Thee Port of Kiel will increase its cruise capacity in time for the 2013 season.

The Port will extend its Berth No. 1 at the Ostuferhafen so that ships tht are 300 meters and longer can berth

It. be the third berth facility for big cruise ships in Kiel. Dr Dirk Claus, Managing Director of the Port of Kiel said : “More cruises start and end in Kiel than in any other German port. In order to cement our market position medium and long-term, we are investing in the expansion of our capacities”.

Currently, Kiel boasts two berths for big cruise ships at the Ostseekai and has further terminal capacities for ships up to 200 meters in length at Norwegenkai and Schwedenkai. The Ostuferhafen plans are being unveiled to the trade at the cruise shipping fair Seatrade Europe.

Berth No. 1 at the Ostuferhafen has a quay length of 380 meters and a consistent water depth alongside of 9.50 meters. As part of the expansion the port will install new fenders and passenger gangways.

Passenger and luggage handling will take place on an area of more than 3,000 m² and the former Warehouse No. II, acquired by the Port of Kiel just this summer, will be transformed into a passenger handling terminal. “We are offering shipping companies and passengers a very good overall package in the Ostuferhafen – one with a very special atmosphere”, said Claus.

“We are modelling ourselves on the already well-established solutions at other ports in northern Europe.”

From a transport point of view, the new cruise ship berth is almost ideally located for connection to the motorway network and more than 400 long-stay parking places are available directly at the handling building. The Ostuferhafen also meets ISPS Code port safety demands and has all the required supply and waste management facilities.