By
Rebecca Gibson |
Stranda Port Authority will construct a floating pier system at Geirangerfjord, Norway’s second largest cruise port, which receives approximately 300,000 cruise tourists per year. The pier will provide easy shore access and reduce time-consuming tender operations, allowing cruise passenegers to walk directly from the ship to Geiranger town centre. It will also increase shorex opportunities.
The SeaWalk will connect to the existing tender piers in Geiranger town centre and contribute to the development of Geirangerfjord and Hellesylt Quay. SeaWalk Geiranger will finance the construction and operation of the pier, which will be completed in June this year, provided that all official permissions have been secured. Cruise lines will pay a fee to use the pier.
“A SeaWalk will significantly reduce emissions and discharges in the fjord,” says Rita Berstad Maraak, port director at Stranda Port Authority. “For Stranda Port Authority, it is important that we stay ahead of developments and take seriously the challenges facing us as a result of increasing numbers of passengers and ever larger ships. Otherwise, we will find ourselves being directed by the environmental authorities and/or others to take action before long.”
The first SeaWalk pier system was installed in Norway’s Port of Skjolden in 2012.