INDEX 4 Industry, port and destinations: ready and waiting 6 On course to sustainable recovery 9 ”360º Sustainability” is our flagship 12 Technology, the support anchor 14 Costa Cruises: on course for full recovery in 2023 16 MSC Cruises: 311 calls at 15 Spanish ports this summer 18 Norwegian Cruise Line: innovation and responsibility 20 INTERVIEWwith Alfredo Serrano, Director of CLIA in Spain. “2022 is a vital year on the road to full recovery for the industry” 24 Seatrade Cruise Global: Rebuilt and ready for action 29 A must-attend event 32 Destination Spain
INDUSTRY, PORTANDDESTINATIONS: READYANDWAITING LOLI DOLZ Grupo Diario’s Director of Non-Daily Publications After the forced absence caused by COVID-19, the Miami Beach Convention Center will once again be playing host to the main players in the international cruise industry at Seatrade Cruise Global, the largest, most important event on the cruise industry’s trade show calendar. Representatives from the entire cruise industry supply chain will be gathered together under one roof, from ports and destinations to service companies in operations, entertainment, design, technology, energy efficiency, safety, security, shipbuilding, equipment and more. Some 140 countries will be showcasing their tourism products and specialized services inMiami with the aim of reviving an industry that is eager, very eager, to return to the record numbers of the pre-pandemic days. Except for the sad disappearance of Pullmantur Cruceros, there have been no significant changes in the market and cruise lines continue to value the Spanish market and its products and services very highly, supported by the intelligent alliances of ports and destinations, which are aware of the benefits of joining forces. Consequently, the commitment of cruise lines to our destinations is growing with the presentation of schedules that confirm that the companies have positioned some of their newest ships on itineraries that call at Spanish ports and that they are including innovations in all proposals to make them more attractive to Spanish customers. We must not forget that we do not only welcome tourists. Spain is, ”the fourth most important outbound market in Europe, with a penetration rate that still leaves room for growth,” CLIA Spain reminds us. In addition to the challenge of picking up on the developments that were already in the pipeline before COVID, cruise lines, ports and destinations are adding (there is no choice) new objectives that are based on the vital premise of guaranteeing the sustainability of the industry. Hence, the wholehearted commitment of all partners to conduct research to develop new fuels and the technologies that facilitate their implementation. Cold ironing, liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion, exhaust gas scrubbing systems (EGCS) and advanced wastewater treatment systems (AWTS) are already a reality for companies and, consequently, for ports. Accordingly, Grupo Diario - Diario del Puerto Publicaciones releases a new issue of its Seatrade Cruise Global Cruise Dossier to impart a better understanding of the state of the industry (its companies, ports and destinations). The book includes interviews, reports and detailed information on the main Spanish cruise destinations. In addition, it features a new version of Who’s Who in the Cruise Industry, the reference guide that brings together the main contacts of interest in the industry. Start reading now. No part of the contents of this publication may be reproduced, processed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. The publisher does not necessarily share the views expressed in the signed articles and interviews. LEGAL DEPOSIT: V-2202-2020 Ronda del Port, 519, Edificio TERSACO, 2ª pl., Oficina 213 08039 Puerto de Barcelona Tel. No: 993 289 67 07 - barcelona@grupodiario.com Colón de Larreategui, 26, 4º A 48009 Bilbao Tel. No: 994 425 72 48 - bilbao@grupodiario.com Calle Vargas, 7, local 10 28003 Madrid Tel. No: 991 536 21 17 - madrid@grupodiario.com Calderers, 40, Pol. Ind. Camí de La Mar 46120 Alboraya - Valencia Tel. No: 996 330 18 32 - redaccion@grupodiario.com EDITION: GENERAL MANAGER Fernando Vitoria GENERAL MANAGER – EDITORIAL Magda Tatay GENERAL MANAGER – DIARIO DEL PUERTO Miguel Jiménez NON-DAILY PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR Loli Dolz PRINTING: GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER Héctor Das PRE-PRINTING José Antonio Sánchez, José Carlos García PRINTING Luis Mateo, Fermín Leal DESIGN: ARTISTIC AND AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Taller de Ideas y Comunicación, S.L. DIRECTOR Rocío Álvarez EVENTS AND BUSINESS COMMUNICATION Raquel Rocafull DESIGN Raúl Molina This product has been created by GENERAL MANAGER Paco Prado NON-DAILY PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR Loli Dolz CONTENTS OF THE PUBLICATION Bárbara Cordero, Loli Dolz, Leila Escrihuela, Jaime Pinedo, Raúl Tárrega COVER DESIGN Taller de Ideas y Comunicación - Raúl Molina DESIGN AND LAYOUT Ximo Lacámara JOURNALIST TEAM OF DIARIO DEL PUERTO Leila Escrihuela, Alba Tejera, Jaime Pinedo, Miguel Jiménez, Bárbara Cordero, Loli Dolz, Raúl Tárrega SALES DIRECTOR Eva Monrós SECRETARY Bárbara Manzanera SALES DEPARTMENT Mavi Guirao, Juan Manuel Barba, Juan Carlos Sarmentero ADMINISTRATION Lola García WEBMASTER Óscar García DISTRIBUTIONN Enrique Cervera, Antonio Leal, Rafael Sancho, Diego Valcárcel Subscriber Member Attention Service: sas@grupodiario.com
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DIARIO DEL PUERTO CRUISE TRENDS - SEATRADE 2022 6 BÁRBARA CORDERO Cruise lines see sustainability and technology as their main allies in looking after their main working tool: the sea. Even before the pandemic they had already begun to focus on the search for more environmentally friendly options, but now that they are on course to recovery, investments in new fuels, new ships, and new services are proving vital. The cruise industry was one of the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic, as their raison d’être is passengers and travel, both of which were severely limited by mobility restrictions around the world. Although business picked up in the summer of 2020, the cruise industryhas not yet managed to reach pre-pandemic levels. In fact, according to global economic data for the industry provided ON COURSE TO SUSTAINABLE RECOVERY
DIARIO DEL PUERTO Relaunch 7 by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), only 5.8 million passenger embarkations were recorded in 2020, 81% less than in 2019, when the figure reached 29.7 million. Jobs were also down 51% in 2020 compared to 2019, with 576,000 jobs compared to 1.17 million in 2019. As was to be expected, these figures brought serious economic repercussions. According to CLIA, the global cruise sector posted a total economic contribution of $63.4 billion, compared to $154 billion in 2019, a drop of 59%. However, cruise lines assure that bookings are up, thanks to the implementation of health protocols to provide safe services. This higher volume of bookings is leading to a recovery in employment and the revival of local and national economies, as tourism is jumpstarted. According to CLIA, ”over 75% of ocean capacity has already been recovered” since business started up again in the third quarter of 2020. In the same vein, the Association expects to ”recover almost 100% of capacity by August 2022, when 272 cruise ships are expected to be in operation, with an average capacity of 2,126 passengers”, although it expects full recovery to come in 2023. Cruise lines assure bookings are up, thanks to the implementation of health protocols to provide safe services Costa Cruises’ new flagship is the Costa Toscana, a ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas and equipped with the latest technology to respond to the company’s sustainability objectives, which are in line with the SDGs of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.
