Construction work for the extension of Berth No.1 at Ostuferhafen has begun, so that large cruise ships can dock there this summer already. Dr Dirk Claus, Managing Director of the PORT OF KIEL (SEEHAFEN KIEL GmbH & Co. KG): “The shipping routes of northern Europe attract more and more big cruise ships as well as a constantly increasing number of tourists. Through enhancing our capacities we offer our customers planning reliability and an excellent basis for continuing growth.” By extending Berth No. 1, three very big cruise ships can moor in Kiel at the same time for passenger turnaround. In addition, Kiel offers further handling capacities for several smaller cruise ships. Dirk Claus: “In a first step, Berth No.1 will relieve our existing cruise terminal Ostseekai regarding stop-overs before passenger turnaround will be handled at this berth next year.” Berth No. 1 will receive its premiere when the “Eurodam” of Holland America Line will dock there on 09 June 2013.
The extended cruise Berth No.1 has a quay length of 395 m with a constant water depth of 10.50 m. The facility is going to be certified according to the international ISPS Code and comes with all equipment for vessel provisioning. Furthermore, the fenders at Berth No. 1 will be adapted to the requirements of particularly large ships and a passenger gangway will be installed by the end of May. For future luggage handling, an area of 2,500 m² will be redesigned in the hall adjacent to the berth. The passenger terminal area will be set up in a light-flooded pavilion of more than 1,500 m², extending the hall towards the water front. All in all, the terminal is designed for handling vessels with up to 4,000 passengers. Dirk Claus: “With Berth No. 1, we provide shipping companies with best conditions – in nautical and operational respect. The total package is extremely advantageous and will strengthen Kiel’s competitive position.” For the very first time, embarking passengers will have the opportunity to park their cars directly at the terminal building for the duration of their journey. The Ostuferhafen offers an adequate number of parking spaces within the security zone.