Full steam ahead for Brisbane’s new cruise terminal

Port of Brisbane is very close to landing a new $158 million cruise liner terminal, thanks to the ACCC’s draft decision to greenlight a deal between the port and Carnival Cruise Line.

Under the deal, Carnival will pay a fixed amount to the Port over the term of the 15-year agreement and in exchange, the cruise line will receive preferential berthing rights at the new terminal.

Carnival would also get 100 “foundation birthing days” a year.

“A new dedicated cruise terminal in Brisbane, capable of berthing the increasingly popular ‘mega’ cruise ships, would be a real public benefit to the community as this is infrastructure that is currently lacking in Brisbane,” ACCC Commissioner Roger Featherston said.

“But we do have concerns about aspects of the agreement, particularly in relation to the four days a week Carnival is proposed to have preferential access to the terminal.

“This may limit or prevent competition from other cruise liners wishing to dock at the terminal in Brisbane during the peak summer cruising season”

The consumer watchdog is also concerned about the prospect of Carnival being granted the right of first refusal possible future second berth at the terminal.

“We are concerned this will block other cruise operators from being able to offer alternate cruise options to consumers in Brisbane,” Featherston said.

ACCC says its decision will depend on conditions being put in place to prevent this from happening.

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