News Archive

18/04/2024

Tromso, a sustainable destination, prepares for OPS

Tromso, also known as the Arctic capital, may be keen to increase its number of turnaround calls (28 this year compared to 18 last out of a total of 200), but not at the expense of overcrowding the city.    There are two cruise port areas in Tromso: city centre and Breivika. To ensure optimum capacity in the city, the port has made the decision to only have one big ship a day in the city (Quay 8) and one at Breivika (Quay 20-24). In general, cruiseships spend long hours in port, (in 2023 the total average was 13.3 hours) giving passengers plenty of time to see all the attractions.    Lone Helle, director of tourism Visit Tromsø-Region, says: “For the sustainability focus, this is good. Cruiselines have to book in advance.”   The fact that there has been an increase in direct flights to places such as Germany and UK has helped. The sheltered harbour allows for year-round calls without fear of cancellation. “Tromso is a year-round destination. It offers the best of two worlds: a vibrant city life and the raw Arctic wilderness. “We are blessed with the midnight sun during summertime, and the Northern Lights during autumn and winter. There are numerous pre- and post-cruise opportunities available, both in the city and in the Tromso region,” Helle adds.  Onshore power is being tested at the city quay in the autumn, with it being due to be fully operational early next year, according to Harriet Willassen, marketing and communication manager Port of Tromso.    In Breivika an onshore power supply (OPS) connection is planned for 2027 and, further out, the possibility of building a terminal is being considered.    Meanwhile, a new restaurant and viewpoint are being built at the top of the cable car, Fjellheisen. It will open in October 2025. The first spa hotel, Enter St Elisabeth, is due to open during spring 2024, and Polaria (Arctic experience and aquarium centre) is being expanded. In addition, the old shipyard and surrounds are being developed. Tromso is a part of the Norwegian national labelling scheme, Sustainable Destination.

18/04/2024

Caen-Ouistreham gears up for the 80th D-Day anniversary

Three calls will be welcomed to Caen-Ouistreham for the 80th D-Day anniversary in the first week of June: one from Sea Cloud (Sea Cloud Spirit charter by Kalos Golf) and two from Ponant’s Le Dumont-d’Urville. When it comes to historical events, the city will be celebrating its millennium next year and, as a result, there are many redevelopment projects taking place, including some connected to cruise. For example, the port and the city is renovating the main city centre cruise quay. Morgan Pravos, cruise manager Caen-Ouistreham Normandy Cruise (CONC), says: “We have chosen to have one call a day on this cruise quay so we want to the have best quality and personalised service for the guests and the cruiselines. We don’t want quantity, but quality.” As part of that quality, CONC provides free shuttle buses to the city, bags for the passengers, a welcome concert on the pier and more. It has also been offering new shore excursion ideas to the tour operators, such as private cooking classes in a chateau and - for the D-Day anniversary visitors - a personalised, small group visit to the Caen Memorial museum hosted by a curator. In terms of infrastructure the Colombelles Bridge is being replaced, which will increase the navigable width of the channel to 40m (37m with dolphins). Due to open in summer 2026, there will be no air draught restrictions as the bridge has the facility to open. In addition studies are taking place for the provision of onshore power (OPS) at the main city centre cruise quay. Most of the investment will come from the port but the hope is to find finance from regional, national and European partners. Pravos comments: “The maximum number of calls we will accept is about 20 so OPS is a big investment for us.” The port is expecting eight calls this year, including one each from Ocean Albatros and Star Pride, which will both be making their first visit.

18/04/2024

Trondheim receives funds for OPS

Trondheim Port Authority (TPA) has been allocated Nkr 20 million (€1.7 million) by the government to establish shore power for cruiseships at the main cruise quay. The facility is to supply 50Hz and 60Hz, 6.6kV & 11kV and up to 12 mW with IEC/IEEE 80005-1 plugs. The total cost is estimated at NKr87 million, with the Nkr 67 million balance coming from TPA. In order to communicate to the community the economic value of cruise tourism and its geographic spread, a comprehensive analysis is taking place this summer, explains Maria Kuhnl Undheim, marketing manager cruise TPA. In addition the port has arranged to take politicians on board methanol-ready Mein Schiff 7 to further communicate the sustainability of cruise vessels. This is the third year that visits aboard have been organised. In late February/early March 2025, Trondheim will be hosting the FIS Nordic World Ski Championship. Buses in the region will be used for transportation to and from the arena of Granasen, just 10 minutes from the city. There are now direct flights to London to Munich and Amsterdam, making the Norwegian city more easily accessible for fly-cruise. This year, 93 calls are expected to Trondheim, Hitra, Froya and Namsos, all of which are part of the TPA. Up to 198,000 passengers will discover the heart of Norway, Trondelag, now known as Home of Nordic Flavour. 

