The new Polish container terminal operator DCT Gdansk has successfully handled its first cruise ship, Thomson Cruises’ 33,930 grt Thomson Spirit berthing at approximately 18.00 hours on 11 September and departing at 14.00 hours the following day. She had 1,235 passengers on board, most of whom were from the UK. According to Fred Kamperman, DCT Gdansk’s General Manager, both Thomson Cruises’ port agent, Morska Agencja Gdynia and the tour operator Baltic Gateway group were satisfied with the service rendered both to the vessel and passengers by DCT Gdansk terminal. Thomson Spirit made a smooth approach to the deepwater berth and did not require tugs, either on arrival or departure.

Mr Kamperman noted that this was the first occasion that a cruise ship had called DCT Gdansk: “Although our new terminal, which opened for business on 1 June this year, is primarily designed to handle container vessels, we are more than happy to be flexible if it does not inconvenience our regular customers.”

“Handling cruise vessels is in fact quite straightforward with immigration procedures carried out on board and coaches coming onto the quay to collect or re-deliver passengers. We certainly invite enquiries from other cruise operators and we will accommodate their needs if we can.”

DCT Gdansk is ideally located for handling cruise ships, being an easy coach drive from the historic Old Town area of Gdansk

CMA CGM and Team Lines are offering fixed-day weekly calls at Poland’s newest deepwater container terminal, DCT Gdansk, giving shippers wider container routing options to and from Poland. CMA CGM, the world’s third largest container shipping line, will call at Gdansk each Monday/Tuesday with the 1400TEU vessel Cape Fulmar, linking Gdansk/Gdynia with Hamburg and Klaipeda on the carrier’s FAS Baltic Poland Service.Reflecting its commitment to the important Polish market, leading Baltic feeder operator Team Lines will, starting this month, commence a weekly call at DCT Gdansk with the 508TEU vessel Maris, providing a regular link to the German ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven.

Commenting on the significant new service developments, Fred Kamperman, General Manager of DCT Gdansk said: “To have major operators such as CMA CGM and Team Lines commit to fixed weekly services into DCT Gdansk is excellent news. Shippers, forwarders and the entire container transport industry can now look forward to the expedient routing of their cargo via a brand new terminal that features the latest in modern equipment and handling technologies. Our concept of a fast and efficient Polish port to serve both the short and deep sea markets has become a reality.”

DCT Gdansk is also in discussions with other carriers to initiate regular weekly calls.