Ports & destinations

Canada Place cruise terminal implements facial biometric technology for passenger processing

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 30 June 2024 30 June 2024

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has partnered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to introduce facial biometric technology for passengers embarking on a cruise at the Canada Place terminal.

The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s first seaport to introduce facial scanning for Canadian and U.S. passengers boarding cruise ships, with the technology expected to enhance passenger experience, terminal efficiency and border security.

“We’re excited to partner with U.S. authorities to implement this state-of-the-art passenger processing technology – which will help us provide a fast, secure and convenient experience for passengers embarking on a cruise,” said Peter Xotta, president and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the federal Canadian agency mandated with enabling trade including cruise through the Port of Vancouver. “Our ongoing partnerships with government and industry are crucial to enhancing the award-winning Canada Place cruise terminal and ensuring it can continue to meet growing demand while enhancing the experience of passengers. We want to thank the CBP for working with us to implement facial biometric processing – a Canadian-first innovation for a cruise terminal that will support a more efficient and secure border verification process.”

The facial biometric technology will fully automate manual document identity verification checks for those boarding a cruise that require admission into the U.S., such as trips to Alaska. Passengers will have a photo taken as part of the cruise ship boarding process at Canada Place, which will be compared to the photo from their pre-trip travel documentation within seconds.

“CBP and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority are excited to announce a new identity verification process incorporating facial biometrics that offers a secure, touchless experience at embarkation for cruise passengers,” said Diane Sabatino, acting executive assistant commissioner, office of field operations, at CBP. “This is another example of the value and impact of innovation through public-private partnerships that will enable CBP to reallocate resources to maximize border security while enhancing the overall passenger experience.”

The Canada Place facial biometric program has been customized for the terminal’s operational needs, including supporting open loop pre-inspection for passengers boarding in a Canadian marine environment who will travel on to destinations in the U.S. It replaces the previous automatic passport kiosks introduced in 2015 for Canadian and U.S. travellers.

The technology supporting the new program was provided by Pangiam, a BigBear.ai company, and was developed in close collaboration with CBP and the port authority.

“BigBear.ai is proud to engage with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and CBP for yet another deployment of its secure biometrics,” said Kevin McAleenan, president of BigBear.ai, and former acting secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security and former commissioner of the CBP. “BigBear.ai’s technologies being deployed in Vancouver have been purpose-built to enhance passenger experience, terminal efficiency and border security. Our approach uses state-of-the-art computer vision and AI to capture accurate facial recognition in real time, and instantly transmits to secure biometric matching services, ensuring immediate passenger identity verification.”

The new facial biometric program will be operated with support from SSA Marine, which provides operational management at the Canada Place cruise terminal on the port authority’s behalf.

“SSA Marine is delighted to collaborate with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and CBP to introduce facial biometrics technology at the Canada Place cruise ship terminal,” said Elise Ferguson, general manager – Vancouver at SSA Marine. “This innovative system promises to streamline and elevate the passenger experience, offering enhanced convenience and efficiency for travelers visiting the terminal while maintaining the integrity of border security.”

“The cruise line industry values the partnership between the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and U.S. CBP, and their work to further secure and innovate cruise travel,” said Donnie Brown, Cruise Lines International Association’s senior vice president, maritime policy. “Biometric facial comparison technology streamlines the identity verification process and decreases wait times for passengers. CLIA and member cruise lines remain committed to working with our partners to leverage technology solutions to make cruise travel more efficient, safe and secure.”

Anyone who wishes to opt out of the facial biometric process may notify a Canada Place cruise terminal representative as they enter the primary inspection point and will instead be required to present valid travel documents for a manual inspection.

Similar facial biometric technology currently operates at 20 U.S. cruise terminals for passenger debarkation upon return to the U.S. Canada Place is the first cruise terminal where facial biometric technology is being performed on embarkation.

The Canada Place cruise terminal at the Port of Vancouver is one of North America’s premier homeport destinations, with 1.27 million passenger visits expected in 2024. Vancouver has been a homeport for Alaska cruises for more than 30 years, acting as the base for one-way and round-trip cruises through the Inside Passage. As a homeport destination, the Vancouver cruise industry injects an average of more than $3 million into the local economy for each ship visit.

From left: Marc Rowley, Assistant Port Director at U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Mandy Chan, Manager of Cruise Services at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority; and Elise Ferguson, General Manager – Vancouver at SSA Marine

AIDA Cruises returns to Riga

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 28 June 2024 28 June 2024

This season, AIDA Cruises returns to Riga after a five-year break, with nine scheduled calls from three of their ships.

“We, as AIDA Cruises, are happy to be back at this wonderful port, showing our guests the variety of the Baltic. Also, with more calls than before in 2019: expecting nine calls in 2024 and also nine calls for 2025. Our shore excursion programme offers something for everyone: whether it’s a quick overview of Riga or full-day excursions in the surroundings to Kemeri National Park or Jurmala,” says an AIDA spokesman.

