For years, politicians and residents in Bergen have discussed how we can make best use of the port area in Bergen and the site of the cruise port. There have been various suggestions to move the cruise port out of Bergen city centre, with the most recent proposal coming from Rexir and COWI. The cruise industry supports the idea of moving the cruise port away from the city centre, which we see as a win-win situation.
At other major cruise destinations, it is quite common – and often desirable – for the cruise port to be outside the city centre. It makes it possible to offer better facilities to shipowners and passengers alike and reduces the negative impacts on the local community.
The recently launched project Kildn, presented by Rexir and COWI, has big environmental ambitions. The aim is zero emissions of greenhouse gases. That would help the cruise industry, which is working hard to reduce its emissions by 40 percent by 2030.
The industry recognises that many people in Bergen find it inconvenient to have the cruise port located in the crowded city centre.
If it were located outside the city centre, passengers could easily be transported to the centre by a suitable mode of transport, such as electric buses or boats.
A pleasant place to live is also a pleasant place to visit. We believe that moving the cruise port out of Bergen city centre would be the best option for the cruise lines, passengers and the people of Bergen.
By: Tor Christian Sletner
Vice President at Cruise Lines International Association Europe
Source: BT , 11.juni 2020