PORT of Dampier received its first-ever visiting cruise ship last week.
The 91-metre-long APT cruise vessel MS Caledonian Sky called the port on Thursday last week (13 April). It typically sails between Darwin and Broome on its Kimberley voyages.
Pilbara Ports Authority facilitated the ship’s arrival, which brought around 80 passengers into the region.
PPA chief executive officer Roger Johnston said facilitating cruise calls at Dampier would support the Pilbara.
“We recognise the economic and social benefits of increasing tourism to the region, and as part of our commitment to supporting Pilbara communities we are proud to welcome cruise vessels to our ports,” Mr Johnston said.
“We hope to see the industry grow in future years, which will be supported by the proposed construction of the multi-user Dampier Bulk Handling Facility that will provide additional capacity for cruise vessels at the Port of Dampier.”
Caledonian Sky is expected to visit other regional locations on Western Australia’s coast, including Broome, Geraldton and Shark Bay.
“We look forward to welcoming back the MS Caledonian Sky to Dampier in the coming weeks, as part of its program of Western Australian coastline expeditions,” Mr Johnston said.
According to PPA, the cruise industry contributed an estimated $261.9 million to the state’s economy in 2018-19 and supported more than 930 jobs.
