in its infrastructure over several years, the largest investment being £26m on its deep-water-berth, to increase capacity and capability. This has allowed the port to welcome larger vessels, including ships up to 350m in length on opposite berths on the same day. The Portland Port estate provides employment for circa 300 people in non-seasonal work. The port itself directly employs 57 in this total. About half of the people employed live on Portland and the rest in Weymouth, or very close by. ENDS

25/06/2024

OPS becomes a reality in Stockholm

The first test call for onshore power at Stadsgarden Quay 167 took place on May 30 when AIDAdiva called. The hope is that the supply will go live towards the end of June when the same vessel calls, explains Stefan Scheja, marketing manager ferries and cruises at Ports of Stockholm (PoS). Ferries have been plugging in at the port since the mid-1980s, albeit for less power at about 2.5mW. “I think the challenge now and for all the destinations, is the large amount of power needed,” he explains. In this respect, 7.5mW will be the starting point at S167, with 12mW coming in autumn this year, and 16mW promised further down the track. However 7.5mW will be sufficient power to connect 35 cruiseships to onshore power supply (OPS), with only five requiring more power than is available for the 2024 season. The connection at berth S167 has been granted support from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's Klimatklivet. The project has also - together with the three Baltic Sea ports at Copenhagen, Aarhus and Helsinki - been awarded grants from the EU to invest in OPS. The infrastructure on the port side, delivered by PSW and Shore Link, has been ready for some time but the 18-month delay, from the original plan of 2023, has been primarily due to the permissions needed by energy grid company Ellevio to lay the cables in the streets of Stockholm, according to Scheja. Vattenfall is the supplier of energy. The same is true for S160 which is all ready to go, but for the OPS connection. This is hoped for in September but, if not, everything will be in place for the 2025 season. Scheja comments: “This is an important step for the Ports of Stockholm, for sustainability for the cruise industry and a great step forward towards the port’s aim to be carbon neutral in 2030”. When the project is completed, it will be possible for over 45 percent of cruise calls to connect to electricity at the quay, states PoS.

25/06/2024

Copenhagen breaks ground for OPS facilities

Construction works for onshore power supply (OPS) for cruise at Oceankaj and Langelinie in Copenhagen has begun. In 2025 it will be possible to connect to two out of the five connections at these quays. This follows the 2021 inauguration of OPS for the ferry connecting Oslo, operated by DFDS. Luis de Carvalho, Copenhagen Malmö Port’s cruise commercial director and Danish Tourism advisory board member, says: ”Copenhagen is a major cruise hub and our terminals cater to ships of all types and sizes. Being able to provide shore power from next year is very much in line with our cruise line partner’s sustainability goals, and we continue to work very closely with the industry to support a greening of the sector.” This initiative is about ensuring better air quality for the people of Copenhagen and limiting emissions from cruiseships. Copenhagen Malmo Port (CMP) is looking forward to reaping the benefits of this project from the 2025 season - the year when it is also expecting to become CO2-neutral in its own operations. Barbara Scheel Agersnap, ceo CMP, says: ”The marking of the construction start for the new shore power facility together with the Municipality of Copenhagen and By & Havn is an important milestone in the green transition that benefits the people of Copenhagen. It is a positive development, at the same time as we also see that the shipping companies' readiness for shore power has increased significantly. “We are therefore very much looking forward to putting the facility into operation next year … five years before it becomes a legal requirement” she adds. The connection to the electricity grid takes place from new main stations in Ydre Nordhavn. First from a temporary main station and, from 2028, to the permanent main station, after which the full capacity of four 16 MVA simultaneous connections can be utilised. The OPS facility is constructed by PowerCon and Nordkysten for the Copenhagen City and Port Development Agency (By & Havn) and is to be operated by CMP. It is co-financed by the EU’s TEN-T program and the Municipality of Copenhagen.

