2009 09 01

Klaipeda Cruise shipping season ends with good results

Despite the difficult economic situation, the number of ships and passengers at the end of cruise shipping season is no worse than the last year's results.

It is expected that 50 cruise ships will arrive at Klaipeda port the next season and the number of passengers will reach 36 000-37 000. Last year 46 ships brought more than 32 000 passengers. According to the Klaipeda State Seaport Authority, 21 600 passengers visited Klaipeda during the last three cruise shipping season months. It is almost 30% more than in 2008 during the relevant period. These numbers are relatively good indicators concerning the economic downturn.

The approval to reduce charges for cruise ships should not reduce the earnings of the port and is estimated to be similar to the last year. Fee reduction is expected further to boost marine tourism.

Last year charges from the cruise shipping reached 500 thousand EUR composing 1.38% of total port fees.