Subscribe to RSS feedWhite Bay takes cruise terminal mantle from Darling Harbour
A permanent cruise passenger terminal will be built at White Bay Wharf Five by 2012 after the New South Wales government yesterday signalled the end of visits into Darling Harbour.
New era: Cruise traffic west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge will call at White Bay's new facility from 2012
The state government said planning will begin immediately for the new terminal, with construction expected to begin in early 2011 ahead of completion the following year.
The neighbouring White Bay Four berth will be used as an overflow berth.
NSW ports minister Paul McLeay said construction of the Barangaroo development (the site formerly occupied by Patrick), plans for which were announced this week, would have "severely" disrupted cruise shipping, particularly customs and migration exclusion zones.
The White Bay development would "provide certainty" for the cruise industry, which grew 18% between 2002 and 2008.
The decision followed feedback from the Cruise Passenger Terminal Steering Committee and other channels.
White Bay was chosen because it has deepwater berths, can fit two vessels end-on-end, has increased public access outside of cruiseship visits and includes better road access.
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