Ieva Lasmane, head of the tourism department of the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, says:”This is an important event for the development of tourism in the city and confirms the attractiveness of Riga as an excellent cruise destination. Tourists from Germany are one of Riga's largest target groups, and the return of such a large cruise line to Riga shows that the negative impact of the geopolitical situation on tourism in the Baltics is diminishing. The beneficiaries will also be the restaurants and cafes of Old Riga, which will be visited by the passengers of the ship, giving an additional impetus to business”.

On average, 40% of AIDA passengers participate in tours, which is a typical attendance rate. These tours include various themed excursions around the capital, such as cultural and local tourism programs and culinary tours. Popular destinations also include the picturesque town of Sigulda and Rundale Palace, and some passengers opt for guided walks along the marsh paths.

"We are one of the most highly rated destinations in the Baltic Sea region. The majority of cruise lines note the high level of satisfaction of passengers after visiting Riga. Cruise passengers appreciate the various offer of Riga tourism products, including UNESCO heritage, cultural and historical pearls, local food and drinks, as well as the excellent location of the port nearby the old town,” says Jelena Burdastova, cruise business support specialist Riga Freeport Authority.

Most cruise tourists arriving in Riga are from Germany. In 2023, German cruise passengers made up 40% of all cruise tourists, totalling 32.7 thousand passengers. This year, with AIDA’s return, the Latvian capital is expecting even more travellers from Germany.

Port of Los Angeles solicits proposals to develop and operate cruise terminals

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 28 June 2024 28 June 2024

In another significant step in the enhancement of the LA Waterfront, the Port of Los Angeles has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the construction and operation of a new Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal, and redevelopment and operation of the existing World Cruise Center. Proposals are due by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

“We have seen increased demand for cruises out of the LA Waterfront over the last several years, with a record 1.3 million cruise passengers in 2023,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “With more growth forecast, these projects will allow us to greatly expand our cruise business capacity while providing the best possible experience and convenience for cruise travelers.”

Each cruise ship calling at the Port of Los Angeles generates more than $1 million in local economic activity. The last two years, more than 200 cruise ships called in L.A. Over the next five years, additional growth in cruise passengers and local economic impact is expected with larger ships of 4,000+ passenger capacity continually calling at the Port.

The proposed new Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal site – a cornerstone project in the recently approved San Pedro Waterfront Connectivity Plan – is located at 3011 Dave Arian Way in San Pedro and includes Berths 46 to 50.

The site consists of 13 acres of backland, two existing wharves, and 20 acres of associated potential off-site parking with an estimated 2,300 spaces. For this new proposed terminal, the Port is seeking a flexible design to accommodate a variety of additional non-cruise revenue-producing uses in the off-season, such as filming, conferences and events.

The existing World Cruise Center to be redeveloped is located at 100 Swinford Street in San Pedro. The terminal site consists of 22 acres, including parking, two cruise berths (Berths 90-93), two terminal buildings and a baggage handling structure.

“Over the past 20 years, our Port has invested over $1 billion in enhancing, operating and programming LA Waterfront infrastructure,” said Mike Galvin, the Port’s Director of Waterfront and Commercial Real Estate Development. “These two proposed cruise terminal projects represent the next stage of that investment, and the continued transformation of the waterfront into a dynamic and multi-use visitor destination.”

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Port, the LA Waterfront consists of more than 400 acres and eight miles of prime waterfront property, connecting visitors and local harbor communities to the waterfront with active and vibrant recreational and commercial attractions.

Read the full RFP here. Interested firms can tour the two cruise terminal locations on 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23 by registering here. Proposals are due by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Port of Seattle approves 10-year agreement with Carnival Corporation

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 28 June 2024 28 June 2024

The Port of Seattle Commission has approved a 10-year preferential berthing agreement with Carnival Corporation, which includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Cunard brands continuing to home port in Seattle for the Alaska cruise season. The long-term agreement supports the Port’s path to work with partners to achieve its zero-emission sustainability goals, along with providing local economic development opportunities and boosting the economic impact of cruise in the region.

The agreement sets a 10-year term (2024 – 2033), with a mutually agreeable option to extend for five more years (2034 – 2038). This agreement builds on prior agreements between the Port of Seattle and Carnival Corporation, adding ambitious environmental, sustainability, and social dimensions that benefit the greater Seattle region and helping to accelerate work underway.