25/06/2024

AIDA Cruises returns to Riga

This season AIDA Cruises returns to Riga, with nine calls on three ships, after a break of five years.   “We, as AIDA Cruises, are happy to be back at this wonderful port, showing our guests the variety of the Baltic. Also, with more calls than before in 2019: expecting nine calls in 2024 and also nine calls for 2025. Our shore excursion programme offers something for everyone: whether it’s a quick overview of Riga or full-day excursions in the surroundings to Kemeri National Park or Jurmala,” says an AIDA spokesman. Ieva Lasmane, head of the tourism department of the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, says: ”This is an important event for the development of tourism in the city and confirms the attractiveness of Riga as an excellent cruise destination. Tourists from Germany are one of Riga's largest target groups, and the return of such a large cruise line to Riga shows that the negative impact of the geopolitical situation on tourism in the Baltics is diminishing. The beneficiaries will also be the restaurants and cafes of Old Riga, which will be visited by the passengers of the ship, giving an additional impetus to business”.   On average, 40% of AIDA passengers take tours, which is a typical attendance rate. Tours include various thematic excursions around the capital: cultural and local tourism programmes and culinary tours. Further afield are the picturesque town, Sigulda, and Rundale Palace. There are also those who choose to go for a walk along the marsh paths with a guide.   "We are one of the most highly rated destinations in the Baltic Sea region. The majority of cruise lines note the high level of satisfaction of passengers after visiting Riga. Cruise passengers appreciate the various offer of Riga tourism products, including UNESCO heritage, cultural and historical pearls, local food and drinks, as well as the excellent location of the port nearby the old town,” says Jeļena Burdastova, cruise business support specialist Riga Freeport Authority.   The majority of all cruise tourists arriving in Riga are from Germany. In 2023, cruise passengers from Germany accounted for 40% of all cruise tourists, totalling 32.7 thousand passengers from Germany. This year the Latvian capital is expecting more German visitors due to AIDA’s return to the city. This season, the port has 68 calls planned. Following meetings at Seatrade Cruise Global with cruiseline representatives, Riga has secured calls from a couple of cruise lines on their world cruise itineraries in 2025 and 2026.

25/06/2024

Queen Anne christened in Liverpool as GPH begins its tenure

In May 1840 Liverpool played host to Cunard’s first transatlantic crossing. The city was also the home of the company’s headquarters for 128 years. On June 3, Cunard’s newbuilding, Queen Anne, arrived at the cruiseline’s spiritual home in a landmark moment for Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH) and Peel Ports Group’s (PPG) new partnership for Liverpool Cruise Port.   This maiden call marks the first major arrival since GPH signed a 50-year agreement in April with PPG’s subsidiary, The Mersey Docks And Harbour Company Ltd, to operate services at Liverpool Cruise Port.    Stephen Xuereb, coo GPH, said: "When we added the Liverpool Cruise Port [formerly Cruise Liverpool] to our network, our first cruise port here in the UK, we set out our ambition to further elevate the cruise experience in the city.” While David Huck, coo PPG, said: “We’re really proud to see GPH begin their tenure at the Port of Liverpool with such a significant occasion, as we welcome this incredible ship to our city.” Subject to the granting of appropriate permits and licenses, GPH plans to invest up to £25 million (€29.5 million) in the port’s infrastructure. John Mawer, general manager CPL, says: “GPH’s intention is to optimise its share of the market. We believe that by increasing capacity from one to two berths and building new shoreside infrastructure, we will be able to grow our calls by at least 60 a year. We are in the proposal stage so there are no specific details but it will be a berth extension.”   In 2023, there were 102 calls with 100 scheduled this year and 115 are estimated for 2025. The economic impact to the region is about £20 million a year on passenger spend ashore. For suppliers, it is business as usual despite GPH being at the helm, explains Mawer who continues to manage operations and provide the knowhow and consistency necessary for a seamless transition. “From an operational point of view little has changed, although there are some administrative differences.”   In an unusual move, the City of Liverpool was named as Queen Anne’s Godparent in recognition of the longstanding history. The christening ceremony included performances from tenor Andrea Bocelli and The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Representing the city were five Liverpool icons: former Spice Girl and author Melanie C; broadcaster and community leader Ngunan Adamu; local restaurant entrepreneur Natalie Haywood; Liverpool music and cultural legend Jayne Casey; and British Olympian heptathlon athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson. 

