Martinique’s Efforts Toward Cruise Tourism Development Are Bearing Fruit
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Pointe Cruise Terminal Upgraded to Receive Oasis of the Seas-Size Ships
T h e F C C A C r u i s e C o n F e r e n C e & T r A d e s h ow
In order to anticipate the cruise lines’ trend towards bigger ships and therefore meet their needs for more docking space, a €9 million expansion of downtown Pointe Simon Pier was completed in mid-January 2013. Through this expansion, Pointe Simon Pier was retrofitted to accommodate Oasis of the Seas-size ships. The plans for ground transportation have thus been reviewed to welcome higher traffic resulting from the size and capacity of these megaships.
Two berthing dolphins have been installed downstream and upstream from the existing berthing area. Each one can absorb energy of 285 m.t. and hold a 100,000-ton ship under extreme berthing conditions. Furthermore, the spacing of the berthing dolphins is now 150 meters, so the dock is able to accommodate ships up to 450 meters in length. An additional berthing dolphin has also been built on the auxiliary dockside to accommodate ships measuring 221 meters, of the Costa Romantica type.
Moor Improvement
In addition to the mooring posts present on the new berthing dolphins, the terminal also has two additional berthing dolphins. One is located 30 meters forward of the existing one, on the city side, and the other is
80 meters from the existing one, being essentially intended for mooring the largest cruise ships. These dolphins are equipped with rapid hook release (2 x 50 tons of rated traction) and electrical capstans.
Upgrade and Revamp of Tourelles Cruise Terminal
Tourelles Cruise Terminal underwent a €1 million global upgrade and revamp in 2012 to accommodate MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises embarking and disembarking passengers in optimal conditions. Ground facilities feature: • 300 parking places • Optimized traffic • Dedicated drop-off areas for passengers • Waiting area for disembarking guests
phOtOs cOu rt e s y Of M a rt I n Iqu e prOMOt IOn Bu r e au
Boasting its magical blend of French flair and its extraordinary biodiversity despite its small size (425 square miles), Martinique is enhancing its beauty with a growing number of new tourist attractions and with the recent upgrade of its port infrastructures carried out by the Port Authority to meet the cruise lines’ needs. No wonder this beautiful island continues to arouse interest among the cruise lines, while also winning their loyalty.
The expansion work covered three technical aspects: • Increase of the platform’s surface area • Berth improvement • Moor improvement
Increase of the Platform’s Surface Area
In order to receive a larger numbers of tourists under good conditions, the surface area of the platform was doubled, extended by 52 meters towards the open water. The width of the platform was however maintained at 15 meters.
Berth Improvement
The berthing space has been extended to ensure the stability and position of the ship and absorb its berthing energy.
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Les Anses d’Arlet
8/30/13 1:17 PM