Key elements of the long-term agreement in support of economic investment and sustainability includes:

– Bringing in an anticipated $186 million in revenue and a minimum 550,000 revenue passengers annually: This would be the total anticipated revenue over 10 years; it could grow to $273 million if extended to the full 15 years.
– Advancing the Port’s 2027 shore power goals: Carnival Corporation has been the leader on shore power in Seattle, having installed the equipment almost 20 years ago. To help the Port realize its ambition to have all ships at all cruise berths plug in by 2027, Carnival Corporation will seek commercial agreements with other cruise companies to plug in their ships to Carnival Corporation's shore power assets at Terminal 91. The company’s vessels represented 100% of the shore power connections at the Port of Seattle in 2023, with 102 vessel calls.
– Piloting the use of biofuel in cruise ship operation: The Port and Carnival Corporation will collaborate on a non-fossil fuel demonstration project and study to identify the end-to-end challenges and opportunities for using sustainable maritime fuels at scale in Seattle. The learnings will support other work in the sector to transition to alternative fuels.
– Developing a responsible sourcing pilot program: Carnival Corporation will accelerate its local sourcing efforts to partner with local suppliers. Working with the Port, it will develop a pilot program for Seattle that promotes and supports small, diverse, disadvantaged, local, and tribal suppliers. Notably, the pilot program will also focus on building the capability of key suppliers to help create benefits beyond cruising.
– Promoting overnight stays in Seattle surrounding cruise reservations: Carnival Corporation’s cruise lines will seek ways to further promote and encourage their guests to stay in Seattle before and after their cruise to help drive greater economic impact for the city and region.
– Supporting educational and workforce development with maritime not-for-profits: Carnival Corporation will build on existing relationships by working with educators to support curriculum development, experiential field-based learning opportunities, and internships where appropriate to help build the maritime workforce pipeline in the region.

“This long-term agreement provides economic certainty for the Port and local businesses who depend upon cruise, while also strengthening our partnership,” said Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck. “Carnival Corporation has been a valuable partner for constant innovation on environmental sustainability and expanding economic opportunity. We appreciate their support for these shared goals and are eager to get to work on the commitments in this agreement.”

“Our guests love Seattle’s stunning natural beauty, urban charm, and eclectic assortment of attractions, and as our gateway to Alaska, one of our top markets globally. The Port of Seattle has long been a valued partner in our mutual ongoing success,” said Josh Weinstein, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc. “For the past 20 years, we have worked closely with the Port of Seattle to pioneer shore-power and secure the cruise industry’s role as a vital economic engine for the region. We are proud to continue our tradition of teamwork with this new agreement that will help further our economic, social, and environmental contributions to the region.”

In 2006, the Port of Seattle, through investments by Carnival Corporation, became the first home port in North America to offer shore power at two cruise berths, and today 66% of all cruise calls to the Port are equipped to plug in.

The Port continues to work in partnership with cruise ports in Alaska, Victoria, BC, and Vancouver, BC, and the cruise industry to explore the world’s first cruise-focused Green Corridor from Seattle to Alaska, using innovative decarbonization strategies.

As a part of the agreement, Carnival Corporation will provide data that will feed into the Port’s cruise dashboard to track passenger, environmental, and economic impact metrics. That data will be added to the current 2023 information as it becomes available.

In 2023 Carnival Corporation brands brought 140 ship calls to Seattle, representing almost half of the Port’s cruise calls. In 2024 Carnival Corporation has six ships committed to the Seattle market, with the number growing to seven ships in 2025, all shore power capable.

PortMiami is shore power ready

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 19 June 2024 19 June 2024

On June 17, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava celebrated the launch of shore power at PortMiami. Shore power allows cruise ships to turn off their engines and plug into landside electrical power while docked, resulting in reduced emissions and noise. When ships are berthed, they need electricity for lights, refrigeration, operating equipment, and other vessel functions.

“As Mayor, I vowed to protect our environment; shore power has been my personal dream and initiative. We embarked on this journey in 2021, thanks to an innovative partnership with our major cruise line partners and Florida Power & Light Company,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Shore power is a great example of progress in tourism and clean energy converging. Together, we are creating jobs, expanding our economy, and preparing to meet the dynamic needs of tomorrow.”

A partnership between Miami-Dade County, Carnival Corporation & plc, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Royal Caribbean Group, Virgin Voyages, and Florida Power & Light Company, PortMiami is the first major cruise port on the U.S. eastern seaboard offering shore power capability at five cruise berths. In the coming year, 21 cruise ships will be outfitted for shore power and connect in Miami. The seaport will have more than 350 vessel calls plugging into the shore power system.

“We are committed to being a sustainable global gateway,” said Hydi Webb, PortMiami Director and CEO. “We thank our Mayor, County Commissioners, and port partners for their continued support of our resilience initiatives.”

Plugging into shoreside electricity allows cruise ship engines to be switched off, reducing emissions by up to 98 percent. The annual emission reduction estimate associated with the connection to shore power at one terminal is equivalent to the emission reduction associated with the removal of 7,500 cars from the road.

Miami-Dade County’s mission is to operate one of Florida’s most active seaports in a way that supports economic development and sustainability. PortMiami has a $4.2 billion capital improvement program centered around NetZero efforts.