#Ports may struggle to meet growing #cruise industry

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The cruise industry in Australia is booming. But are Australian ports ready to cope with growing demand?

Tourism Review says cruise companies are calling on Australian ports to invest in infrastructure to meet their needs so that inadequate facilities don’t hold the industry back.

Sydney poses a particular problem.

Travel Weekly reported that Dan Hanrahan, CEO of Celebrity Cruises, has called for improvements to Sydney’s cruise infrastructure, which is largely hindered by ships being unable to fit under the Harbour Bridge.

This means that cruise ships are forced to dock in Sydney’s industrial ports which are ‘poorly placed’ for cruising passengers.

Hanrahan believes a new better-located cruise terminal needs to built in Sydney.

“A huge opportunity exists for Sydney to benefit,” he said.

“A new port would encourage international liners to come to Australia, improve Sydney’s image for cruise customers, and boost revenue for tourism operators.”

Australasian Ports and Harbours Congress 2012 brings together port operators and port users to discuss future innovation, strategy and opportunities.