25/06/2024

Bordeaux’s new Pauillac quay receives its first call

On May 30, Sea Cloud Spirit became the first ship to dock at Bordeaux Port’s new cruise pier in Pauillac on an overnight call. The port has invested €2.5 million in the facility. New fenders, as well as four dolphins (two for anchorage and two for docking) and two additional 100t bollards, have been installed. Two new platform gangways will be delivered shortly. The quay is 291m long and 29.5 m wide and the berth is dredged at 9.5m. Ships up to 320m in length and with a 61 000t will be accommodated at the new facility which is ‘one berth only’, meaning that if a small cruiseship calls in Pauillac, she will be alone. “We will take the bookings on a first-booked, first-served policy, and the port dues are exactly the same as in our other cruise quays (Bordeaux and Le Verdon). If a cruiseship docks in two different locations during the same voyage (Bordeaux and Pauillac, for example), they pay the port dues only once. We do not charge overnights, this is also part of our ‘enjoy our destination’ policy,” says Laurence Bouchardie, Cruise Bordeaux manger. The berth is located 1.8 km downstream from Pauillac city centre, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, in the heart of the Medoc wine region and close to Bordeaux. In the sixties, it was used for liners, then cargo and, from 2004 to 2020, by Airbus for the Airbus A380 logistics. When the aircraft building programme was stopped four years ago, the port decided to make works on the quay to adapt it to cruise traffic. Bordeaux Port now welcomes cruiseships on three different locations: Bordeaux City centre, in the heart of the pedestrian Unesco area, for ships up to 250m long (two berths); Pauillac; and Le Verdon, located at the mouth of the Gironde estuary, for any size of cruiseships (two berths). Bordeaux Port expects a record activity of 66 calls this year, bringing 65,000 to 70,000 passengers.

25/06/2024

Helsinki prepares to be carbon neutral in 2025

The Port of Helsinki is implementing a variety of measures in order to reduce its energy consumption and to meet its goal of being carbon neutral for its own operations next year. This includes procuring energy from low- or zero-emission sources and carbon offsetting.   “So far, we have managed to reduce the emissions generated by our own operations to less than half of what they were in 2015, the reference year of the Port of Helsinki’s carbon neutrality programme, as a result of various energy efficiency measures and the procurement of carbon-free electricity,” says Andreas Slotte, head of sustainable development at the port. “We have improved the energy efficiency of buildings, boosted the recycling and recovery of heating energy and switched to using LED lighting in harbour fields and properties. We have also increased our own solar power generation.”   Procuring the energy needed for its operation from carbon-free sources is part of the equation. The port switched to procuring carbon-free electricity in 2020. “Next year, we will also switch to using renewable district heating in our properties, the origin of which is guaranteed with the Finnish Energy Authority’s Guarantee of Origin,” adds Slotte.   Despite the above measures, a small amount of the port’s carbon emissions will have to be offset, such as a few remaining non-electric vehicles, less than 10 work machines and business trips.   The port has plans for a 25% reduction in vessel emissions by the year 2030, which includes onshore power supply (OPS). With four connections in place for ferries, it has plans for three large cruiseships to be a able to connect at West Harbour cruise quays by the end of this decade. The high cost of installation needs long-term commitment from the cruise lines and, hopefully, some funding from the EU.   Call numbers for this year are 99 compared to 90 in 2023, and more than 300 in 2019. The high utilisation rates of the ships indicates a healthy business. Looking ahead, calls are expected to reach 110 next year. Kaj Takolander, VP passenger services Port of Helsinki, says: “There are positive vibes in the market for 2026. We are expecting healthy growth and some new exciting initiatives. The re-defined northern Baltic Sea market is booming.” 