DIARIO DEL PUERTO CRUISE TRENDS - SEATRADE 2022 8 2.21 million passengers were recorded in 2021, up 61.54% compared to 2020, but down 79.25% compared to 2019 CRUISES IN SPAIN Cruises are a major contributor to the Spanish tourist sector, so the full recovery of the industry will bring amuchneeded economic boost to the country, as tourism is one of its main sources of income. Although there is still a long way to go, the 2021 passenger figures for cruise ships calling at Spanish ports show the industry is on course to recovery. In 2019, 10.66 million passengers called at Spanish ports, while in the pandemic-stricken year of 2020, only 1.36 million passengers were registered, a decrease of 87.15%. However, in 2021, although the health situation was not yet under control, 2.21 million passengers were recorded, up 61.54% compared to 2020, albeit a decrease of 79.25% compared to 2019. The recovery of the cruise industry in Spain is more apparent when comparing the months of January 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Bearing in mind that in the first month of 2019 and 2020, COVID-19 had not yet taken its toll, the comparison should be made between January 2021 and January 2022, where there is clearly a greater flow of passengers: in the first month of 2021, 31,580 cruise passengers were registered in Spain, while in January 2022 this figure rose to 262,924, which represents a growth of 725%. Total number of cruise passengers in Spain in 2019, 2020 and 2021 Total number of cruise passengers in January 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 in Spain 12,000,000 10,000,000 8,000,000 6,000,000 4,000,000 2,000,000 0 10,664,361 1,369,361 2,212,185 2019 2019 2019 700,000 600,000 500,000 400,000 400,000 300,000 100,000 0 585,984 565,475 262,924 31,850 2019 2020 2022 2021
DIARIO DEL PUERTO Relaunch 9 BÁRBARA CORDERO Unlike companies in other industries, cruise lines have sustainability built into their DNA, because the more they look after the marine ecosystem, the brighter their future will be. The cruise industry is nothing without the sea and, since its inception, has been very conscious of its commitment to the environment. ”The future of our business is closely linked to the health of our oceans and the destinations we visit. Environmentally friendly practices not only help protect our oceans, but also enable our business to thrive,” explains Norwegian Cruise Line’s Managing Director Europe, Kevin Bubolz. Therefore, the different cruise lines operate by offsetting their carbon footprint and implementing socially responsible initiatives that protect the environment as well as society as a whole. In other words, in addition to adopting measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, cruise ships have turned ”360º Sustainability” into their flagship, in order to meet the Sustainable ”360º SUSTAINABILITY” IS OUR FLAGSHIP CLIA: ” Although cruise ships account for less than 1% of the global shipping community, cruise lines are at the forefront of developing responsible environmental practices and innovative technologies that lead to environmental stewardship” The MSC World Europa is the first cruise ship in the MSC World Class, a ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), using innovative environmental technologies.
DIARIO DEL PUERTO CRUISE TRENDS - SEATRADE 2022 10 Development Goals (SDGs) set out in the United Nations 2030 Agenda and to comply with the regulations set out by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through MARPOL, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, as CLIA points out. In fact, by 2027, the Association expects its members’ ocean fleet to ”have made significant progress towards a cleaner, more efficient future”. It predicts that, by then, 26 ships will be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), 81% of global capacity will have Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS), 174 cruise ships will be grid-ready and 176 cruise ships will have Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) installed, ”accounting for 81% of the world’s non-LNG-fueled capacity”. CLIA estimates that 16 new oceangoing ships will join its fleet in 2022, of which five will be LNG-powered and nine will be expedition ships. In any case, ”they will all be equipped with advanced wastewater treatment systems”. ”Although cruise ships account for far less than 1% of the global shipping community, cruise lines are at the forefront of developing responsible environmental pract ices and innovative technologies that lead to environmental stewardship,” CLIA said. Likewise, the industry points out that each cruise ship is subject to dozens of inspections each year in the ports it visits, the countries where it is registered and other independent agencies, which include controls on equipment and practices to manage waste, reduce emissions and treat water. For example, in US waters, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Coast Guard impose stringent air, water, energy and waste requirements, including the provisions of the Clean Water Law. In addition, the cruise industry also participates in International Maritime Organization (IMO) working groups and committees to develop global regulations to protect the environment. Moreover, cruise fleets show an unwavering commitment to responsible tourism by working with destinations to help their economies prosper while preserving their culture and customs. Cruise lines are turning ”360º Sustainability” into their flagship to comply with the SDGs of the UN’s 2030 Agenda The ship Norwegian Prima features environmentally friendly technologies such as its Selective Catalytic Reduction System (SCR), an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), cold ironing, waste management, an advanced wastewater treatment system and on-board water production.
