Eden’s $44m extension

LARGER ships would be able to call directly into the burgeoning Port of Eden in Southern NSW from 2018, under a plan for a $44 million extension of the breakwater wharf, Cruise Weekly can exclusively reveal.

The proposal would see approx 95m added to the existing wharf in Snug Cove while the adjacent berth pocket and approach channel would be dredged.

Eden is a convenient midway point between Sydney and Melbourne, but currently requires passengers be tendered to shore.

This season, cruise lines scheduled to call into Eden include Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and Oceania Cruises.

The changes would allow cruise ships up to 325m to berth alongside the wharf and aims to make the port “an attractive stop over for an increasing number of cruise ships,” the proposal to the NSW Dept of Planning says.

“The port does not currently provide appropriate and adequate infrastructure to take advantage of the growth in the cruise ship industry in terms of greater numbers of visits, larger vessel sizes and ability for direct embark and disembarkation.”

Under the plan, approximately 260,000m³ of in-situ material would be dredged and relocated in an offshore disposal site.

Three mooring dolphins, two berthing dolphins, new landside bollards and minor services such as lighting, power and potable services would also be installed.

Construction is expected to commence in early 2017 and operation of the wharf in 2018.

The project went on public exhibition yesterday and is open for submissions until 16 Dec.