Burgas port chief calls for a reduction in Bosphorus transit fees to help stimulate Black Sea cruising

In April 2012, the fees applied to vessels longer than 300mtr and/or with more than 53ft air draft, transiting the Bosphorus were significantly increased. ‘This affects a majority of the cruse ships sailing into the Black Sea,’ commented executive director of the Port of Burgas, Diyan Dimov.

Any reduction in fees depends on the authorities in the Bosphorus, he said.

Emerald  Princess became the biggest ship to call at the Burgas late last month. At 290mtr in length and 113,561gt, 3,000 passengers took the opportunity to  visit Nessebar, Pomorie, Sozopol and Varna.

MedCruise member, Burgas, is expecting two cruise ships this month: MSC Sinfonia and Island Sky, followed by three more MSC calls, two by MSC Orchestra and another visit from Sinfonia.