25/06/2024

North Cape’s Lakselv looks forward to its first turnaround

In October Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot will turnaround at anchor in Lakselv. This will be the port’s first turnaround operation and follows two calls in May from Le Lyrial, both overnight (pictured).   “This is very exciting for us in the Port of North Cape [PoNC] and we hope to have more of turnaround operations in the future from the North. Ponant is a new and regular visitor for us, having their first visit with Le Bellot in March this year,” says Emmi Inch, sustainability and marketing coordinator PoNC.   PoNC has three cruise ports in northern Norway: Honningsvag/North Cape; Kjollefjord; and Lakselv, which is located at the bottom of the Porsanger fjord, the 4th longest fjord in Norway. The destination is a gateway to Sami culture and their way of life.   “The focus in Lakselv, which is up and coming, is on expedition-size ships, small group activities and for those looking for something completely, new, authentic and untouched,” adds Inch. There is also the possibility to use SeaWalk in Lakselv for ships up to 300m in length. There are 171 cruise calls expected this year to North Cape, with 74 having already been handled, mainly alongside but also on anchorage. To date MSC Preziosa is the largest ship to have called. Kjollefjord gets daily calls from Hurtigruten and Havila on the Norwegian coastal route.   The port is planning to sustainably certify this year and has set a focus on long-term sustainable development, according to Inch, who adds: “We at North Cape now have a big focus on sustainable development as the whole travel destination has qualified with a Norwegian quality label as a sustainable travel destination in April 2024 (Merket for Baerekraftig reisemal).”   PoNC has begun a project to install onshore power at berth North and coastal voyage berth South, both in North Cape. To date, it has received NKr20 million (€1.76 million) in funding for the Nkr120 million total project cost.

25/06/2024

Operations at Stornoway’s Deep Water Terminal began in April

On April 1 this year, Stornoway Port welcomed its first ship to the new Deep Water Terminal. The inaugural call was made by Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition, and the largest ship to date, Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, arrived on May 15. Construction of the £59 million (€69.9 million) project began in May 2022 with the aim of being able to accommodate vessels of 360m in length and with a 10m draught.   “Our berth is the only deep water berth north of Greenock on the west coast of Scotland. This development benefits the cruise industry by providing more docking opportunities and also boosts the local economy through increased tourism and business activity,” says Kirsty Hutchison, cruise manager Stornoway Port. “The new berth has been popular with all the ships that have berthed so far and it fulfils a long-standing desire from the cruise industry for a terminal that can provide a gateway to the Outer Hebrides.”   This year, the port has 93 scheduled calls across all its berths, marking the busiest year in its history. “The addition of the Deep Water Terminal significantly enhances the Port’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels, supporting the growth of cruise tourism throughout the region,” Hutchison adds.

25/06/2024

New associate member: Malik Supply

Malik Supply was established in 1989 as a group of companies, focused on supplying vessels in the North Atlantic area. In 2011, the company expanded into the Danish market with the acquisition of Statoil. Sister company Malik Energy specialises in supplying marine fuels and lubricating oil to the maritime industry. Operating its own terminals across Denmark, the company ensures access to high-quality marine gasoil whenever and wherever it is needed. The team is dedicated to delivering excellence, guaranteeing to supply low sulphur marine gas oil DMA with a maximum density of 0.86 and sulphur content capped at 0.1%. It also operates in Iceland. Over the years the company has provided fuel to cruise ships and ferries. “We strive to ensure that the guests on board have a seamless experience and won't take notice of the delivery. When we deliver fuel, it always takes place in close collaboration with the customer so that we can match the needs and handle the task as discreetly as possible,” says Yulia Tyurenkova, bunker trader Malik Supply. “Our specialties are custom-tailored solutions for both cruise industry leaders, like Royal Caribbean, and niche players in the expedition segment. We will navigate you through the entire procurement process, starting with the available grades, indicative prices, and securing the best credit terms. We understand that timely supply is critical to your business success. That's why we monitor delivery prospects before, during, and after to ensure excellent service.”

