By
Michele Witthaus |
Several European ports and cruise groups announced key developments during the Seatrade Europe 2013 conference and exhibition in Hamburg on 24 September.
Host city Hamburg celebrated the 15th anniversary of Hamburg Cruise Center by confirming that it would achieve its forecast of half a million passengers this year, with 2013 calls set to number 177.
Hamburg also highlighted a recent resolution to set up a stationary onshore power supply plant at Altona Cruise Terminal. In addition, infrastructure will be supplied at the Hafen City Cruise Terminal for the supply of electricity to cruise ships via power barges.
Fellow German port, Columbus Cruise Center Bremerhaven, disclosed that a newly negotiated commitment by Pullmantur to call at the terminal for the first time would bring calls for 2013 to a total of 18.
On 25 September, Cruise Baltic welcomed the Danish port of Skagen as the latest port to join its regional portfolio. The port plans significant expansion of its cruise facilities by spring 2015.
The Atlantic Alliance announced that its portfolio of ports along Europe’s west coast had expanded to include the Irish port of Cork (see here). “The Alliance is proud to extend the region by aiming towards establishing a Euro-Atlantic destination on its own,” said Atlantic Alliance manager, Nadine Palatz.
Cruise Britain said it was celebrating growth of passenger embarkations of 10 per cent to 962,000 in 2012, with day calls to Britain doubling in the last decade to reach 723,000 last year. “The figures for day calls at British ports are increasing steadily and give an opportunity for ports without major facilities and infrastructure to benefit from the increasing popularity of cruising to Britain,” said Kate O’Hara, chair of CruiseBritain.
Business development manager at Forth Ports, Nik Scott-Gray, said the 2013 season saw the ports welcome around 80 cruise liners in Scotland, accounting for more than 80,000 visitors. Seabourn Pride, Azamara Quest and Wind Surf were among the summer calls, Wind Surf visiting Leith for the first time. London Cruise Terminal had 40 calls, including an inaugural visit for Seabourn Sojourn. “We are continually improving the experience for visitors with investment in our cruise terminal facilities," said Scott-Gray. "Our 2014 season is looking healthy and we are delighted to have some advance bookings for 2015 and 2016.”