Kristiansund (Norway) is currently working on a new environmental plan for the cruise port, according to Erika Indergaard, marketing manager at Port of Kristiansund & Nordmore.
She said LNG-powerd vessels could already apply for a port fee discount, and they also granted a discount for ships registered in the Environmental Ship Index with a total score of 50+ points.
"Implementation of EPI is a possible action point in order to encourage greener ships to visit us, but a decision has not yet been made.”
In August, the port twice welcomed World Voyager, the first calls since March 2020. During the autumn/winter months, Hurtigruten's cruiseferries has been visiting the port town every second week. The total calls in 2021 are due to be 17.
The prognosis for next year is looking good with an increase both in the number of calls and the number of passengers. With a total of 50 calls scheduled, Indergaard commented they were "still a less visited destination, without crowding and where the guests can feel really welcomed by the local community.”
Kristiansund is suited to small/medium-sized ships up to 300 m (984 ft) in length. The 2 cruise ship quays are situated in downtown within easy reach of activities, shopping, and attractions.
Storkaia Pier has length 300 m (984 ft), Devoldholmen Pier is 205 m (673 ft) and can accommodate ships up to 220 m (723 ft).
“Kristiansund is quite a small town so in terms of number of passengers, the ideal is up to 2500, but we also handle ships with 4000 passengers every now and then.”
For small cruise ships and expedition voyages, Smola island, which is north of Kristiansund port, is a good alternative. Cruise ships up to 195 m can anchor close to the tender pier and bring the cruisers to the island, where activities like sea eagle safari, hiking in the prairie-like landscape, and old fishing villages are possible.