Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

2 2 3 MEDITERRANEAN: REPORT Building for the future Work is progressing fast at the Port of Tarragona’s new Balears Wharf, which is expected to be operational by spring 2021 B ordered by the sea, the Costa Daurada is a beautiful and varied region with a mild, sunny climate, offering a wide range of tourist, culinary and wine offerings. The city of Tarragona, whose rich Roman archaeological legacy has led to it being declared a Unesco World Heritage site, provides a gateway for cruise guests to explore the region. The port’s proximity to major tourist attractions like PortAventura and the upcoming Hard Rock Entertainment World project offers excellent prospects for the medium- and long-term. To take advantage of these opportunities, the Port of Tarragona is developing the new Balears Wharf. Covering four hectares and at 460 metres in length, this infrastructure will fundamentally change the area of the Levante breakwater, which is used for docking cruise ships. The total mooring line will be 700 metres, as on 240 metres of the wharf it will be possible to berth on both sides. This doubles the number of cruise ships that will be able to dock at once and offers more than enough space for even the largest cruise vessels. The 14-month project has a budget of over €27 million (US$32.1 million) and construction officially started in April. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the port has met construction deadlines for the first three months and the wharf is expected to be completely operational by spring 2021. The port is also working on new health protocols following Covid-19 and is implementing measures for the possible restoration of activities for the next cruise season. While no date has been set, the port is hoping to begin logistical operations quickly and safely as soon as the authorities allow it. CFR The new Balears Wharfs expected to be completely operational by spring 2021