18/04/2024

New member: Figueira da Foz

Joining the Cruise Europe family, and a newcomer to the sector, is the Port of Figueira da Foz (PFdF), located between Lisbon and Porto in Portugal, both of which have international airports. The city of about 60,000 inhabitants welcomed passengers on three calls last year - two from Swan Hellenic Cruises’ Diana - and is keen to expand the cruise business.   Cruiseships of 140m length and 5.5m depth (without tide) can presently be accommodated on the west side of the general cargo terminal in the west of the port. This position has an exit/entry gate for passengers and is about 300/400m from the City Hall and downtown, according to Joaquim Sotto Maior, port coordinator PFdF. Public transport, bus and taxis are available near the City Hall and, if organised ahead of time, a free city tour bus can be arranged.   An anchorage outside the port is available two miles from the breakwater. However this can be adjusted closer in liaison with the Maritime Authority, explains Maior. From the port entrance to the two tender piers in the marina is about 0.5nm.   There is no specific equipment for baggage handling but this an arrangement that could be put in place if needed. Tourist information can be provided on the quay and also in the upper part of town, where there are coffee shops and toilets. A gangway can be provided if necessary.   Later this year, works are expected to start for deepening the port entrance, navigation channel and piers. The turning basin will be enlarged, demolishing old breakwaters in the south bank. The quay used for cruiseships will be extended five metres towards the river the pier (alongside the two others) and will have a depth of 9m. Bollards will be added to cater to the larger capacity. “These works are expected to take 18 months and then we will be capable of receiving ships with a maximum draught of 8m and maximum lengths between 140m and 170m,” says Maior.   In addition, the hope is to build a passenger terminal to be operational in 2026, which will house services, such as tourist information, toilets, WiFi, coffee shop, baggage handling, and customs & immigration.   Development of LNG is not scheduled but bunkering by truck could be made possible in the meantime. Low Sulphur Fuel EU rules are already in force. Onshore power supply introduction is not scheduled but it is intended to be operating in the next three or four years, following the works to receive bigger ships, according to Maior.   Shore excursions are mainly going to Coimbra (library) and museums, Conimbriga (Roman archaeological ruins), the Bussaco Forest with a religious and military history, the wine region of Bairrada, the salt pans and the ancient seaside resort of Figueira da Foz itself. There are other possibilities such as Fatima’s Sanctuary. These excursions are mainly tailored by tour operators such as TUI/Intercruises.

18/04/2024

Gdansk maps out its future plans

The Port of Gdansk Authority, together with tour operator Baltic Gateway Group, were on hand at Seatrade Cruise Global to showcase what the city and region has to offer both operationally and touristically. In addition, a long-term plan to invest in a fourth generation passenger terminal was presented. This will be equipped with the facilities and conveniences necessary to handle cruiseships and ferries and their passengers.
 Ships up to 370m in length and a draught of up to 10m will be able to come alongside. Passenger handling capacity will be 800,000 a year. A helicopter pad will be located nearby. Located in the central port, the total investment value of which will be €2.5 billion, the terminal is planned within the next 10 to 12 years, according to Michal Stupak, account manager Port Gdansk. Funding is due to come from public private partnership, credits and the Port of Gdansk’s own resources. Shore excursions include the Teutonic Castle of Malbork, which is one of the biggest remaining Gothic fortresses in the world, an open-air museum in Wdzydze founded In 1906, the Sierra golf club and course, the European Solidarity Centre and the new Museum of Amber. For €5, passengers can purchase a Gdansk tourist card with provides free entry to the top tourist attractions, as well discounts of up to 25% on other attractions and services and 20%on local restaurants. In 2022, Gdansk welcomed 79 calls and 29,251 passengers. This year 62 and 25,700 respectively are expected.

18/04/2024

Olden and Maloy make a winning and sustainable team

Olden and Maloy may be just two hours apart by road (four hours by sea) but they offer two entirely different experiences for just one port arrival fee. With slow steaming becoming more popular, cruiselines can offer passengers both coastal and fjord shore experiences, with the added benefit of both ports gearing up for onshore power. Maloy only entered the cruise market in 2022 but this year will receive 80,000 passengers while Olden welcomes 340,000 on total calls for the two ports together coming to 150. Next year the numbers are 130,000, 355,000 and180 respectively. Solve Oldeide, assisting harbour master Port of Nordfjord, says Olden’s attempts to limit its call and passenger numbers in order to protect the environment - turning down 30 calls last year - have been frustrated by cruiselines simply booking nearby ports. Hence offering Maloy as an alternative/additional call could be advantageous to the lines. Maloy is already well versed in catering to numbers. Last year the port accommodated two ships - MSC Eurasia and AIDAperla - on one day, July 27. Almost 92% of the passengers are handled through Maloy Adventure, which was set up last year to provide ground handling, but is now expanding into Olden and a new destination south of Bergen in 2024. The ports have each added a 200t bollard at the cost of Nkr 1.5 million (€0.13 million), replacing those of 50t, at the request of Carnival UK (Olden) and MSC Cruises (Maloy). Olden will have onshore power installed in July 2026 (12mW) at a cost of NKr 20 million and Maloy in June 2026 (8mW). In addition Olden is looking into the feasibility of installing an extra pier.

18/04/2024

New connections to Klaksvik open it up for more calls

The building of tunnels to connect Klaksvik to its neighbouring islands in the Faroes is expanding its shore excursion offering, for example passengers can be hiking in the mountains within a 10 minute drive. Theresa Kreutzmann, managing director Visit Nordoy, says: “The infrastructure is changing completely because tunnels are opening this year, connecting the islands, so it will be easier to get around. One tunnel is open in the north already and the end of year there will be another. This is connecting the island in a new and modern way.” The 320m quay can accommodate every size of ship in all weathers due to its sheltered location. There are possibilities in the town centre for the smaller and expedition ships to come alongside. Six calls are expected this year and the aim is to rebuild these numbers to nearer the 20 that came in the past. A new tourism strategy has been put in place which includes, for example, home dining and private concerts. In addition a small terminal, containing a tourist information office, will be built alongside the larger quay.