DIARIO DEL PUERTO Relaunch 11 SPANISH PORTS HELP TO REDUCE THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF CRUISE SHIPS At national level, the Spanish State-owned Ports Body, together with the Andalusian Institute of Historical Heritage (IAPH) and CLIA Spain have launched a program entitled ”Berthed cruise ship emissions”, which aims to globally standardize the information that cruise ships must provide to estimate emissions when berthed, i.e., to agree on a common methodology for calculating these emissions. This project, which will be piloted over the next two years, and will be extended to other fleets from 2024, is backed by the world’s leading cruise ports, including Los Angeles, Seattle, Hamburg and Rotterdam, and also by the Spanish ports of Barcelona and Palma de Majorca. Cruise ship in the Port of Alicante. Environmentally friendly practices not only help protect our oceans, but also enable our business to thrive Kevin Bubolz Norwegian Cruise Line EL DATO According to CLIA, cruise lines recycle 80,000 tons of paper, plastic, aluminum and glass each year, in line with their waste management policies, through which they prevent waste being dumped into the oceans. 80,000 TONS As part of their commitment to the environment, the ports of Barcelona (in the image) and Tarragona have recently adhered to the Catalan Air Quality Summit Agreement.
DIARIO DEL PUERTO CRUISE TRENDS - SEATRADE 2022 12 BÁRBARA CORDERO Technology is a key element for the cruise industry in conducting its business, especially in the light of the challenges arising from the need to protect the environment. This is why cruise lines are using new technological tools to promote sustainability and, since the pandemic, health safety. In this sense, given that the main route of infection of COVID-19 is physical contact, the industry has implemented contactless technology at access points and on board. This was the case of Norwegian Cruise Line, which implemented it in 2021 to preserve the health and safety of guests, crew and destinations. ”At Norwegian we have our SailSAFE health and safety program to respond to the challenges of the pandemic. This program, which is underpinned by TECHNOLOGY, THE SUPPORT ANCHOR The industry is encountering technological, logistics and regulatory barriers which are hampering the development of alternative fuels The ports managed by the Port Authority of Las Palmas were among the few European ports to maintain cruise ship activity in the second half of 2020 and 2021.
DIARIO DEL PUERTO Relaunch 13 science for a safe and healthy return to cruising, has been developed in conjunction with a diverse group of globally recognized experts and will be continually enhanced, modified and refined using the best available science and technology,” explains Norwegian Cruise Line’s Managing Director Europe, Kevin Bubolz. FUEL Additionally, in line with their goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, cruise lines are beginning to look for alternatives to traditional fuels and are investing heavily in ships equipped with systems that can use other fuels such as biodiesel, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen and electric batteries, as well as LNG. But what the industry is undoubtedly aspiring to is to operate fully electric ships. ”At Costa Cruises we are pioneers in the industry and we are working to make progress with technological partners that help us to move closer to running allelectric ships in the future,” says Luigi Stefanelli, General Manager of Costa Cruises for Spain and Portugal. BARRIERS However, the industry is encountering technological, logistics, di s t r i but i on and regul atory barriers which are hampering the development of alternative fuels and their widespread use. Therefore, the main challenge for cruise lines, in addition to full recovery, is to include these emissionneutral fuels in order to meet global environmental targets. ”The cruise industry is driving sustainable maritime innovation, which will be key to the decarbonization of transport,” says CLIA. In this regard, MSC Cruises has taken the lead and is already actively involved in several projects to develop and make new sustainable technologies viable. An example of this is the project it is developing in conjunction with Fincantieri and SNAM to study the use of hydrogen as a fuel on cruise ships. Moreover, technology is also a great ally in eliminating waste at sea and generating a circular economy in which natural resources are used to operate ships. “At Costa, we have incorporated multiple innovations such as processes for the selective collection of 100% of waste, and technologies to transform seawater into desalination plants that meet al l of the ship’s water needs, including an intelligent energy efficiency system on board that minimizes energy consumption,” says Stefanelli. For his part , MSC Cruises’ Managing Di rec tor in Spain, Fernando Pacheco , explained that its cruise ships have already implemented ”advanced next - generation wastewater treatment systems, as well as an underwater radiated noise management system to minimize the effects of vibrations on marine life and multiple energy efficiency features to help reduce and optimize engine usage”, in order to reduce their environmental impact. At Costa Cruises we are pioneers in the industry and we are working to make progress with technological partners that help us to move closer to running allelectric ships in the future Luigi Stefanelli Costa Cruises
