Cruise industry in the Baltic Sea Region, the challenges for ports in the context of sustainable logistics and ecological aspects

Abstract

Abstract Baltic Sea Region is one of the prime cruise destination. In 2017 over 5 million passengers visited the Baltic ports onboard cruise vessels. The number of calls amounted to 2497. The estimates for 2018 shows further increase by 8,4% in passengers and 6,4 % in calls. Cruise business requires dedicated services for ships and travellers. Handling of cruise vessels and their passengers generate a number of logistic challenges related to the water and land sides. Vessels require specific areas and facilities from waterside and ports services such as pilotage, tugs, bunkering, waste management, shipchandler, etc. From landside cruise passengers need to prepare dedicated tourist offer, effective transfer from the terminals, as well as areas for different groups and facilities to embark and disembark. Handling both large and small cruisers create challenges for harbours and cities that are the destinations for cruise lines. The purpose of the paper is to research the areas of services dedicated for cruise industry from waterside and landside in context of ecological requirements and sustainable logistics in ports cities being ports of calls and ports of turnaround of cruisers. Further the investigation will focus on services provided in Baltic harbours for large and small segments. On the base of available data, the services will be assessed in terms of legal requirements and service quality.