18/04/2024

Tallinn joins Miami-Dade on cleanup day

Ryan Jenkins, managing director of Travelife Certified Estonian tour operator Den Eesti, was surprised and delighted when approached by Miami-based Estonian celebrity The Mermaid/Lady Merle Liivand, during Seatrade Cruise Global, and asked to join in the annual Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day.    Colleague Sirle Arro, head of marketing and communications for Port of Tallinn, says: “The event was ideal for Estonians, as the World Cleanup Day movement originated in Estonia and now has spread all over the world, though still coordinated from Tallinn by the global NGO Let's Do It World.”   Carrying on the tradition, Jenkins was more than happy to join Guinness World Record swimmer and ocean acitivist Liivand and the Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Daniella Levine Cava. He comments: “In a few free hours before heading to the airport, I got to visit a beautiful part of Miami that I had never seen before and make it even more beautiful; meet the mayor of Miami-Dade County and discuss similarities with our own efforts in Tallinn; talk to a local scout troop who was there helping out; and scare a couple of iguanas while pulling trash out of the dunes.”   The Baynanza community event in Florida has taken place every spring, since 1982, and to date two million pounds of trash have been removed from the shorelines. 

30/03/2024

Port of Cherbourg Unveils Exciting New Developments

Welcome to the Spring Update for the Port of Cherbourg and the Cotentin Peninsula, shedding light on the newest plans, ideas, and events in and around Cherbourg and the wider Normandy region. In port news - the new and improved access to the city centre is nearly complete, a more efficient and environmentally friendly shuttle bus service will soon be available, and the countdown to shoreside power availability has started! OPS is scheduled to be available at the Cherbourg cruise and ferry terminals in 2026. Meanwhile, 2024 is expected to be another significant year for the popular French port, with passenger numbers expected to reach yet another record high. In 2023, the Port of Cherbourg welcomed over 100,000 passengers for the first time, and in 2024, this number is set to reach 120,000. Throughout 2024, the port will welcome 59 cruise ship arrivals, with 12 visits from AIDA, 10 from MSC, and 10 from P&O - making up the anticipated total of 120,000 passengers. The beautiful Seabourn Ovation will call at the port on June 5th, 6th, and 7th as part of the National WWII Museum's 80th anniversary D-Day memorial charter cruise. Ovation's call coincides with the D-Day Festival Normandy which covers the entire coastline of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy - from Pegasus Bridge to Sainte-Mère-Eglise, including Ouistreham, Arromanches, Pointe du Hoc, and, of course, the five iconic sectors of Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach. Activities include parachuting, parades, concerts, historical re-enactments, fireworks, exhibitions, and projections. The festival hosts over 100 events and promises to be bigger and better than ever in 2024! “Plans are also in motion to organise a familiarisation (FAM) trip to the Cotentin Peninsula and the Normandy Region," says Julien Bougon, Cherbourg Cruise Manager. Speaking about the region, Bougon adds, "the Cotentin Peninsula is rich with undiscovered shore excursion opportunities. It will be our pleasure to collaborate with our partners and colleagues to explore new locations, exchange ideas, and offer valuable insights into the region's attractions for cruise lines and their passengers." Bougon also reveals, "In 2027, the region will commemorate the 1000th anniversary of William the Conqueror's birth. Plans are already underway to curate an impressive programme of events spanning the wider Normandy region. These events are expected to captivate cruise passengers of all ages." Concluding his statement, Bougon emphasises, "There really is a lot going on at Cherbourg, and I look forward to meeting those interested in learning more about our port, region, and opportunities available during Seatrade Global." Cherbourg Cruise will be exhibiting alongside our colleagues at the French Atlantic Ports stand #1815 (with Cruise Europe). To book a meeting with Julien Bougon at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, please e-mail: j.bougon@ot-cotentin.fr

14/03/2024

Cruise Port Amsterdam builds energy hub

The construction phase of the energy hub for the Passenger Terminal is progressing steadily, according to Monic van der Heijden, commercial director Cruise Port Amsterdam (PTA). In collaboration with PowerCon and subcontractor BAM Infra, work is currently underway on the foundation, which is expected to be completed by the end of April. The structural construction of the building will begin in May and is anticipated to be finished by mid-July. In June the sea containers, housing the shore power installation for the cruiseships, will be installed inside the building. Simultaneously, from April to September, CPA will also be addressing the cabling under the quayside and beneath the gangways. The shore power installation, which has a capacity to connect one ocean cruiseship and eight river cruise ships, is scheduled for completion as planned in the first quarter 2025. “The availability of shore power, as of 2025, is a major milestone in our ambition and strategy to accommodate emission-free cruising,” concludes Dick de Graaff, managing director CPA. The energy hub is being financed by the Port of Amsterdam.

