OREANDA-NEWS. August 20, 2009. The Port of Klaipeda reduced the port dues for cruise vessels: on the middle of August 2009, the amendments to “Regulations on Klaipeda State Seaport Dues Types, their Maximum Rates and Principles of Application” came into force, reported the press-centre of Port of Klaipeda.

According to these amendments, port dues for cruise vessels larger than 50,000 GT (Gross Tonnage) shall be calculated on the rate of 50,000 GT, and 20% of discount on port dues shall be granted from the 2nd call during the cruise season. 
 
Klaipeda port is flexible to adjust to fast changing economic environment. So as to promote multiple calls, last year Klaipeda State Seaport Authority took the first step in this respect: in 2008 the amendments to “Regulations on Klaipeda State Seaport Dues” (introduced on the 1st of July), provided for a number of discounts to cruise vessels for their multiple calls.

On the middle of August 2009, additional amendments to “Regulations on Klaipeda State Seaport Dues” were introduced. According to these amendments, all types of port dues for cruise vessels larger than 50,000 GT (Gross Tonnage) shall be calculated on the rate of 50,000 GT. Furthermore, 20% of discount on port dues shall be granted on all types of ports dues from the 2nd call during the cruise season.   
 
It is expected that the reduction of port dues for cruise vessels, made in response to the global economic recession, will help the Port and cruise lines to propose to cruise passengers competitive prices and decrease operational costs.
 
Statistics. According to preliminary data, approximately 38,000 cruise passengers and 50 cruise calls are expected in Klaipeda Port throughout the cruise season of 2009.

The year of 2009 is exceptional for numerous large cruise ships (length over 200 metres) visiting the Port: by the end of the cruise season, 22 large cruise liners will have visited Klaipeda.