10/06/2024

Record May reaffirms Southampton's leading cruise position

Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Port of Southampton welcomed a record number of cruise vessels to the Port in May, kick-starting the summer cruise season for 2024 on a real high. For May the Port welcomed 26 different cruise ships with a grand total of 71 calls, both turnaround and transit, and over 400,000 guests. Nearly one million cruise guests have passed through the Port so far in 2024. The Port’s capacity to handle these industry leading volumes is founded on continuing investment in dedicated infrastructure, the deep, accumulated experience of functions across the port and strong relationships with partners, including cruise lines, ground handling operators, stevedores, and security teams. Thea George, Senior Cruise Manager, said: "What a fantastic month May was, we've had a great start to the year with January to April seeing an increase in cruise calls as the months progress and our summer season has started in earnest with a record 71 calls to the Port in May. It is great to see so many passengers come to our city and travel out of the Port on some of the most luxurious cruise ships. The Cruise, Marine and Land Operations teams work tirelessly throughout the summer months to ensure our visitors safely board the vessels and so ships can depart on time. It is great for the City to see so many cruise ships coming in and out of the Port, and we hope the people of Southampton feel as proud as we are of the key role the City plays within the global cruise sector. Our Port and the City are intrinsically linked with so much maritime history; it is great to be part of making new history in the modern world of cruising." This year, ABP are seeing an increase in cruise ships utilising the shore power facility at the Port of Southampton compared to the previous year. In May, 20% of the cruise visits plugged into shore power, allowing them to switch off their engines and achieve zero emissions while in the Port. Stuart Baker, Maritime UK Solent, said: “ABP Southampton and Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), have jointly invested in the shore power infrastructure to support sustainable operations in the port. ABP Southampton actively encourages cruise vessels to switch off and plug in to achieve zero emissions whilst in the Port. This is a great initiative, and we are seeing the benefits of having this technology in the Port as shore power technology is implemented on board more cruise ships.” More cruise ships arriving in the City of Southampton is great news for the local and regional economy. The sector supports thousands of jobs and businesses in the area, attracting new tourists to our historic maritime City and its hinterland. In 2023, the Port of Southampton welcomed 2.75 million passengers and the cruise sector generated over £1 billion for the local and regional economy and 2024 is well on its way to increasing these benefits to the local and regional economy. ABP Southampton is also working in partnership with GO! Southampton by launching a new initiative called the Welcome Volunteer Programme. This initiative, driven by passionate volunteers with local knowledge, aims to enhance the experience of transit passengers by educating them about the city and its offerings. The Welcome Volunteers, stationed at the cruise terminals, are playing a key role in guiding passengers and helping them make the most of their visit to Southampton, thereby adding value to their overall visit to the city and cruise experience. Stephen Manion, Managing Director at GO! Southampton said: “It is amazing to see so many cruise passengers arrive in the City and now we have a great initiative to make sure they are supported during their stay and can see the best of the City Centre.

06/06/2024

How ports should approach the new exit and entry system (EES) in Europe

The European Commission will introduce a new Entry-Exit System (EES) for all member states in October 2024. This will involve new immigration procedures at cruise ports, including biometric checks (fingerprints and face recognition) on arrival and/or departure. One of the major challenges is that the estimated time to inspect each cruise passenger could increase from 30-45 seconds to two minutes per passenger. Depending on the size of the ship, the time to clear a full ship could take three to four times longer than usual and, potentially, have a negative impact on the passenger experience ashore. In Copenhagen, the preparatory work has started well ahead of time. Copenhagen Malmo Port (CMP) has, in cooperation with local stakeholders, established early contacts with the Danish Border Control (DBC) to identify which types of itineraries they chose to prioritise for inspections. CMP’s commercial cruise director Luis de Carvalho adds: “Having several constructive meetings with the Danish Border Control very early has allowed us to understand that they will most likely focus on inspecting 10-15 cruise calls a year, out of a possible 300 cruise calls. These calls primarily involve turnaround calls starting and ending in non-Schengen countries. “In addition, we were able to understand their requirements in terms of flows and space necessary at the terminals to assure that while we are complying with the rules, we are also able to minimise possible inconveniences to the passenger.” In addition, the DBC will use their own smart mobile cases to inspect the passengers at the terminal, which also facilitates the process. De Carvalho continues: “We strongly recommend that each port initiates a dialogue with their own country immigration or border control authorities to understand how they intend to implement the rules. Furthermore, we encourage dialogue between member states for consistency in the application of the rules affecting the cruise industry.” In the meantime, Cruise Europe is supporting the dialogue between our port and associate members, cruise lines and Frontex (EU’s European Border And Coast Guard Agency) with the purpose of sharing relevant information and guidelines for a better understanding and an efficient implementation of the new procedures.

