71 Photo: Port of Cartagena Photo: Port of Vancouver/William Jans Vancouver is expanding shore power connections at its Canada Place terminal Off the west coast of Africa, Mindelo Cruise Port in Cape Verde was inaugurated in 2025. It has a quay of approximately 400 metres with depths ranging from 9.5 to 11 metres, allowing two medium or large cruise ships to berth simultaneously. The infrastructure includes a 900-square-metre Welcome Centre and a 6,150-square-metre intermodal area for vehicle circulation and parking. Mindelo is also prepared for the future introduction of an onshore power supply system, which will enable ships to use shoreside electricity while berthed, reducing the need to run their engines and thereby lowering emissions and noise. In Taiwan, Kaohsiung Port reopened its renovated Penglai Cruise Terminal (No. 9) in March 2026, while the new Penghu International Cruise Terminal (No. 1) is scheduled to open by Q1 2027. The Penghu terminal will be capable of berthing cruise ships of up to 150,000gt. The installation of shore power at Keelung Port and Kaohsiung Port is scheduled for completion in early 2027, enabling the ports to offer a low-carbon berthing environment for international cruise lines. Kaohsiung Port and Keelung Port each have four automated immigration clearance lanes to optimise customs clearance efficiency and reduce passenger wait times. Multilingual signage systems have also been implemented across all terminals to improve passenger flow and safety. Further south, Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore has introduced PortDeck, a space-saving solution that it describes as an industry first. The system transforms from high-capacity baggage storage into passenger seating, allowing the terminal to make better use of available space without compromising operational efficiency or passenger comfort. On the supplier side, safe and efficient berthing requires port infrastructure engineered for demanding operational conditions as cruise vessels grow in size. Katradis supplies integrated berthing and mooring solutions, combining mooring ropes, fender systems and bollards to support cruise ship handling. The company’s fender solutions are designed to absorb berthing energy while minimising reaction forces on the vessel, helping to protect both ship and quay infrastructure. PortDeck at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore is a convertible bench-to-table system that helps optimise space Image: Sats-Creuers Cruise Services
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