As Port Santander (Spain Cantabria) celebrates 150 years, it looks to the future having invested millions in upgrading/expanding its facilities.
Last year, the Port's Passenger Terminal was refurbished at a cost of EUR 1+ million to improve the guest experience. This included altering the way the spot is used as well as opening up the seaside view.
Further improvements are on the agenda for 2023. A new exhibition room/cafeteria and a bigger Tourism Office are to be opened within the terminal before the start of the cruise season in April, next year.
With EUR 30+ million being spent on moving the ferry terminal to a newly-built quay of 375 m in length and 8 m in depth, together with a floating ramp/LNG bunkering station, Brittany Ferries is moving its operation away from the Passenger Terminal, hence freeing it up exclusively for cruise ship calls.
An additional benefit is that cruise ships will also be able to dock at the ferry terminal on no-ferry days.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be provided under a concession granted to a consortium consisting of representatives from Repsol LNG Holding, ESK, Enagas, and the Port of Santander.
From next year all cruise ships are going to call in downtown - a unique offer in the North of Spain.
In 2023, a total of 22 calls are expected in comparison with 21 in 2022, which matches the record at the port in 2019 prior to the COVID crisis. In 2022, Oceania called for the first time and in 2023 Swan Hellenic is arriving as a newcomer.
Onshore power installation is under study for a number of installations in the port, including cruise ship traffic.