30/05/2024

Handing over the CE chairman’s stamp

After 12 years as chair of Cruise Europe (CE), Captain Michael McCarthy passed the baton to Simone Maraschi during the CE Conference in Stockholm in May. From the start, McCarthy was keen to build a democratic leadership, saying: “In my opinion, leadership is not about directing but showing. I wanted to make full use of the Council’s expertise, through collaboration, trust-building, empowering the team and utilising their knowledge and expertise.” This ethos has seen the association through some challenging times, not least fighting for associations, such as CE, to maintain a place in the CLIA world, the Covid pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has hit the eastern Baltic hard. Notwithstanding, the membership has grown from 90 to almost 150 during McCarthy’s tenure. With Jens Skrede as managing director, the CE family, as it is now fondly known, has grown from strength to strength. Building on these strengths and taking them further will be new chair, Simone Maraschi, managing director Cruise Gate Hamburg. Already an active CE member, Maraschi champions sustainability and collaboration and is keen to take these key tenets into the future: “Communication and collaboration amongst all the stakeholders is more important than ever. Please all of you, share your knowledge. I am filled with honour, enthusiasm and a lot of excitement to work towards a common goal of sustainable cruise. Together, we can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and deliver exceptional experiences for cruise passengers.” Just as the members came together to elect Maraschi unopposed, so they did to bid farewell to a chair who is, not only a colleague, but a true friend to many. Speeches and and an Abba-style rendition left many with a tear but we wish newly-awarded CE honorary ambassador McCarthy all the very best for the future, wherever it may take him.

30/05/2024

The ups and downs of the geopolitical landscape

Russian’s invasion of Ukraine saw a huge decrease in calls to ports in the eastern and northern Baltic. Host city Stockholm, for example, has seen calls drop from about 275 pre-pandemic to 125 this year. Some two years on, hard work and collaboration are seeing some signs of recovery. And it may well be that its reputation as a ‘safe’ destination is returning as geopolitical events take hold in Israel and Gaza. Sandra Weir, director government relations and public affairs at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, commented: “Cruise is very resilient, even through recessions, geopolitical and Covid, we just keep growing.” The company is looking at an 18% increase in passengers and 12% rise in calls across its three brands in the Baltic next year compared to this. The Atlantic is up also: “We are adding in ports rather than have a sea day. We have more turns in Lisbon,” she added. When it comes to itinerary planning, it may have surprised many in the audience to hear that panellists are planning anywhere from two to 10 years ahead. A standout comment was from Weir who told members that she feels itinerary planning will “change drastically as we roll out meeting ESG goals”. This will mean departments in corporations having to work more closely together, for example on what fuels are needed, where to get them, onshore power supply availability etc, which will all be taken into account when selecting ports. The subject of future fuels, and particularly methane, arose with TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7 being one of the first to be methane-ready, but with other new buildings being ‘prepared’. In terms of supply, Cruise Gate Hamburg is one port that has done the first assessment into providing methane. Onshore power supply (OPS) continues to be a hot topic, whether it is the ports or the cruiselines which are installing/upgrading. Crystal Morgan, senior director deployment & itinerary planning Seabourn, advised that Seabourn Symphony is being upgraded with OPS connections next year. The company is also looking at methanol for any new buildings and trying different technologies to reduce fuel consumption. When it comes to lobbying governments on subjects such as taxation and regulation, Nikos Mertzanidis, vp ports & destinations & taxation at CLIA, explained how the association can be a conduit for even the smaller ports/brands, explaining: “The higher you go in government, the less they want to see individual companies, they just want one voice from the industry”. With more ports choosing to limit the numbers of calls/passengers calling, Spiros Almpertis, vp port operations, itinerary planning & fuel management at Crystal Cruises, said: “We definitely need new destinations. So many ships [calling], slowly will destroy destinations, if there are too many [at one time].”

