NEWCASTLE CRUISE TERMINAL PLANS TAKE SHAPE

Silver Whisper

Newcastle will welcome its first cruise ship of the year tomorrow, when the 190-metre long Silver Whisper sails into port carrying nearly 400 passengers.

The visit hails the start of an exciting 18-month period for Newcastle, which will see 17 cruise ships welcomed, new mooring bollards installed to host bigger ships, and the building of a cruise terminal.

Port of Newcastle Chief Executive Officer Geoff Crowe said the infrastructure upgrades will position the Port for the future.

“The cruise terminal and mooring bollards upgrade are a key part of Newcastle’s revitalisation and will contribute around $26.7 million to the local economy, and an additional 76 jobs through construction and flow on effects,” Mr Crowe said.

Planning for the cruise terminal is well advanced and will progress to the design phase by mid-year. Construction is due to be completed by the end of 2018.

The $12.7 million cruise terminal development is funded by the NSW Government through the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund. The project includes wharf in-fill enhancements to support home porting operations, and a car park.

For more information, visit the Port of Newcastle website.