Hammerfest Port Authority is partnering with the owner of one of its berths to invest E3m in an upgrade with completion expected in 2011, says port captain Gei Amundsen. He says that, when combined with existing berths, it will give the port the opportunity to have alongside any cruiseship with a draught of less than 10m.
Presently the maximum size of cruiseship that can be tied up in good weather has a length of 290m. So far Costa Magica with a length of 272m is the largest ship to dock.
Although not for the sole use of cruiseships, it will give this Norwegian port the opportunity of welcoming the larger vessels for a longer stay without causing any complications for the southbound coastal steamer Hurtigruten. It is alongside every day between 1115 and 1245. There is ample space for parking cars and buses, says Mr Amundsen.
The port is expecting 17 calls and 14,000 passengers in 2010 as compared with 18 calls and 13,534 passengers last year.