30/05/2024

Being prepared for more volume

Whilst many brands scaled back operations in the Baltic, sister brands TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises continued to operate in the region. Marcus Puttich, direction destination TUI Cruises, commented: “I believe the volume will come back up and when it does we have to be prepared. It will pose some challenges. We need to think ahead, so it doesn’t surprise us.” Princess Cruises also remained in the region, explained Debbie Holbrook, director deployment & itinerary planning Princess Cruises, which is looking at its biggest ever programme in Europe in 2026. “We will have more ports than ever in 2026. There is an opportunity to bring off the beaten path [ones] as well.” But she advised: “Knowing in advance re availability is really important.” Volume is returning for Carnival UK also, as Jack Cochrane, senior manager itinerary and destination planning Carnival UK, explained: “The region is going from strength to strength. We have seen a 30% growth in calls to 614 in the last five years [to 2024] and a rise in guests from from 1.2 million to 2 million. From an operational aspect, the research of the market you are trying to appeal to is important, for example Queen Mary 2 has a draught of 10.3m re the depth at the quay.” When it comes to the smaller ship brands, such as Silversea Cruises, vp itinerary planning & destination development Justin Poulsen said: “We are seeing great strength in the Baltic which is encouraging us to grow capacity there. For summer 2025 we have redeployed a ship from the Mediterranean to the Baltic. We know we are really spoilt for choice [here]. It is quite easy to pivot and fill the slot left by St Petersburg.” For destinations wanting a share of the high end pie, he had some advice: “Luxury travel is much more emotional. It is super important that destinations know who they are and what is the story they want to tell. The ports who do really well know exactly what market segment they want to attract and align with stakeholders on that plan. What unlocks that is information exchange.” As did Sacha Rougier, vp itinerary planning & destination experience Orient Express Silenseas, which will sail its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean in 2027: “Work on your USP and don’t try to find something that doesn’t exist.” Whilst not committing to anything, she is “definitely looking at Northern Europe”. Newcomers to the sector include Four Seasons Yachts, which is scheduled to make a call in spring 2027, said James Cabello, head of port operations & logistics. Although these ships will spend “98% of the time” at anchor, they are also bringing those passengers wanting high-end, tailored shore experiences.

30/05/2024

Sustainability goes way beyond OPS

When it comes to sustainability, senior director marine & port operations Holland America Line/Seabourn, Chris Martin is in no doubt that “we have to work together”. On the subject of onshore power, while Marie Blitza, director port operations Carnival Maritime, emphasised the importance of its role in the Europe and with EU regulations, Martin said it is “key as a short and long-term solution.” However, he added what many will be relieved to hear: “You don’t have to invest in shore power to see our ships. It is not the only solution to help us with our efforts”. Michal Forland, port director Port of Bergen, pointed out that 70 percent of cruiseships connected to OPS in Bergen in May. “This decrease in emissions needs to be put forward to the public in some way to take away the message of cruise being as bad as it used to be.” Martin responded: “We want to get the message out there. If there is anything we can do to support this we will.” The topic of proactively promoting what the industry is doing in the face of criticism was then expanded on by Nikos Mertzanidis, vp ports & destinations & taxation Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), in discussion with moderator Nigel Lingard: “I think the great challenge for all of us is how we share the facts confidently and lightly as an industry. If you look at lobbying enterprise, this means research, then input and then communication.” Sourcing alternative fuels is on the rise with solutions so far being scarce. Blitza commented that there are “very limited ports that can provide alternative fuels,” but Martin advised that HAL is testing biofuel with the Port of Rotterdam. The point was made a couple of times about the advantage cruise has over land-based tourism. Maria Tauschke, head of shore operations TUI Cruises, explained: “Cruise tourism is managed tourism.” Everyone knows when the ships are coming, how long they are staying and how many passengers there are. However she cautioned destinations not to take on too much: “Even if a port can handle six to seven ships, it may not be able to handle all the passengers.” This is another reason why cruise networks are vital to the success of a call for both the community and the passengers. Martin made it clear that speaking up is good for everyone: “If you have concerns about capacities, the number of guests in port on a day, please discuss this with us so we can make it work for everybody.”

