Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) announced that has entered into a joint venture with Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), in order to upgrade and improve Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia. The upgraded pier is expected to accommodate berthing of larger cruise ships.
The company informs that plans for the facilities include extension of the existing berths to 688 metres from its current length of 400 metres. This will enable the terminal to berth two mega cruise liners carrying over 4,900 passengers each, at any one time.
In addition, the redevelopment will include spaces for tour buses to ease the flow of traffic in the areas around SPCT. The USD35 million project will further focus on improving accessibility for the aged and physically challenged throughout the terminal from ship to shore. This planned development has received unyielding support from both State and Federal government and associated government agencies, including Tourism bodies, and will be a focal part of Malaysian Tourism EPP6 plan to create a “Straits and Borneo Cruise Riviera”.
RCL will own a 40% stake in the venture, and the project will be managed by both parties. The company is scheduled to make 38 calls in Penang in 2017.
Recently, the cruise company set an agreement with Port Everglades, to renovate the Port’s Cruise Terminal 25 and cooperated with Miami-Dade County, to build an advanced terminal at Miami Port.
Source: Royal Caribbean Cruises
