By
Laura Hyde |
Over 150,000 cruise passengers visited the Port of Québec in Canada during the 2024 summer cruise season, according to figures from the port.
The port handled a total of 154,299 cruise passengers during 112 cruise ship port calls from 23 different cruise lines, with eight of the 42 visiting ships calling at the Canadian port for the first time.
In January 2025, the international winter cruise season will begin with a visit from Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot, the latest polar exploration cruise ship in the cruise line’s fleet.
With increasing cruise passenger numbers, the port is focused on responsibly managing its territory. In its 2035 Vision, the Port of Québec has spelt out its commitment to respect the environment and protect the biodiversity of the territory. As such the port is moving forward with what it calls its ‘green shift’, with the aim of reducing industry-related greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 50 per cent by 2030 compared to 2022 levels.
The port hopes to electrify three cruise wharves in a project estimated to cost CA$45 million ($32 million). The Canadian Government recently committed CA$22.5 million ($16 million) in financial assistance to support the project, which the port says is a key step towards its goal of reducing GHGs.
“The Port of Québec continues to reinvent the way it welcomes cruise passengers by placing sustainable development and respect for our community at the heart of its actions, thanks to strengthened collaboration between stakeholders, notably with the Forum sur les croisières internationales de Québec,” said Mario Girard, president and CEO of the Port of Québec. “Together, we’re building a responsible tourism model that meets the expectations of cruise passengers while protecting our local heritage.”