THE NSW government has granted planning approval for a modification to the existing Eden Breakwater Wharf Extension – a change that would allow larger cruise ships to call the regional port and increase the frequency of visits.

The modification application approval to the Eden Cruise Wharf includes removing the current cruise-ship visit cap of 60 visits per season.

It would also allow vessels of up to 370 metres to call at the berth (up from 325 metres) and remove the 100-metre length limit on other vessel types to call at the berth, such as naval vessels.

The modification application approval also includes the opportunity for overnight berthing.

The wharf will require “minor physical modifications with minimal construction”, according to the NSW government.

Port Authority of NSW CEO Phil Holliday said the next step is to ensure the port authority has an updated Operational Environmental Management Plan in place for the start of the next season.

“We already have 26 cruise ship visits booked for upcoming summer cruise season in Eden and we look forward to welcoming the first ship, Disney Wonder, into the Port of Eden on 30 October,” Captain Holliday said.

“As the upcoming cruise seasons build momentum and more bookings are secured, we are likely to see a greater number of cruise ships add Eden to their itineraries, which could include first-time visits for Majestic Princess and Ovation of the Seas.”

NSW transport minister Jo Haylen said cruising is one of Eden’s biggest economic drivers, and allowing bigger international ships to call would bring “enormous benefits” to the region.

The port this year experienced its busiest summer cruise season on record, expected to pump an estimated $19 million into the local economy.

“Eden is already our state’s largest regional cruise port – and we’re making it even better, lifting the cap on visits and increasing NSW’s already booming market share of Australia’s cruising industry,” Ms Haylen said.

And planning minister Paul Scully said Eden’s maritime history “stretches back to its whaling days” almost 200 years ago and has evolved to become the popular tourism destination it is today.

“This modern-day maritime project unlocks huge opportunities for the Sapphire Coast region to support the local economy and create ongoing local jobs,” he said.

The Operational Environmental Management Plan currently being prepared by Port Authority of NSW is expected to be ready by the end of 2024.