By
Rebecca Gibson |
Following completion of the Passenger Port of St Petersburg in 2011 and an initial double-digit growth resulting from the increased capacity of four terminals and one berth, cruise passenger numbers are expected to settle at a steady five per cent increase in 2012 from 2011.
Despite processing a healthy-sounding 500,000 passengers each year, it is half the number the port is designed to handle and Passenger Port of St Petersburg commercial director Andrey Federov is keen to see this number grow, through two main goals. He says: “Currently we are a transit port with around 95 per cent of passengers passing by, but we need to be a homeport for a couple of big lines to double our volume – we have one line considering this, but would like more.”
The port’s second goal is to extend the season from the traditional May to September.
“We want to see two or three calls during October. It is a nice time of year with no ice or wind so we hope to convince lines to try sailing a month later,” Federov says.
Opportunities also exist with the global trend towards larger ships and the port is receiving enquiries from lines regarding its ability to accommodate them.
“From 2014 to 2015 lines will have their larger cruise newbuilds, with ship sizes more commonly 330 metres. Our official limit is 317 metres – as vessels need to navigate through a fairly narrow channel – so we are investigating extending the limit after several requests.” Federov says.
The port infrastructure can accommodate bigger vessels without further investment, Federov explains: “We have two berths with a total length of 680 metres so we can take any huge ship and we can easily manage big numbers with the port designed to handle 15,000 passengers a day.”
The city has plenty for passengers and as a result St Petersburg hosts more overnight calls than most. Federov says: “The city is the biggest attraction for visitors. We are one of the few ports in the world where ships stay overnight as we have so many different places of interest one day is not enough to see them all. Typically ships call early in the morning, before departing the following evening so passengers enjoy excursions over two days.”
Making the transition from ship to city sights is made easier by St Petersburg’s policy of allowing cruise passengers to visit without visas.
“St Petersburg is unique in that cruise and ferry passengers can come ashore visa-free for 72 hours. As long as they appear at passport control with a valid passport and their excursion ticket, they will not be asked for a visa, irrespective of nationality,” Federov explains.
However, one area Federov fears may impact on the port’s ability to achieve its ambition is the European Emissions Control Area legislation due to take effect from 1 January 2015. Along with many across the continent, Federov believes operations in the region will be expensive and may force some lines to leave. He says: “It will be a disaster because we are the passenger port and our only customers are cruise and ferry visitors. If a line decides it’s too expensive to call, that’s bad for us and the city.
“The limitations are not only severe, they are unfair because nothing similar is being applied to the commercial fleet. I know that lines are fighting against this legislation and we be should on their side because we are dependent on them.”