Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2021

1 7 2 W ith the construction of the new Balears Pier, the Port of Tarragona is making an ambitious investment in the future of cruising. The project, which has a total estimated cost of €27 million ($32.1 million), has now been completed, with the official ceremony inagurating the new construction held in October 2021. Once completed, the pier will have 700 metres of berthing space, which, in addition to the existing capacity at the Levante Pier, will allow four large cruise ships in total to dock at one time at the port. The expansion forms a key part of the port’s future strategy to significantly increase both the quantity and quality of cruise traffic. Tarragona Port Authority is also planning for new companies to be able to operate in the terminal and has approved the tender process for the award of a concession for the construction and operation of a public cruise terminal of at least 5,900 square metres on the pier. The submission period for companies to bid for the tender will open before the end of 2021, with a 12-year operating period set to begin in March 2022. Sustainability is also at the heart of the port’s growth plans. The pier has been constructed according to environmental standards, and the facilities are designed to operate on renewable electric power when required. The port has also extended its current sustainability plan to add two new goals and six new actions, all of which are focused on environmental sustainability, sustainable growth and social commitment. The port is also working to increase prosperity through the creation of new alliances in sustainable development and commitment to the environment. This includes a project to use hydrogen as an alternative fuel and an investment of €1.5 million ($1.78 million) to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption by 44 per cent by 2030. CFR The completion of the Balears Pier marks a significant milestone for the Port of Tarragona as it aims to build on its reputation as a cruise destination A step forward MEDITERRANEAN: REPORT The construction of the Balears Pier will allow four large cruise ships to dock in Tarragona at once