Port of Eden Prepares for Larger Cruise Ships & More Calls

The Australian port of Eden is set to accommodate larger ships and more frequent visits following modifications to the existing Eden Breakwater Wharf Extension, as announced by the Port Authority of New South Wales in a recent press release.

Approved by the NSW Government, the plan includes removing the current restriction that limits the number of cruise vessels that can call at the port. The upcoming 2024 summer cruise season is expected to be the busiest on record for Eden, with over 26 cruise ships already scheduled to visit.

"Eden is already our state’s largest regional cruise port – and we’re making it even better, lifting the cap on visits and increasing NSW’s already booming market share of Australia’s cruising industry," said Australia’s Transport Minister Jo Haylen. "Cruising is one of Eden’s biggest economic drivers, so allowing bigger international ships to sail will bring enormous benefits to the region for years to come."

The Port Authority of New South Wales stated that Eden is well-equipped to handle cruise ships, and the planned changes will enable the port to accommodate vessels up to 370 meters in length. The existing cap of 60 cruise ship calls per season will also be removed, paving the way for more frequent visits in the future.

These modifications are designed to prepare the region for future growth in the cruise industry, with ships now able to make overnight stops, offering passengers more opportunities to explore the area.

The port authority plans to make minor physical adjustments to the wharf, with the Operational Environmental Management Plan expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

"We already have 26 cruise ship visits booked for the upcoming summer cruise season in Eden and we look forward to welcoming the first ship, the Disney Wonder, into the Port of Eden on 30 October," said Port Authority CEO Captain Philip Holliday. "As the upcoming cruise seasons build momentum and more bookings are secured, we are likely to see a greater number of cruise ships add Eden to their itineraries, which could include first-time visits for the Majestic Princess and the Ovation of the Seas."

He added, "As part of the planning modification approval, the next step is to ensure we have an updated Operational Environmental Management Plan in place for the start of the next season."