14/03/2024

Harstad’s new quay is in the centre of town

In June 2023 a new quay was inaugurated in Harstad town centre. Built on the site of a previous quay, the 276m-long quay, with a depth of 9.5m, is fully financed by the Port of Harstad (PoH). Prior to this, all the ships docked at Stangnes industrial area, about 10 minutes drive away. The maximum size of ship that can come alongside the new quay is 300m in length, explains Cecilia Henningsen, business developer PoH. “Now we can have two ships of 150m, or one ship over 150m, at the quay.” There were four calls in 2022, 13 last year and 10 are scheduled this year. Of the latter, eight will be visiting for the first time. “Several of the [visiting] captains gave us great feedback on the approach to the quay, about the new quay itself, and its proximity to everything,” says Henningsen. This year, the port is introducing the EPI. “The port wants to actively collect and measure its environmental footprint,” she explains. “Our port wants to contribute with what we can do to facilitate and improve the environment. “This initiative will enhance knowledge and communication and lay the groundwork for a future reward system to incentivise sustainable practices among cruiseship operators. “We are pleased to be able to use this and see how we can work with the EPI system to become even more environmentally-friendly, together with the cruiselines.” For passengers visiting, it is a 150m walk from the quay gate to the centre of Harstad or 50m to the shopping mall, where there are public toilets and free internet access. Discounts are offered to crew in various outlets. Independent travellers can visit the many attractions in the town, explore the archipelago by boat/rib, or explore one of the nearby nature trails. To go further afield taxis and buses are located near to the port. For shore excursions, there is parking for about 12 buses close to the ISPS fences. A wide variety of tours are on offer in the Trondenes Peninsula, including; a medieval farm with a living museum experience; the medieval stone church Trondenes; 1868 sailing schooner Anna Ronde and an Adolf cannon from World War 2. For hikers the most popular mountain is Keipen with stunning views and the possibility of viewing the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun. Harstad, with a population of 25,000, is open year-round due to its sheltered harbour and is keen to extend its season to showcase the town and surrounds in winter too.

14/03/2024

New associate member: SMS International Shore Operations, UK

SMS is one of the longest established private group of companies in Malta, having its roots in the shipping business. Notwithstanding the fact that SMS has been successful in retaining its core traditional values for professionalism and ethical standards, it continues to be at the cutting edge of innovation and diversification. It is on this basis that SMS has developed from a shipping agency to a large group of companies employing over 500 persons active in travel, tourism, shipping, insurance, logistics, ship registration and financial services, as well as general trading. SMS operates both locally and Internationally in over 10 different countries.    SMS International Shore Operations (SMS ISO) has over 50 years of experience in the management of cruiseships and port operations. With reference to Cruise Europe, it provides ground operations for ship turnarounds in the UK, Ireland, Denmark and The Netherlands. Christopher Blanchard, evp global operations SMS ISO, says its goals are: “To strive to maintain our position as the international shore operations company of choice, supporting our clients as they open new destinations and itineraries. To continue to support our industry partners, including ports, destinations, tourism boards etc, as they look to grow their cruise business. Lastly, to be the voice for our sector of cruise when it comes to promoting the many positive aspects of our industry to every destination, stakeholder, and the wider community." In 2024 in UK, SMS ISO will handle 173 calls in Southampton, 22 in Dover, nine in Portsmouth, one each in Tilbury, Rosyth, Leith and Greenwich and six in Edinburgh, according to Ronan Sweeney, general manager Europe, SMS ISO. In The Netherlands it is 35 and Copenhagen 14. The company offers custom packages and special arrangements tailor-made to meet the requirements of our clients. All management and staff are constantly being trained in the latest policies and procedures relevant to their destinations to ensure the company is always ahead of the any changes and can employ best practice from the commencement of any service agreement.

14/03/2024

New associate member: Tor Shipping

Tor Shipping (TS) in the Faroe Islands embodies a legacy built on family values and dedication to the maritime sector. Since its establishment in 1990, the company has been providing essential services to the maritime sector, both locally and internationally. 

 As port agents, TS serves as the link between the vessel/company and all onshore entities, including ports, customs, transfers, and provisions. The team handles every aspect of arranging requirements prior to or during a vessel's call in the Faroe Islands to ensure a seamless experience for its clients. “Today, Tor Shipping proudly stands as the premier provider of cruiseship services in the Faroe Islands, boasting a schedule of nearly 60 calls for the upcoming year. We're honoured to serve most of all the biggest cruiselines and brands and a lot of the smaller companies too,” says Joan Torleivsdottir, owner/port agent TS.   
“With our 24-hour port agency services, our experienced staff members are always at your disposal, ready to meet any need, anytime,” she adds. 

The company also provides ship management services and those for the Faroese International Register of Shipping, both at home and internationally. 
“With a steadfast presence in all cruise ports within the Faroe Islands, we are devoted to meeting every requirement of our partners and cultivating enduring relationships within the industry. Backed by our team's profound knowledge and dedication, Tor Shipping is your trusted partner for cruise ventures in the picturesque Faroe Islands,” concludes Torleivsdottir.

14/03/2024

Nordfjordeid upgrades and electrifies

A second tender dock is now under construction in Nordfjordeid, which will facilitate more effective handling of the larger ships at anchor, according to Jacob Bredesen, marketing manager Port of Nordfjordeid. In addition the entire dock - from the SeaWalk to the road and surrounding the terminal building - is being resurfaced to ensure a good experience for the passengers. In addition the terminal building is being upgraded with a new exterior, together with new signage and information on attractions. The port is also “planning a fully-fixed concrete berth for cruiseships, which will replace the SeaWalk, and be able to accept the largest cruiseships in the fleet,” Bredesen adds. “This will enable much more effective operation, and make the docking process and crew requirements much simpler. This will also make it a lot easier for us to implement shore power.” Within the terminal complex, six charging stations have been introduced for electric cars, with the plan being to add these for buses and trucks also. “This will enable the ship agents and others in the supply chain to move to electric vehicles,” says Bredesen, who adds that electric RIBs are being tested in Geiranger this season, and will be implemented in Nordfjordeid, once shore power is in place. Luxury yacht Riva Italia, built in 1961, is also going to be converted to be fully electric, thanks to government funding. In addition the Viking ships, Ask and Birk, will have electric support motors fitted. The port continues to operate its small electric bus for town tours and now awaits the technology to enable fully electric tour buses.

