| Recognising
the importance of good communications systems
Mai Elmar
Director, Cruise Port Rotterdam
The recent
renovation and refurbishment of our cruise terminal reflects our
policy of always looking forward while also respecting our heritage.
We have retained
the soul of this historic building, which was once the headquarters
of Holland America Line, while adding the up-to-date facilities
– like escalators and elevators – now required to
handle the increasing number of cruise passengers.
The quay has
also been reinforced
and deepened to ease the way for the much larger cruise ships
we are now welcoming.
As one of
the world's largest ports, of course, Rotterdam has long experience
of handling the largest non-passenger ships but, while cruising
is only a small part of port activity, it is an important one
as it brings tourists right into the heart of the city.
A cruise ship
visit is a complex process involving many different people and
departments so a couple of years ago Cruise Port Rotterdam introduced
a one-stop shop for all those maritime and tourist services.
Cruise lines
have used this enthusiastically as - before every call - it brings
together all the key people - port agent, harbour master, Customs,
sea port police, city police and fire brigade and travel agents
- for a meeting to discuss all the various needs and requests.
This one-stop
office can also help cruise lines with any special events, including
media liaison.
My time at the helm of Cruise Europe taught me the importance
of good communication systems – particularly in the area
of security – and this one-shop concept is an innovative
approach to that issue.
The environment
is another key area and the port is playing an active role in
the Rotterdam Climate Initiative to reduce the city's CO2 emissions
by 50% before 2025.
We are actively
looking at the possibility of introducing shore power (cold ironing)
although this will ultimately be dependant on a greater number
of ships being adapted for such a switchover.
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