DIARIO DEL PUERTO CRUISE TRENDS - SEATRADE 2022 14 BÁRBARA CORDERO Costa Cruises is the perfect example of the saying ”innovate or die”. Instead of sinking in the face of the problems caused by the pandemic, the Italian cruise company has set itself the goal of recovering to 2019 levels by 2022, with the clear objective of full recovery in 2023. To this end, Costa Cruises’ General Manager for Spain and Portugal, Luigi Stefanelli, explains that the company’s schedule from spring 2022 to winter 2022-2023 includes more than 1,800 cruises, which ”will enable guests to discover 179 destinations around the world, with itineraries lasting from three to 127 days”. In addition, Costa Cruises has implemented health safety measures, COSTA CRUISES: ON COURSE FOR FULL RECOVERY IN 2023 Luigi Stefanelli, General Manager of Costa Cruises for Spain and Portugal. We are implementing 360º sustainability initiatives, responding to each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals on the United Nations 2030 Agenda Luigi Stefanelli General Manager of Costa Cruises for Spain and Portugal
DIARIO DEL PUERTO THE VOICE OF CRUISE LINES 15 as well as flexible cancellation policies that ”give travelers complete peace of mind when booking a holiday with us, even if the scheduled dates change”, Stefanelli says. TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY Costa Cruises’ commitment to the environment began in 2015, when it set itself the goal of contributing to an increasingly sustainable and environmentally friendly cruise industry. ”We were pioneers in the implementation of Liquefied Natural Gas propulsion technology on our ships to reduce emissions, with our new flagship Costa Toscana being a further milestone in our commitment to responsible innovation. This breakthrough is part of our path towards a green transition, a constantly evolving process to operate the first zero-emission ship,” says the General Manager. Stefanelli also points out that the company has also implemented ”and continues to implement” 360º sustainability initiatives, ”responding to each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals on the United Nations 2030 Agenda”. On the technological front, the executive recalls that ”at Costa Cruises we are pioneers in the industry and we are working to make progress with technological partners that help us to move closer to running all-electric ships in the future”. In addi t ion to LNG, the company has incorporated multiple innovations such as processes for the selective collection of 100% of waste, technologies to transform seawater into desalination plants that meet all of the ship’s water needs, including an intelligent energy efficiency system on board that minimizes energy consumption. Costa Cruises’ commitment to the environment began in 2015, when it set itself the goal of contributing to an increasingly sustainable and environmentally friendly cruise industry
DIARIO DEL PUERTO CRUISE TRENDS - SEATRADE 2022 16 BÁRBARA CORDERO The Managing Director of MSC Cruises in Spain, Fernando Pacheco, is optimistic about the future of the industry and ventures that the full recovery of cruise tourism will take place in 2023. He is also confident that pre-pandemic levels of cruise tourism in Spanish ports will be exceeded, while inNorthernEurope and Eastern Europe greater efforts will have to be made, given border uncertainty in terms of health protocols. In summer 2022, MSC Cruises will make 311 calls at 15 Spanish ports, increasing the number of calls ”by almost 10% compared to 2019”. The cruise company will be sailing 19 ships in the summer of 2022: two ships in the Caribbean, six in the Western MSC CRUISES: 311 CALLS AT 15 SPANISH PORTS THIS SUMMER Fernando Pacheco, Managing Director of MSC Cruises in Spain. The future of shipping involves the use of lithium and hydrogen batteries, which requires not only building the ships, but also the relevant infrastructures in the ports”. Fernando Pacheco Managing Director of MSC Cruises in Spain.
DIARIO DEL PUERTO THE VOICE OF CRUISE LINES 17 Mediterranean, five in the Eastern Mediterranean, five in Northern Europe, and one in the United Arab Emirates. The downtime experienced in 2020 was used by MSC Cruises to work on opening a new luxury market, which it has named Explora Journeys. This new line of business will include new itineraries and ports where MSC Cruises does not currently operate, such as Tarragona. For this new service, MSC will be building four ”Explora” ships, the first of which will be operational in 2023, with the last one ready by 2026. LNG, LITHIUM AND HYDROGEN BATTERIES MSC Cruises launched its sustainability project in 2017, through which it is making investments to reduce emissions from its fleet. In fact, as Pacheco points out, a large part of the ships under construction will be powered by LNG, such as the MSC World Europa and the MSC Euribia, which will be brought into service in 2022 and 2023, respectively, making them the first two LNG-powered ships in the company’s fleet. Looking ahead, the company plans to build at least three new LNGpowered ships, representing a total investment of more than €3 billion. However, the Managing Director of MSC Cruises in Spain recognizes that the future of shipping involves the use of lithium and hydrogen batteries, which requires not only building the ships, but also the relevant infrastructures in the ports”. In this sense, in order to make its sustainability project a reality, Pacheco points out the ”important investments that MSC is making to set up its own terminals”. In fact, work began in March on its Port of Miami terminal and will soon begin on those of Barcelona, Durban and Southampton. In addition, MSC Cruises is actively involved in several projects to develop and make new sustainable technologies viable, in partnership wi th regulators , universi t ies , shipyards and other major industry stakeholders. Furthermore, in 2021, MSC completed the ”Ocean Cay” project, through which it created a marine reserve on a private island, which it also uses as a tourist destination. On the island, the MSC Foundation has created the ”Super Coral Program” to protect and restore the coral reefs of Ocean Cay and Florida, through the construction of aMarine Conservation Centre.