14/03/2024

HaminaKotka puts itself squarely on the north Baltic map

The market dynamics related to international cruise traffic is currently undergoing significant change within the Baltic Sea. Alternative destinations are now taking the place of St Petersburg and a very good development is taking place in 2024, according to Petra Cranston, project manager cruise business Port of HaminaKotka (PoH). The port, together with other Finnish cruise ports and cruise-related stakeholders, is taking action towards strengthening the position of the northern Baltic Sea cruise market areas. The actors have built up a Cruise Finland marketing collaboration network, with goals to achieve growth in awareness and to point out the strengths and drivers of Finland as a cruise destination. A workshop related to this network was held in Kotka in mid February. According to Cranston, the timing was considered appropriate because: *The geopolitical situation and the overall increased cost level have changed the market dynamics in the Baltic Sea *Finland has been left off international cruise itinerary plans which could be better addressed by joined forces *As a general travel trend it is seen that there is a significant growth of interest towards northern countries, for example due to the very hot summers in the Mediterranean areas With this in mind, in late February the port hosted the first stop on a fam trip organised by Cruise Baltic. As well as being hosted at a local restaurant, the cruiseline executives were taken out to see nature on the frozen sea and to the town of Hamina. In Kotka, the diverse history of the city and its urban nature in winter were introduced. A tour of the archipelago of the eastern Gulf of Finland through sea ice was a highlight, as was a home visit to the Creutz family of Malmgard Manor. “We had a great opportunity to show the cruiselines the same attractions their guests are interested in. During a very short time we were able to offer the main teasers of venues and tastes of the pearls of our destination, and hope that this experience will lead to new cruise calls in our port,” concludes Cranston.

19/02/2024

AIDASOL HERALDS START OF 2024 CRUISE SEASON

Portland Port welcomed its first cruise ship of 2024 when the AIDAsol arrived with more than 2,000 passengers today. (MON FEBRUARY 19, 2024) The call marked the start of an 11-month long season with 47 vessel visits and 110,000 passengers due in South Dorset from February to December. Guests from the ship, which is operated by AIDA Cruises for mostly German speaking tourists, travelled into Weymouth and the local area during the eight-hour stop over. Cruise calls are estimated to contribute £10m to the local economy annually with most calls booked two years in advance. Ian McQuade said: “It was wonderful to see our first cruise ship of 2024 arrive. “The cruise market continues to grow in the UK and globally. A great deal of hard work constantly goes into winning valuable cruise business for Portland in the face of tough competition across the UK and Europe. “The vast majority of cruise calls this year were booked two years ago in 2022 and we are already well advanced in planning our itinerary for 2025 and 2026. “As well as raising the profile of the area and contributing to the local economy, cruise ship visits extend the tourist season beyond the summer peak. “We’re grateful for the warm welcome and support provided by local residents, businesses, tourist attractions and organisations who see the benefit of cruise visits for the area. “We’re looking forward to another superb year sharing the delights of our area with tourists from all over the world whilst supporting the growth of the local economy.” A total of 2,194 passengers plus more than 600 crew arrived on the AIDAsol when she pulled alongside the port’s new £26m deepwater berth this morning. She visited Portland as the penultimate stop of a 117-day world tour, which ends in Hamburg on February 21. It was her inaugural visit to Portland, the first of five calls at the port this year. There are cruise calls in 10 out of 12 months this year at Portland – all months except January and March. Vessels due at Portland include the Disney Dream in September, the Caribbean Princess in May, TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 3 in June, Oceania Nautica in August and, Holland America’s Rotterdam in October before the final call of the season on December 10 by the AIDAmar. Portland Port is also to welcome two first time French visitors, Ponant vessel Le Champlain and CFC’s Renaissance. CFC is a new French cruise line that started operations last year and is planning to make three calls at Portland in 2024. There are a total of nine inaugural calls this year. As well as AIDAsol, Le Champlain and Renaissance, they are Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess and Caribbean Princess, Norwegian Cruises Lines’ Norwegian Pearl, Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Mariner, Seabourn’s Seabourn Sojurn and Oceania Cruises’ Sirena. The Sun Princess is not only making her inaugural visit to Portland, she is also a brand new ship in her inaugural season. Portland Port supplies a complimentary shuttle service for cruise passengers to visit Weymouth, which remains under constant review to ensure it operates in the best way possible. The port has contracted a professional traffic management company for all calls, which includes the provision of traffic marshals, and has worked with bus operators to stagger the arrival of vehicles and limit the number on the road at any one time. The port’s £10m contribution to the local economy is based on industry figures and includes spending by day excursion visitors to shops, bars, cafes and takeaways, along with expenditure on numerous local tourism attractions, tours of the UNESCO world heritage sites of the Jurassic Coast, Stonehenge and Bath, taxis and coaches. Latest figures by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) trade body estimate that cruise passenger numbers will reach 36 million in 2024 - well up on 31.5m in 2023. They are expected to rise to 37.2m in 2025, 38.5m in 2026 and 39.5m in 2027. According to CLIA, 63% of cruise visitors revisit a destination they first visited on a cruise call – offering the potential for long term benefits for Weymouth and Portland as well as on the day of a cruise call itself. 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. There are also indirect employees - such as at hauliers and suppliers - as a consequence of direct employment.

