Sydney’s third cruise terminal one step closer

Sydney, Australia - March 18, 2014: The Rhapsody of the Seas cruise ship, operated by Royal Caribbean International, reverses past the Sydney Opera House as it prepares to depart on a trip at sunset.

Sydney is one step closer to getting a third cruise terminal, with the NSW government inviting the cruise sector to provide input on a potential site in Port Botany.

Minister for Transport Andrew Constance and Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said in a statement the market engagement process will inform the next stage of delivering more capacity for Sydney’s growing cruise industry.

“The cruise industry creates $2.75 billion for the state’s economy each year. We’re expecting almost 1.6 million passengers this cruise season alone,” Constance said.

“This potential terminal at Port Botany would address the capacity constraints we’re seeing at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.”

A statement from the NSW government said the project will consider and assess options for an additional terminal at Yarra Bay or Molineux Point near Port Botany, following the Commonwealth Government ruling out Garden Island as an option.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said in a statement it welcomes the progress towards achieving a solution to Sydney’s current berthing capacity constraints, which according to the organisation, is limiting growth in Australia’s cruise industry.

“Additional berthing capacity is urgently needed in Sydney to ensure Australia’s cruise industry can continue to prosper into the future,” CLIA said.

“Limits on available berthing space in Australia’s gateway port threaten cruise tourism growth not only in Sydney but in destinations around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.”

Around 350 cruise ships will visit NSW this season, with the Majestic Princess and her 3,560 passengers the first to arrive in Sydney Harbour this morning.

“The cruise industry supports around 10,000 jobs and creates around $800 million in wages,” Ayres said.

“This season we are welcoming 317 cruise ships to the Overseas Passenger Terminal and White Bay terminals, it would be great to have the option to welcome even more.”

A market engagement process is part of the first phase of the Detailed Business Case, which will be developed by Port Authority of NSW in collaboration with NSW Treasury

Detailed technical studies will consider the social and economic benefits, traffic and transport impacts, costs, heritage and environmental impacts, including recreational fishing, at both potential sites.

There will also be a strong emphasis on consulting with local stakeholders and the community.

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clia Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres Minister for Transport Andrew Constance NSW Government port botany