DIARIO DEL PUERTO CRUISE TRENDS - SEATRADE 2022 18 BÁRBARA CORDERO The American shipping company Norwegian Cruise Line is aware that the industry is recovering, given the increase in the number of bookings, especially among European passengers. In fact, as of today, 13 of Norwegian Cruise Line’s 17 ships have already resumed operations, including its newest launch, the Norwegian Prima. ”In 2022, we are seeing a huge appetite for long-haul travel, with more bookings being made earlier in the year. We have had a fabulous start with the Norwegian Prima, whose first sailings were fully booked within a week. This was definitely the most successful launch in our entire history,” explained the company’s NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE: INNOVATION AND RESPONSIBILITY Kevin Bubolz, Managing Director Europe, Norwegian Cruise Line. Our Sail & Sustain program showcases our total commitment to the protection of the environment Kevin Bubolz Managing Director Europe, Norwegian Cruise Line
DIARIO DEL PUERTO THE VOICE OF CRUISE LINES 19 Managing Director Europe, Kevin Bubolz. SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGY In addition, the US company has made reducing the environmental impact of its ships a priority, as well as continuing to nurture the passenger experience on board its holiday cruises. ”Our Sail & Sustain program showcases our total commitment to protecting the environment. In addition, it encompasses several business areas, from the use of cuttingedge technology in its infrastructures to reduce emissions and preserve biodiversity, to initiatives that are more in line with Corporate Social Responsibility,” says Bubolz. In this sense, the company is working on four core areas in its quest to implement a sustainable business model: water conservation and on-board water production; reducing the amount of waste and the impact it causes; community outreach; and fuel and energy efficiency. In addition, ”increasing sustainable supply, reducing landfill waste, investing in emerging technologies, our commitment to offset three million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) over a threeyear period starting in 2021, closing the gap in decarbonization until new technology becomes available, and greenhouse emissions are other cornerstones that are part and parcel of our program,” added Bubolz, who underlined that Norwegian Cruise Line’s approach is ”more holistic and goes beyond just reducing emissions”. However, unlike the other lines, Norwegian is cautious about the implementation of LNG, as it considers that there is not enough infrastructure in the world to be able to integrate it. ”If we were to implement it, we would be limiting our itineraries. ”We are investigating alternatives for our fleet and our new builds and expect to announce more information soon. As new alternative fuel sources become widely available on a significant scale in the future, we will be assessing how they can speed up our carbon reduction strategy,” said the Managing Director. However, he stressed that the new ships, the Norwegian Prima (due to arrive this August) and the Norwegian Viva (due to start operations in 2023), will be equipped with a number of innovative technologies, ”such as cold ironing, to maximize energy efficiency and reduce emissions both at sea and in port”. Bubolz also stated that the company is exploring contactless boarding, which was already used in 2021.
DIARIO DEL PUERTO CRUISE TRENDS - SEATRADE 2022 20 ALFREDO SERRANO CLIA Director, Spain “2022 IS A VITAL YEARON THE ROAD TO FULL RECOVERY FOR THE INDUSTRY”
DIARIO DEL PUERTO ENTREVISTA 21 LOLI DOLZ Cruise industry players are meeting in Miami over the next few days at the sector’s flagship event. Representatives of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), headed by Alfredo Serrano in Spain, will also be travelling to the fair. To find out more about how companies are faring, and the challenges and forecasts ahead, we spoke to CLIA’s Director in Spain. To beginwith, wewould like to know how the cruise industry is faring in Spain. It has been a long two years andwewould like to knowhow things have been going during this time andwhat the situation is today. With the exception of the Canary Islands, where domestic cruises aimed mainly at the German and British markets resumed in winter 2020 / 2021, in Spain the industry was on hold until June 2021. Since then, business has resumed in line with what was happening in other European destinations, thanks not only to the vaccination process, but also to the comprehensive, highly stringent protocols put in place by the cruise lines. If there is one thing the industry was clear about, it was that its top priority has been, is and will be the safety of its customers, crewmembers and the communities it visits. There have been no significant changes in terms of cruise lines, except for the sad disappearance of Pullmantur Cruceros. The players operating in the Spanishmarket are the same andwe are seeing how their commitment to Spain is increasing. On the one hand, these cruise lines have chosen to put some of their newest ships on itineraries that call at Spanish ports. On the other hand, they are including innovations to make them more appealing to Spanish customers. After all, we are the fourth most important outbound market in Europe, with a penetration rate that still leaves room for growth. What is the contribution of CLIA companies to the Spanish economy? According to pre-pandemic data (2019), the cruise industry had a turnover in Spain of almost €6 billion, contributing €2.8 billion to national GDP. In addition, it is estimated that 50,031 jobs werecreated thanks toour industryand that €1.5 billionwere paid inwages. Globally, we are talking about 1,166,000 jobs, which equated to $50.53 billion in wages and $154.5 billion in total output in 2019. Lookingbackto2020, Iwould like to highlight two overall figures that reflect the huge impact of the pandemic on the cruise industry’s wider community and highlight the importance of cruise tourismto economies around theworld: 576,000 jobs were created and its economic contribution amounted to US$ 63.4 billion, down 51% and 58%, respectively, compared to 2019. If I had to choose just one challenge, I would say planning, designing a roadmap in a changing environment, with great uncertainty and in such a complex, multi-faceted industry as ours
DIARIO DEL PUERTO DOSSIER CRUCEROS - SEATRADE 2022 22 What are themain challenges the industry is facing? There have been many challenges facing the industry over the past two years, and they have been of a very diverse nature, changing with each stage of the pandemic and the market: we must not lose sight of the industry’s global outreach. However, I would like to point out that if there is one thing the industryhas shownover this period, it is its resilience, its capacity to reinvent itself and to seek newanswers to newquestions. It is true that I amnot objectivebecause I love this industry, but I know of few sectors that have this strength. The cruise sector’s commitment to sustainability is evident.What are themain advances made by the industry in this field? If I may, I would like to emphasize that it is not only a clear commitment; it is a total and absolute commitment. Even during the very tough times we have been going through, where operations were at a standstill and there was no revenue, cruise lines have continued to make a strong commitment to sustainability. Having said this, I will now share the most significant advances made by the industry as reported in the 2021 Annual Report on Environmental Technologies and Practices Inventory 2021, edited by Oxford Economics and published by CLIA at the end of last year. Firstly, cold ironing. According to the study, 82% of the ships in the fleet will either be shore power ready or will be configured to be able to add shore power in the future. In addition, 35% of the fleet in service (2.3% more than in 2020) is already equipped with the necessary technology to connect to the 14 ports around the world where this option is available. Secondly, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) will be the main propulsion source for 52% of newbuilds. Thirdly, intermsof exhaustgas scrubbing systems (EGCS), over 76% of the current fleet uses exhaust gas scrubbing systems that comply with (or exceed) atmospheric emission regulations. In