15/02/2024

Zeebrugge moves into full throttle on cruise

With a post-pandemic increase in call numbers, passengers (169/475,000 in 2023) and the size of ships (over 330m loa and 180,000gt), plus a merger with Antwerp, the newly-named Port of Antwerp-Bruges (PoAB) is gearing up to meet these new requirements. Piet Vandenkerkhove, cruises account manager Port of Antwerp-Bruges, comments: “This put stress on our infrastructure and we decided to invest in improvement. The merger with Antwerp also signified an injection of expert knowledge and available funding.” Hence the old roll fenders at the Swedish Quay are being replaced with seven Yokohama fenders at the first berth with the second due to follow after an evaluation of the Yokohama configuration in the third quarter of this year. “The new fendering will allow safer mooring, it is required for the cable management system of OPS and could create better opportunities for value added activities, such as luggage handling, waste reception, stores etc,” explains Vandenkerkhove. In addition four new bollards of 200t plus will be installed at the end of this year to avoid shared bollards and crossed mooring lines when two ships berth simultaneously. When it comes to onshore power (OPS), this is out for tender with the first 16MVA connection due to be operational by January 2026. The second connection will be available during 2028, following the construction of a 150 kV station to strengthen the grid. This year ESI-at-berth [Enviromental Ship Index] is being introduced. Initially all ships reporting within 72 hours of departing will receive a flat-rate price incentive, regardless of the ESI score. “This module is still in the pilot phase. We will evaluate this before introducing an incentive structure,” says Vandenkerkhove. In November 2023, a zero-emission electric shuttle bus to transport passengers between the ship’s gangway and the terminal building was introduced to reduce the port’s greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint. The infrastructure improvements come alongside an increase in staff. Chana van Cotthem has joined the cruise team as manager cruise operations. Her task, within the nautical operations team, is to improve efficiency of all operations on the cruise terminal and to cater for the nautical chain for all cruiseships that visit the Antwerp cruise platform, a separate entity operated by the City Port of Antwerp. Van Cotthem will be assisted by Els De Brouckere, a dedicated cruise operations coordinator. Dries De Smet is heading the OPS team as advisor sustainable energy.
 To extend its reach, the PoAB recently joined CLIA. “The main aim is to reach a MoU [Memorandum of Understanding] between the cruiselines, the port and the main destination of Bruges on a sustainable future proof management of cruise tourism,” explains Vandenkerkhove. The port already limits itself to a maximum of two ships a day with cruise being quite evenly spread throughout the year, in part due to the weekly winter calls of AIDA and MSC Cruises and because of its location vis the main homeports of Southampton and Hamburg. “The busiest cruise days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, thus avoiding the sometimes-crowded weekend days in Bruges,” he says.   “We are also working on a new booking policy - away from the current first-come first-served approach - in order to reach an even better spread of cruise calls/passengers while, at the same time, prioritising greener ships through incentives.” Last but by no means least PoAB is in the course of rethinking its cruise operations on its Zeebrugge platform. Following the end of the Swedish Quay concession agreement with C.RO Ports (CLdN-group), the port authority now has full authority over that entire terminal area. “We are therefore conducting a feasibility study into a possible construction of a new dedicated terminal building, transport staging area and elevated walkway/concourse and boarding bridges, to make operations more efficient and cost-effective,” concludes Vandenkerkhove. It may be early days but it is clear that cruise has moved into a new and higher gear for Zeebrugge.

15/02/2024

Bergen shares its path to shore power

In 2018, Bergen had its biggest cruise year with around 600,000 passengers spread over 336 calls, but behind the facade there were concerns both regarding the number of tourists and, at the same time, the emissions that cruiseships were contributing to the city centre. “After that season, there were political discussions about what measures the city could take to better control the growing cruise tourism,” explains Nils Mollerup, commercial manager Port of Bergen. The result was a decision taken in the city parliament to implement limitations on the number of ships and passengers per day, but also a commitment to install onshore power supply (OPS) for cruiseships. A few years earlier, the port had carried out a major investment and venture for OPS with regard to offshore-related ships, and was therefore already in the driver's seat regarding the establishment of shore power facilities.   The Port of Bergen had already started work on a tool that would measure emissions in the harbour in the form of the Environmental Port Index (EPI), “a tool that would prove to be absolutely crucial in order to implement the changes that were to come” says Mollerup. In the winter of 2019, the cruise industry was informed about Bergen's major changes. “After many discussions between the cruiselines, the Bergen Municipality and the port, the operators came to an understanding that if Bergen was to be a cruise destination of the future, the measures that were being put in place had to be adhered to,” he explains. These were a maximum of three ships/8,000 passengers a day; the implementation of EPI; the implementation of an incentive scheme based on the EPI score; opening of future bookings 30 months before the season; clear and stronger criteria for entering a booking year by year, for example Tier I, Tier II, OPS etc; and construction of shore power for cruiseships. As far as the port was concerned, there was a clear understanding that “when demands are placed on the users of the port, it must also be made possible for the users to achieve their goals”. In other words, for the ships to be able to dock emission-free at the quay in Bergen, a large OPS facility had to be available so that eventually all ships could be connected to this facility at the same time. Bergen is fortunate that there is a lot of green electricity available close to the harbour and hence any OPS facility. “The construction of such a facility was new for many companies, and it took time before the work was fully underway,” explains Mollerup. Had it not been for the pandemic, the facility would have been ready for start-up in spring 2021, but as it was it came online with five connections points, three of which could be used simultaneously, in 2022 as the cruise business started to resume operations. By 2023 a well-established OPS was in place. “Around 25% of the world's cruise fleet visited Bergen in 2023 [341 calls/630,000 passengers], and 25% of the calls were connected to shore power,” says Mollerup. The same number of calls are expected in 2024 with half expected to connect to the OPS. For cruise companies booking calls in 2026, there is a requirement that the ship must be able to connect to shore power.   “Throughout these years, there has been much learning and many discussions with the entire industry. Now we see passengers demanding sustainable solutions and having a ship that is environmentally modern and calls at a zero-emission port has become a competitive advantage. The discussions surrounding the impact of cruises on the local community have been significantly reduced, and Bergen Municipality is satisfied with having achieved a good balance between residents and industry. A good city to live in is a good city to visit,” concludes Mollerup.

