The port of Zeebrugge will receive cruise building in mid 2017
The city counsil of Bruges has granted the construction permit for the cruise building in the port of Zeebrugge, port said. The design was presented during a press conference. Once the building is finished, mid 2017, the port will be able to offer a better service for the cruise sector and their passengers, which will reinforce the port as a cruise destination.
The port of Zeebrugge has grown into Flanders’ largest cruise port in a rapid pace. 2015 was a once again a record year. In total 111 cruise ships arrived at the port with 471.084 cruise passengers counted. This year, the number of cruise vessels expected is 146. The maritime access, and the proximity of the city of Bruges and other Flemish cultural and coastal cities, puts Zeebrugge high on the list of the cruise liners and passengers.
The annually growing number of cruise passengers resulted in a strong need for a cruise building with the necessary facilities. The cruise tower that will be built between the Rederskaai (yachting port) and the Zweedse kaai, is considered as a multifunctional building with a reception area and the possibility to check in or check out, combined with many other functions like office spaces, conference rooms and a rooftop restaurant.
The building will also feature as port enterprise Artes Group’s headquarters. The company is also the project's contractor.
The port authority is looking forward to when the cruise terminal will be fully operational and to offer the passengers of the cruises as well as everyone who wishes to visit the port a great experience in the new tower.
