The Lyttelton Port Company released the plans for the new $56 million cruise ship berth that will be built in Lyttelton port of Christchurch, New Zealand. The new berth will be the first custom built cruise ship facility for Christchurch, able to accommodate some of the largest cruise liners from around the world.
Specifically, the cruise ship berth has been designed to accommodate cruise ships of the size of 362 metres long and 225,282 tonnes. The cruise ships are expected to return to Lyttelton for the 2019–2020 cruise season.
“With Lyttelton unable to host cruise ships for the last few years, cruise ships have been berthing in Akaroa. It has put tremendous pressure on Akaroa. I’d like to pay tribute to the community there that has enabled Christchurch to stay connected to the cruise industry. This announcement will bring some relief to them” said Christchurch Mayor, Lianne Dalziel.
The cruise ship industry was worth $484 million to the New Zealand economy in the 2015–2016 year and is forecast to grow to $490 million in the 2016–2017 season.
“The cruise ship industry is continuing to develop rapidly with a dynamic increase in the volume of guests visiting New Zealand, so it’s important that Christchurch has the facilities to offer a gateway to the Canterbury region for all ship sizes,” Cruise New Zealand Board Member Tony Petrie says.