15/02/2024

CE statistics prove that hard work pays off

The 2023 numbers are in from CE member ports and it’s business as usual, if not better, following the pandemic pause. Total calls numbered 9,111 while passengers numbers reached 18,935,154. When it comes to call numbers, top of the leader board is Southampton (497), followed by Lisbon, Bergen, Alesund, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Akureyri, Reykjavik, Orkney and Stavanger (203). For passenger numbers, Southampton (2.7 million) also takes the number one spot but then it changes somewhat with next up Hamburg, Lisbon, Copenhagen, Alesund, Bergen, Stavanger, OldenLoen, Zeebrugge and Geiranger (471,623). Jens Skrede, managing director CE, says: “These numbers are a testament to the hard work our member ports have put in to get back to business as usual following Covid-19. “They are also a reflection of what is going on in Northern Europe, whereby some ports to the west of the Baltic are gaining, while those to the east are having a harder time of it due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and hence St Petersburg being excluded from Baltic itineraries.”

15/02/2024

Stavanger aims to become number one destination for cruise crew

For many years Stavanger has been offering crew free entrance to its museums. In 2023, for example, about 170 crew visited the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. Last year Visit Region Stavanger (VRS) decided to extend its offering to include, for example, free tickets to all hop-on/off buses and VR experience at the Viking House, as well as 25% discounts to for example, Stavanger Camping mini golf & karaoke, Fjordbuda souvenir shop and Chill Chocolate. It will also be sending information to the cruiseships about just what the crew can do when visiting the Norwegian town. Stavanger’s goal is to be “the best in Norway when it comes to taking care of crew from cruiseships”, says Line Murphy, cruise manager VRS. “Crew who work onboard are great ambassadors for the destination, and they talk to the guests and often recommend what to do when they are in port. “They stay for many months onboard and that means that they visit the same port many times. Often they have time in port to spend for themselves and that’s a great opportunity for the destination to acknowledge them and to offer them stuff to do,” she adds.   Last year, for example, Murphy ‘the Viking Queen’ took crew from Costa Firenze on a two-hour tour of the town and also AIDA Cruises’ crew to play football at a local pitch. In addition the Seaman’s Mission, which offers free coffee/tea and WiFi, received 5,000 crew visits last year. This year, the aim is “to talk to as many HR managers as possible to make sure the information reaches the crew,” says Murphy, who has high hopes that there will be more uptake in 2024 and the years ahead.

15/02/2024

Torshavn joins the EPI

Torshavn has joined the the Environmental Port Index (EPI), following a visit from the two Norwegian EPI ambassadors - Even Husby, ceo EPI, and Jon Olav Stedje, port operations manager Port of Flam - in December. Representatives from a number of Faroese ports, the destination company, government agencies and local politicians were informed of the benefits of using EPI. “Joining the EPI, Port of Torshavn [PoT] embraces a pivotal role in spearheading a sustainable maritime future. This collaboration marks a significant stride towards our commitment to environmental stewardship and operational transparency in the North Atlantic basin,” says Hanus Mikkelsen, port director PoT. “We are eager to leverage the EPI’s insights for a greener, more responsible cruise industry, showcasing Torshavn not just as a prime destination but as a vanguard of eco-conscious port operations." Throughout 2024, the port will actively collect and measure the environmental footprints of visiting cruiseships through the EPI platform. This initiative will enhance knowledge and communication and lay the groundwork for a future reward system to incentivise sustainable practices among cruiseship operators. Husby says: “For the EPI ports group, the Port of Torshavn's entry offers fresh perspectives, benefiting all EPI ports. A joining theme for all of us is the challenges concerning maintaining sustainable development amid growing tourism demands. “Other benefits of a more extensive EPI network include enhanced data quality, strengthened advocacy and transparency. As a group of over 30 destinations around the North Atlantic, we are dedicated to shaping a sustainable future for maritime tourism.” Torshavn in the Faroe Islands is a popular North Atlantic summer call for cruiseships. With its key location, north-west of Scotland and more or less midway between Norway and Iceland, Torshavn is an interesting and welcoming destination. This year 58 calls and 33,000 passengers are scheduled to visit, compared to 48 and 27,884 respectively in 2023. The Environmental Port Index (EPI) is a reporting tool developed in collaboration with DNV and numerous shipping industry experts. The aim is to increase the operational efficiency of both ship owners and port operators, while reducing their impact on the environment. The EPI is an international solution, backed by global maritime experts and a robust IT infrastructure capable of supporting ports around the world.

15/02/2024

World Heritage Fjords update

On December 13, the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) gave their advice for Zero Emission Regulations in the World Heritage Area (WHA) from 2026. “It recommended a transitional period - until December 31 2035 - accepting cruiseships which have bunkered qualified fuels, for example biofuels, in compliance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive,” explains Tor Mikkel Tokvam, port director, Port of Flam. “The bunkered amount of qualified fuels must correspond to the amount used in the WHA. The NMA’s recommendation is in line with consultation statements from the cruise industry and its stakeholders.   “The recommendation is delivered to the Department of Climate and Environment, which is expected to make their decision shortly as 2026 is approaching.”

