The cruise terminal complex is expected to be operational by 2027 and will serve Haifa’s 760mtr long berth that is already in service and capable of handling the largest cruise ships.
The whole complex will be around 30,000sq mtr, with about half used for cruise operations and the rest for parking, commercial and entertainment areas as part of the waterfront development, Zohar Rom, head of cruise at Haifa Port, told Seatrade Cruise News.
The new terminal building will be able to simultaneously serve two turnaround ships carrying 4,000 passengers, or one larger ship. One ship will be berthed in front of the terminal and the other, further down on the eastern stretch of the quay.
Train and road connectivity
The terminal will be connected directly to the Israeli train station, with direct connectivity to the international airport, as well as to the main road to downtown Haifa.
BA has successfully executed homeport cruise terminal projects, from planning to commissioning, in six continents designing, amongs others, major terminals in Miami, Seattle, San Francisco, Singapore, New York, Galveston and Mauritius.
Haifa Port has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing cruise destinations in the Mediterranean and wider, attracting approximately 380,000 Israeli passengers and 250,000 international guests, either homeporting or on transit calls with more expected in 2023.
Homeporting and transits
Almost 30 cruise brands currently visit Haifa, with some choosing the destination for homeporting.
The new cruise terminal is set to become the first significant project of Haifa Port after its privatization earlier this year.
Now owned by India's Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (70%) and Israel's Gadot Group, the port views cruises and tourism as pivotal components of its future.
The new terminal's design will be especially sensitive to the history and culture of Israel, as well as the planned waterfront development, Rom noted.
This commitment to preserving the essence of Israel's heritage and seamlessly integrating into Haifa's future growth highlights the port's dedication to a harmonious and sustainable expansion, he added.
