Newcastle, New South Wales, is expecting more big ships in its future as the port recently received federal and state funding to upgrade mooring bollards at its cruise berth.

“When the upgrade is completed in early 2017, the port will have increased capacity to accept cruise ships greater than 130,000 tons, ensuring a continued focus by the port on the next generation of cruise ships visiting the Australian region,” said David Brown, business development officer for the port.

In addition, the port continues to offer cruise lines incentive-based concession rates on channel fees to increase commercial appeal and drive cruise calls, said Brown.