12/02/2024

Enhancing the Nordfjord Experience: A Voyage into Viking Heritage

Nordfjordeid, nestled amidst Norway’s breathtaking fjords, beckons you to explore a realm where history, nature, and maritime elegance converge. As we unveil our latest developments, let the winds of adventure carry you through this captivating voyage. Viking Longships Set Sail Nordfjordeid, renowned for its quality offerings in the cruise industry, now unveils an exciting chapter in its maritime saga: Viking Longships: This summer, the Viking longships Ask and Birk will become integral to our port experience. Crafted by the skilled boatbuilders of Bjørkedalen whom also crafted the famous Myklebust ship, these vessels echo the historic legacy of the Vikings. Guests can book rowing excursions between the port and the Sagastad Viking Center throughout the day. Imagine the rhythmic pull of oars, the fjord’s mirror-like surface reflecting ancient mountains, and the whispers of sagas carried by the wind. Sagastad Triumphs: Purpose-built for cruise visitors, Sagastad has achieved remarkable success. It remains open whenever a ship docks at Nordfjordeid. Now, with the addition of the Ask and Birk, we offer an unparalleled fjord experience. Explore the center’s exhibits, where Viking history come alive, and immerse yourself in the sagas that shaped this land. The launch of a giant: The anticipation is building as the last week of April approaches—the time when the grand launch of the Myklebust ship will grace the fjord; for the first time since 2019. Sagastad, known for its rich Viking heritage, is pulling out all the stops for this momentous occasion. Prepare for an event that promises to be packed with excitement, cultural significance, and maritime marvels. Ask and Birk will of course be joining the event. The Viking Dimension: Our new longships accommodate up to 12 guests each, along with a crew of 2. Picture the sun-kissed fjord, the scent of saltwater, and the creaking of wooden planks as you row—a journey that transcends time. These longships connect us to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, where the echoes of Viking chants still resonate. Anticipating a Thriving Season: We eagerly await the inaugural season with this exciting offering. We believe it will captivate tourists from diverse backgrounds, leaving them with lasting memories of Nordfjordeid’s Viking legacy. The fjord awaits, ready to reveal its secrets. Riva Italia—A Regal Voyage As we navigate the fjord’s depths, we introduce the 135-foot ex-royal yacht, Riva Italia: A Regal Legacy: Originally commissioned for the Prince of Brunei in 1961, Riva Italia exudes elegance and history. Its timeless design and luxurious amenities make it an ideal vessel for exploring the enchanting Nordfjord region. Imagine sipping champagne on the deck, the sun casting golden hues on the water, and the distant peaks standing guard. Tailored Experiences: Riva Italia can comfortably accommodate up to 99 guests, offering versatile configurations for various occasions: Dinner Parties: Host an unforgettable evening against the backdrop of majestic fjords. Candlelight dances on crystal glasses, and laughter mingles with the fjord breeze. Conferences: Conduct business meetings or workshops in a unique maritime setting. Imagine brainstorming ideas while surrounded by nature’s grandeur. Bar and Lounge: Enjoy onboard refreshments and unwind in style. The ship’s bar becomes a hub of camaraderie, where stories flow as freely as the fjord waters. Towards Sustainability: Plans are underway to convert Riva Italia to electric propulsion, ensuring a greener and quieter fjord experience. Imagine gliding through pristine waters, leaving only ripples behind. Our vision extends beyond individual vessels. Early planning is underway for a multitude of projects, including a potential Viking village, where visitors can immerse themselves in Norse heritage and culture. Picture thatched roofs, blacksmiths shaping iron, and storytellers weaving sagas by firelight. Stay tuned for updates on this and other exciting projects. Our green spaces are more than mere patches of grass—they are gateways to nature’s wonders. The municipality has intensified efforts to develop and maintain these parks, ensuring they remain inviting oases for visitors. Clean, accessible facilities are essential for a seamless experience. The municipality’s dedication to maintaining public toilets reflects commitment to hospitality. We’re plugging into the future. By electrifying our land-based transport, we reduce emissions and create a quieter, cleaner environment for all. Our port facilities are also evolving, we’re investing in upgrades that elevate the visitor experience. As we set sail on this transformative journey, Nordfjordeid awaits, ready to weave unforgettable memories for your guests. Join us in celebrating the fusion of history, nature, and maritime elegance—the heart of the Nordfjord experience.

07/02/2024

2023 was the destination's busiest year for cruise activity at the Porto Cruise Terminal

In 2023, the Porto Cruise Terminal (Port of Leixões) welcomed 116 cruise calls, 14 by ships new to the port, which brought 148.889 passengers to Porto & North of Portugal Region making it the destination's busiest year ever. The port also hosted 4 turnaround calls. These numbers represent a 37% growth in the number of passengers over the previous year and a 27% growth compared to 2018, which had been the best year ever until now. The majority of passengers visiting the Porto Cruise Terminal and the region in 2023 were from the UK (44,1%), USA (23.2%), Germany (17.9%), Canada (5%) and Australia (1.6%). The size of ships visiting the port is also increasing. GT numbers reached 6.9 million, 12% more over the previous year. The average ship length was 224 mtr compared to the 219 mtr recorded last year. Cruise activity on the Atlantic Coast continues to be marked by some seasonality. The busiest months for activity at the port were May (27,373 passengers), September (24,932 passengers) and October (29,219 passengers). October was once again the best month of the year and, in this case, the best month ever as far as passengers are concerned. In this way, 2023 was the best ever for cruise activity at Porto Cruise Terminal and we are very proud to continue to be an increasingly preferred choice for cruise companies and cruisers from all over the world by growing in a sustained manner with great impact on tourism in the Porto & North Region of Portugal.