addition, 94% of new non-LNG-fueled ships will incorporate EGCS. And fourthly, the report confirms that 100% of new builds will be fitted with advanced wastewater treatment systems (AWTS). At present, 74% of the fleet in service is equipped with these systems. In addition, you are currently workingwith the Spanish Stateowned Ports on this environmental approach.Why is this necessary? Cooperation and understanding between ports and cruise lines is essential: we are two sides of the same coin. That is why it is absolutely vital to engage in a process of dialogue and listening, especially at a time like now when major fuel-related developments are on the cards. Which sustainability actions, promoted by ports and cruise lines, would you like to highlight? There are different lines of action related to the aforementioned “Fit for 55” legislation package on electrification and the logistics process around the new fuels. We are also immersed in a global project that seeks to standardize the information that cruise ships must provide to estimate emissions when berthed, i.e., to reach a consensus on a common methodology for estimating these emissions. This project, which is being piloted over the next two years and will be extended to other fleets from 2024, is backed by the world’s main cruise ports, including Los Angeles, Seattle, Hamburg and Rotterdam, as well as Barcelona and Palma de Majorca. Finally, what do you expect from 2022? From a human perspective, naturally, my greatest wish is for the tragic situation in Ukraine to be brought to an immediate end and, of course, to completely overcome the pandemic that has caused so much suffering and resulted in the loss of thousands of lives. 2022 is a vital year on the road to full recovery. As such, we expect to recover almost 100% of capacity by August and, in a realistic scenario, to reach pre-pandemic passenger numbers in 2023. If there is one thing the industry has shown over this period, it is its resilience, its capacity to reinvent itself and to seek new answers to new questions
DIARIO DEL PUERTO ENTREVISTA 23 ”THE CRUISE INDUSTRY IS AN ABSOLUTELY COMMITTED, HIGHLY RESPONSIBLE SECTOR” What are your views on the EU Green Deal and the ”Fit for 55” legislation package? The cruise industry is an absolutely committed, highly responsible sector, not only to destinations and communities, but also to the environment: every day we work to reduce our footprint, to continue to build a greener model, which involves major efforts in terms of investment. We are spearheading and driving sustainable maritime innovation, which is key to the decarbonization of transport. In this context, the industry is fully committed to the long-term objectives of the Green Deal and aims to be carbon neutral in Europe by 2050. However, it is also important to underscore the need to find and develop alternative fuels that will help us move towards this goal. What needs do cruise lines have in order to be able to continue operating in the best conditions? What would be your wishlist? I could ask for many things, but perhaps the most important would be to have a non-fossil fuel, available in all ports and at a reasonable price in a short period of time.
DIARIO DEL PUERTO CRUISE TRENDS - SEATRADE 2022 24 REBUILT AND READY FOR ACTION
DIARIO DEL PUERTO Seatrade Cruise Global 25 FERNANDO VITORIA After a forced absence in 2020 and 2021, Seatrade Cruise Global, the largest, most important event on the cruise industry’s trade show calendar, returns to Miami from April 25-28, in a must-attend event for the industry to be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The event bills itself as ”rebuilt and ready for action,” a statement of intent. Seatrade Cruise Global will be bringing together under one roof representatives from 140 countries representing the entire cruise supply chain from ports and destinations to enter tainment , operat ions, design, technologies, environment, health, safety, security, shipbuilding, equipment and more. In short, all the players that are involved in the industry will be in attendance at an event whose impact can be gauged by the more than 300 journalists and photographers from all over the world accredited to cover the event in person. As in previous years, the exhibition will be complemented by a series of conferences that provide a comprehensive review of the status of the industry, as well as the outlook for the coming years. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Seatrade Cruise Global features a new Tech Zone in the exhibition area, where visitors can try out the latest industry trends, from VR (virtual reality) headsets and emotion recognition technology to dynamic digital displays for crew training. The fair also offers a service to locate exhibitors and visitors, and schedule meetings in advance. An exclusive ”MatchMaking” lounge with a concierge service will be set up for these meetings. Seatrade Cruise Global is taking place at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Seatrade Cruise Global features a new Tech Zone in the exhibition area where visitors can try out the latest industry trends
DIARIO DEL PUERTO CRUISE TRENDS - SEATRADE 2022 26 INDUSTRY CONFERENCE In addition to the exhibition area, Seatrade Cruise Global also features an industry conference that will bring together experts from around the world to discuss resilience, the theme chosen as the main focus of the sessions during the event. The crui se indus t ry has undergone significant disruption in the last two years. In a world context shaped by the pandemic and its consequences, the cruise industry has had to reinvent itself in order to continue to grow. Resilience, understood as the ability to recover and adapt to change, will be the anchor for the conference discussions, focusing on how the industry is working to create a safe, innovative cruise experience for passengers, while continuing to adapt in these ever-changing times. The main Seatrade conference is to be held on April 26 and focuses on analyzing the state of the cruise industry as a whole in 2022. It includes presentations given by representatives from three of the world’s largest cruise lines. The discussion will explore the industry’s efforts to work towards a responsible tourism model, as well as its commitment to delivering memorable travel experiences that make cruising the best way to see the world. The speakers are Kelly Craighead, CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA); Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation; Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group; and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises. The discussion will be moderated by Lucy Hockings, the BBC World News presenter. As in previous years, the trade show will be complemented by a series of conferences reviewing the status of the industry and examining its future RESILIENCE AND RECOVERY, THE KEYS TO THE REBIRTH OF THE CRUISE INDUSTRY In parallel to the main conference, Seatrade Cruise Global is hosting themed sessions divided into several blocks. The first of these will focus on resilience and the resumption of operations after the pandemic and will review success stories and what other sectors can learn from cruising as a model for the implementation of health and safety measures. Other sessions will be exploring environmental sustainability, withdirect updates on the industry’s ongoing commitment in this area, the progress made in recent years and its vision for defining the future of cruising. Destination stewardship, or how cruise lines work with local communities and destinations to identify solutions and educate travelers on how to be good stewards of the places they visit, is another topic covered in the sessions. In addition, leaders from major cruise lines will be discussinghowtheymanagediversity, equityand inclusion. Similarly, in the section on destinations, the reopening of various ports in Asia, Australia and New Zealand will be reviewed, as well as how the 2022-2023 cruise season is to be organized. Finally, April 28 will be devoted entirely to expedition cruises, a sub-sector that is registering rapid growth. The future of cruises, new ships and innovations, as well as the economic impact of the industry and its contribution to local economies, are the last two segments on the agenda. Conferences are one of the keys to the success of Seatrade Cruise Global.
