‘We are delighted that we can now welcome larger ships and increase the number of cruise calls,’ says Monica Frisk, destination development, City of Helsingborg. ‘We really hope increasing numbers of cruise guests will have the chance to experience beautiful, friendly Sweden.
Previously the port had restricted ships no longer than 230mtr to berth. However no one had challenged the limit and
renting cruise ships to test whether it was possible seemed just a tad expensive, Frisk said.
A decision was taken to book time at a vessel simulator centre.
During two days of testing, skilled pilots simulated the maneuvering of several different cruise ships into the quay. A total of 22 simulations were performed by the pilots, who safely and securely guided the model vessels. Five different model vessels were used in the simulations, from 230mtr up to 294mtr.
Under realistic conditions, the ships were navigated into the Port of Helsingborg and moored at the quay. Minor adjustments were made for the larger models with regard to the turning basin and water depth. Crystal Cruises’ 238mtr long, Crystal Symphony, called at the quay in the South Port this summer following the findings.
‘The simulation tests made it possible to strengthen our cruise offer and we are so pleased,’ says Port of Helsingborg chief marketing officer Andréas Eriksson. ‘It means we can offer the cruise lines the capacity to welcome larger ships at the quay than we could before.’