30/05/2024

It’s all about respect

Bringing benefits to small communities was the last topic of the day and Giovanna Dipasquale, head of itinerary management Ambassador Cruise Line, summed up what makes this work. “We must respect the small communities and what they have to offer and not come with large numbers which don’t complement the community. We have a responsibility also that the cruise business can bring a lot to them, for example ISPS, guides, waste handling etc. We want to have an engagement with them to protect the authenticity.” Sandra Neffgen, director shore excursions AIDA Cruises, made the interesting comment that: “Sometimes tour operators are like filters so our aim is to talk to you directly,” which may result in a joint operation between the brand and the operator, as happened in Skagen. The subject of increased overnighting came up. Melanie Lewis Carsjens, director shore excursion operations & product development Holland America Group, commented: “If there is enough content we will do more”, whilst adding that from 2026 the brand is indeed increasing its overnights.

30/05/2024

Stockholm shows off its best

Stockholm was bathed in sunshine for the three days of the Cruise Europe Conference, giving it a chance to shine brightly, which it surely did. From the sheer organisation and efficiency of the team of Stefan Scheja, marketing manager ferries and cruises Ports of Stockholm, and Karin Mantymaki, director international development Visit Stockholm, as well as host hotel, Clarion Sign, to the hidden gems tour and the gala dinner at the Munich Brewery, cruiseline executives, CE members and the media were left in no doubt of the Swedish capital’s appeal. Tuesday was a day of CE meetings for some, and a tour for others, which was all about showing some of the lesser known sights of the city. This included a visit to the archaeological heritage of the capital which has been preserved in the Kungstradgarden metro station. That evening the cruise and ferry terminal, Vartaterminalen, was turned into the venue for an informal barbecue with spectacular views out over the water. The repurposed former Brewery played host to the final evening with Swedish band, Pommac Trio, ensuring the dance floor was never left empty, although there was plenty of less noisy space elsewhere for those wanting to chat the night away. On the final day, the tours were split into two as some went on a Swedish pop and history tour, while those proceeding on the fam trip went to visit the port facilities, the nearby Photography Museum for a delicious lunch, and then onto Skansen open air museum before embarking LNG-powered Silja Serenade.

30/05/2024

Capital cities highlighted in a one-off CE fam trip

The holding of the Cruise Europe Conference in Stockholm highlighted just one of the capital cities that has, up until recently, been overshadowed by what has been the marquee destination of St Petersburg on Baltic itineraries. Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga were also able to stand in their own rights as cruiseline executives and media visited in a one-off CE fam trip following the conference. The guests were introduced to a wide variety of shore excursions as well as the port facilities in each city. All agreed that they had picked up tips along the way, discovered new possibilities and had plenty of food for thought for the future.

30/05/2024

CEC 2025 in Copenhagen

Continuing the theme of the Baltic, the 2025 Cruise Europe Conference will be held in Copenhagen, which hosted the first CEC in 1991. Like its counterparts, the Danish port is seeing signs of recovery following a 17 per cent in calls compared to 2019. “The numbers are gradually recovering. For the first time we now have year-round calls, overnights are on the rise as are expedition ships in the winter,” said Luis de Carvalho, commercial cruise director, Copenhagen Malmo Port who presented the port/destination alongside Klaus Bondam, director of CruiseCopenhagen and Cruise Baltic. Groundbreaking for shore power facilities took place in mid May. The first two of five OPS connections will be in service next year. The port expects to become CO2-neutral in its own operations from the 2025 cruise season.