DIARIO DEL PUERTO Seatrade Cruise Global 27 The fair is a meeting point for cruise industry players from all over the world. FACTS AND FIGURES Over the next few days, Seatrade Cruise Global will be bringing together under one roof representatives from 140 countries representing the entire cruise supply chain from ports and destinations to entertainment, operations, design, technologies, environment, health, safety, security, shipbuilding, equipment and more. 140
DIARIO DEL PUERTO CRUISE TRENDS - SEATRADE 2022 28 SPANISH PORTS RETURN TO SEATRADE ONCE AGAIN Spanish ports are a permanent fixture at the cruise industry’s event par excellence. The predominantly tourism-oriented nature of the country and its different regions, together with its extensive coastline, make Spain one of theworld’smost sought-after destinations for cruise passengers. The participation of Spanish ports in Seatrade is channeled through the State-owned Ports Body and its stand ”Ports of Spain”, which is a meeting point for the country’s leading port authorities to have their own space to pursue their promotional and business activities. It is the largest exhibition area at the event, which reflects the importance of Spanish ports at this fair. The port authorities of A Coruña, Alicante, Balearic Islands, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, Ceuta, Ferrol, Melilla, Santander, Tarragona, Valencia and Vigo have already confirmed their participation at this year’s event, together with Tourspain, the State-owned Ports Body and Suncruise Andalusia (which brings together the port authorities of Algeciras, Almeria, Cadiz, Huelva, Malaga, Motril and Seville). The Canary Islands ports of Las Palmas and Tenerife will be showcasing their services at the joint Cruises Atlantic Islands stand, together with the port authorities of Madeira and Cape Verde. During the three days of the fair, various promotional and networking events will be held in the Spanish pavilion to attract the attention of the international cruise industry. The Ports of Spain pavilion occupies the largest exhibition area at the fair. The working breakfast organized by the Spanish Tourism Office in Miami to coincide with Seatrade is always well attended by representatives of the cruise industry who travel to the United States. The participation of Spanish ports in Seatrade is channeled through the State-owned Ports Body and its stand ”Ports of Spain”, which is ameeting point for the country’s leading port authorities to have their own space to pursue their promotional and business activities.
DIARIO DEL PUERTO Seatrade Cruise Global 29 FERNANDO VITORIA The true magnitude of this event lies in the experiences and objectives of those who attend the fair year after year, seeking to strengthen their position in a market segment that requires constant vigilance and investment in infrastructures and services, according to Francesca Antonelli, Marketing & Cruises Manager of Valenciaport. Antonelli explained that the Port Authority of Valencia attends Miami to ”showcase our entire cruise strategy for 2022 and beyond, both in terms of traffic recovery after the pandemic, as well as our port infrastructures and shorex thanks to the new developments we have deployed in our city and province”. The Port Authority of Cartagena (APC), meanwhile, returns to Miami to reinforce its firm commitment to cruise traffic, which is especially important for this enclave, given its interaction with the city and with another key economic sector, such as tourism. AMUST-ATTEND EVENT Seatrade is a fundamental, must-attend meeting point for generating business in the cruise industry. The objectives of the attendees include showcasing their cruise strategy, socializing and preparing for future seasons
DIARIO DEL PUERTO CRUISE TRENDS - SEATRADE 2022 30 The APC stated that ”during the pandemic, the Port Authority has not stood still and has worked with cruise lines to adapt its facilities to the new reality, together with the City Council and the Regional Government, and thus ensure safe tourism”. Likewise, it has also made sure that the hotel and catering industry and local commerce are safe thanks to the imposition of COVID signs. This new situation will be reinforced and promoted during the event. The Port of Las Palmas, for its part, was one of the few European ports that maintained cruise ship activity in the second half of 2020 and 2021, coming first in the Spanish ranking of cruise ship passengers in those two periods. Las Palmas, which is participating in the fair at the joint Cruises Atlantic Islands stand, together with the port authorities of Madeira, Cape Verde and Tenerife, will be promoting its status as the Atlantic gateway to one of the most sought-after tourist destinations on the world stage. COMPANIES Another regular at this cruise event is Javier Oliver, Executive Partner of Grupo Verlio. For Oliver, the group attends Seatrade ”to socialize with the cruise industry, as well as to analyze past seasons and prepare for future seasons with clients”. Grupo Verlio, which adds value to the industry in the port agency, environment (through its company Marpol), passenger and baggage handling, excursions and specialized logistics at national level, has attended Seatrade for as long as the fair has existed and, year after year, ”our participation has always been considered positive”. Finally, Adelte, an engineering company specializing in the design and manufacture of passenger boarding bridges for ports and airports, will be taking advantage of its visit to Seatrade Cruise Global to strengthen relations with its clients. According to Jordi Floreta, VP & Port Business Unit Director of Adelte, ”we are attending Seatrade Twenty-two Spanish port authorities will be in attendance at Seatrade Cruise Global 2022 and a significant number of companies with interests in the industry will also be at the event to promote their services Seatrade is expecting another successful event in terms of participation.
