CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - A $14-million expansion of the Charlottetown marine terminal is being driven, in part, by cruise ships getting “bigger and bigger,’’ says an official.
“That’s just the industry changing, and we need to try to accommodate that,’’ says Stan MacPherson, chairman of the board of directors of the Charlottetown Harbour Authority Inc.
MacPherson made the comment to The Guardian following an announcement on the project Friday that saw both the P.E.I. government and Ottawa commit $4 million each in funding. The harbour authority will cover the remaining cost.
MacPherson says work will begin immediately and should be completed in about 18 months.
Work includes the expansion of the Charlottetown Marine Terminal south berth by about 270 metres to accommodate two 330-metre cruise ships simultaneously, while also leaving space for oil tankers and cargo ships.
The larger berth will provide more room for large cruise ships and the growing number of passengers visiting the region each year.
“We’re now in a really good position to be truly competitive,’’ says MacPherson.
More than 110,000 passengers are expected in 94 cruise ship visits this year, a 28 per cent increase over the 2017 season.
The port had hoped to pass the 100,000-passenger mark in 2017, but several visits were cancelled due to weather and a speed limit imposed in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to protect endangered right whales.
Still, the 90,000 passengers that did visit represented a 31 per cent increase over 2016.
MacPherson says about 120,000 passengers are expected next year and roguhly155,000 in 2020.
He says the port had a $32.6 million economic impact in the province in 2017 with about $15 million being spent by cruise ship passengers and crew.
He says the expansion, in addition to helping grow the cruise industry on P.E.I., will provide improved handling capability for the importation of fuel, gravel and fertilizer through Port Charlottetown.
Charlottetown MP Sean Casey, on hand to announce the federal government’s funding contribution to the project, says strategic investments in infrastructure are crucial to increasing tourism and driving economic growth.
“The expansion of the Charlottetown Marine Terminal will position Charlottetown and P.E.I. as a top destination for tourists and businesses alike, creating jobs and providing greater economic opportunities,’’ says Casey.
P.E.I. Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar adds the expansion will help the province reach new milestones and ensure P.E.I. “remains a world-class tourism destination now and well into the future.’’
