The Port of Broome will be open to cruise ships around the clock, just in time for the start of the cruise ship season in mid-October.
With its white sandy beaches, dreamy azure waters and dramatic red landscape, this is fantastic news for clients wishing to take in the beautiful scenery of the West Coast.
With dredging underway this week, the growing port looks forward to boosting cruise tourism and creating more jobs in WA.
It sounds like there will be smiles all-round!
So what exactly is happening at the port?
The $15.3 million channel optimisation program will allow 24-hour access for cruise ships, which currently need to berth at irregular hours due to navigational hazards.
Dredging is expected to run for two weeks and will have minimal environmental impacts. (Which is what we like to hear!).
The dredging equipment has completed the final stage of the Channel Risk and Optimisation Project (CROP) at the Port of Port Hedland. The CROP improves trade capacity by increasing channel depth and extending sailing windows, allowing port users to optimise tonnage on their vessels.
Coordination between Pilbara Ports Authority and Kimberley Ports Authority has reduced overall project costs for the Broome project, with the cutter suction dredge starting its journey in Port Hedland rather than from outside Australia.
The commitment to fix Broome Port prompted Carnival Australia to re-commit to homeporting the Sun Princess superliner in Fremantle for the 2019-20 cruise season. The Sun Princess arrives in Fremantle on November 1 this year, carrying 2,000 guests and will homeport for a record 141 days.
“The increased time ashore will be a real game-changer for the local tourism industry as cruise ship guests spend their money supporting local businesses from restaurants to tour operators.
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia
When will the port be completed?
Dredging will finish in time for the arrival of the first cruise ship in mid-October.
Which will pretty much feel like five days away based on how fast this year is going!