DIARIO DEL PUERTO Seatrade Cruise Global 31 because it is, without a doubt, the most important trade fair in the cruise industry, and is a unique event to catch up in person with the customers we have all over the world”. In summary, 22 Spanish port authorities will be attending Seatrade Cruise Global 2022 alongside numerous companies with interests in the industry who will also be participating in the event to promote their services. In addition to Verlio and Adelte, in previous years, Marmedsa Cruise Service, Bergé, Blue, Water, Pérez y Cía. and Transcoma, among others, have been represented. FACTS AND FIGURES SEATRADE CRUISE GLOBAL 2022 80 cruise companies 300 accredited journalists and photographers 10,000 attendees 45 hours dedicated to networking 500 exhibitors 140 countries represented
DIARIO DEL PUERTO CRUISE TRENDS - SEATRADE 2022 32 LEILA ESCRIHUELA LOLI DOLZ JAIME PINEDO RAÚL TÁRREGA It looks like the time has come to return to normality, finally. The health crisis caused by COVID-19 did away with cruise line schedules, port forecasts and the vacations of thousands of people. Now, two years later, we can say that business is starting to pick up again, with positive figures and excellent forecasts for a full recovery in 2023. The first regional calls gave way to multi-country circuits and, today, schedules have been confirmed on consolidated itineraries based on the experience of the cruise lines and destinations, which, in turn, are adding interesting new features to their offerings, such as new onboard services, excursions, and technological innovations aimed at providing a unique tourist experience on board more sustainable ships. Ontheotherhand, thedestinations and ports are ready and waiting. Together they offer the international cruise industry infinite possibilities for everyone to find what they are looking for within a framework of safety and guarantees of hygiene and protection against COVID. Whether you prefer the sea or the ocean, mountains, cities, history, culture, sport, gastronomy, or experiences... you will find everything and much more along Spain’s 7,000 kilometers of coastline. In addition, Spanish ports are equipped with modern, versatile infrastructures to cater for all the vessels currently in service and those to come. The following pages are the perfect vehicle for you to dip into Spain’s best cruise destinations, port by port. DESTINATION SPAIN
DIARIO DEL PUERTO Spain, port by port 33 ALGECIRAS AND TARIFA INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CRUISE SHIPS The Port of A Coruña has excellent facilities for handling ships and passengers. The main infrastructure is the Transatlantic Quay, with a length of 430 metres and a depth of 11 metres. The passenger terminal is also located on this quay. Other nearby quays, such as the Bateria and Calvo Sotelo quays, are also equipped to welcome cruise ships, adding another 1,500 meters of berthing lines. The port has managed to cater for six cruise ships simultaneously on the same day. CRUISE LINES OPERATING AT THE PORT P&O, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, TUI, MSC, Celebrity, AIDA, Cunard, Seabourn, Holland America Line, Hurtigruten, Ponant, Fred Olsen, Silverseas, Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Costa Cruceros, Saga and Cruise&Maritime Voyages. MAIN DEVELOPMENTS SHOWCASED AT SEATRADE CRUISE GLOBAL These include the agreement with Disney for the Disney Magic to make a call in July 2022, replacing the visit that was cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic. This is an important milestone, as it is a unique, different and emblematic shipping company, and is one of the few cruise lines that have not yet called at the port. In addition, on June 29, A Coruña will be hosting the 15th Excellence Awards Gala. The forecasts for 2022 are excellent and may exceed 150 calls, which would beat the record of 124 calls in 2017. THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF THIS DESTINATION ARE... A Coruña is a very attractive destination for cruise visitors. The Transatlantic Quay is located five minutes away from the historical heart of the city, with pedestrian access via an area that has recently been redeveloped by the Port Authority leading passengers directly to the centre’s cultural, shopping and hotel facilities. A Coruña is well known for its natural and historical treasures, including the Tower of Hercules, which is the oldest working lighthouse in the world, and its network of four science museums. Its proximity to Santiago de Compostela and its cathedral is also an added bonus. INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CRUISE SHIPS Cruise traffic in the Port of Algeciras has two areas. The most important is that of ship supply services (repairs, provisioning, bunkering), an activity that focuses on cruise calls due to the wide range of services they require and the companies that work in anchorage and berthing, as well as in the shipyard and dry dock. On the tourist side, cruise ships dock at the Isla Verde quay in Algeciras and at the Santo quay in Tarifa, although the latter can only cater for small cruise ships (maximum 100 meters long). CRUISE LINES OPERATING AT THE PORT No cruise lines call regularly at the Port of Algeciras. The last company toberthat theportwasNobleCaledonia, whichoffers luxury cruises calling at several Andalusian ports. In terms of technical calls, the MSC Divina was themost important one. MAIN DEVELOPMENTS SHOWCASED AT SEATRADE CRUISE GLOBAL In themedium term, the Port of Algeciras will have cruise ship berths in La Línea de la Concepción, next to the border with Gibraltar and in the inner part of the Bay of Algeciras, where the La LíneaCity Port project is scheduled for implementation. THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF THIS DESTINATION ARE... The region of Campo de Gibraltar is a unique destination, where two seas and two continents meet, surrounded by natural parks and where you can visit three countries in one day. There are excellent beaches, golf courses, sunsets and excellent winds for water sports; and the best local cuisine in its cities. Visitors can also go whale watching in the Straits of Gibraltar; take a trip back in time to see the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, the castle of Alonso Pérez Guzmán (Guzman the Good), the Isla Verde fort and the site of Carteia. AVENIDA DE LA MARINA, 3 15006 A CORUÑA +34 981 219 621 comercial@puertocoruna.com www.puertocoruna.com AVDA. DE LA HISPANIDAD, 2 11207 ALGECIRAS (CÁDIZ) +34 956 585 400 comercial@apba.es www.apba.es A CORUÑA
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