The Australian port of Eden is set to receive larger ships and more frequent calls thanks to a modification to the existing Eden Breakwater Wharf Extension, the Port Authority of New South Wales announced in a press release.
The changes are part of a plan approved by the NSW Government, which will also see the port removing the current restriction that limits the number of cruise vessels that can call.
In 2024, Eden will see its busiest summer cruise season on record, the port authority said, with over 26 cruise ships already scheduled to call.
“Eden is already our state’s largest regional cruise port – and we’re making it even better, lifting the cap on visits and increasing NSW’s already booming market share of Australia’s cruising industry,” said Australia’s Transport Minister Jo Haylen.
“Cruising is one of Eden’s biggest economic drivers, so allowing bigger international ships to sail will bring enormous benefits to the region for years to come.”
According to the Port Authority of New South Wales, Eden is well equipped to handle cruise ships and the changes will allow the port to receive vessels up to 370 meters long.
The current cruise ship visit cap of 60 calls per season will also be dropped, helping to increase the number of visits for the long-term future.
The modifications will ensure that the region is prepared for future cruise growth, the Port Authority added.
Ships will also be able to make overnight visits, which is said to provide an opportunity for passengers to explore further.
Minor physical modifications with minimal construction will be required to the wharf, with the Port Authority currently preparing the Operational Environmental Management Plan, which is expected to be ready by the end of 2024.
“We already have 26 cruise ship visits booked for upcoming summer cruise season in Eden and we look forward to welcoming the first ship, the Disney Wonder, into the Port of Eden on 30 October,” said Port Authority CEO Captain Philip Holliday.
“As the upcoming cruise seasons build momentum and more bookings are secured, we are likely to see a greater number of cruise ships add Eden to their itineraries, which could include first-time visits for the Majestic Princess and the Ovation of the Seas,” he added.
“As part of the planning modification approval, the next step is to ensure we have an updated Operational Environmental Management Plan in place for the start of the next season.”
