A panel of cruise and tourism industry experts has been established to work on identifying the preferred location for a potential new cruise terminal in NSW.
This will allow the NSW Government to determine the best solution to plan for a new terminal so our state can maintain and grow its market share of Australia's multi-billion dollar cruise industry well into the future.
A new cruise terminal will provide greater capacity for our cruise industry, which contributed $4.4 billion to the NSW economy in 2023-24 and created more than 13,700 jobs.
The Cruising Industry Advisory Panel has been convened by NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen and will be chaired by Port Authority CEO Phil Holliday, supported by industry experts including:
- John McKenna, Port Authority Chief Customer and Commercial Officer
- Margy Osmond, CEO Tourism and Transport Forum
- Marika Calfas, NSW Ports
- Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director in Australia and New Zealand of Royal Caribbean International
- Peter Little, Interim Leader for P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia
Jill Abel, CEO, Australian Cruise Association
- Sarina Bratton, Ponant
- Joel Katz, Managing Director Cruise Lines International Association Australasia
Antony Ritch, CEO, TFE Hotels
- Ben Angell, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Vice President & Managing Director
While Sydney cruise terminals have not reached capacity for bookings yet, the panel will identify options for a future berthing facility to support the long-term growth of the cruise industry across our state.
The Panel will also investigate options for increased capacity at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, ensuring the cruise industry remain well supported for growth, as plans progress to investigate options for a potential third cruise terminal.
This work follows the Minns Government's announcement that Shore Power at the White Bay Cruise Terminal will be delivered by the end of 2026, so cruise ships can plug into power instead of running their engines while in port.
Quotes attributable to NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen:
"The cruise industry in NSW is making a massive contribution to our economy, but it needs certainty so we can all get the benefits from its long-term growth.
"NSW's next permanent cruise terminal will be a massive new piece of infrastructure and we have to get it right. That's why we've assembled the best people to find the best location, so we can grow our cruise industry long into the future."
Quotes attributable to Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond:
"It's fantastic to see the State Government and industry coming together to identify a third cruise terminal, to attract more visitors and boost tourism across NSW. We look forward to working with the Port Authority to deliver a more certain future for the cruise industry and all Australians who love to cruise.
Increasing capacity will be essential to cater for the growing interest in cruising and support a range of jobs linked to cruise tourism, spanning restaurants, hotels, retailers, travel agents and more."
Quotes attributable to Port Authority CEO Captain Philip Holliday:
"Port Authority is delighted to be leading this cross-industry panel as the next step in determining the right location for a new state-of-the art third cruise terminal in NSW.
Planning for a third terminal is about keeping NSW in pole position as the capital of cruise and retaining the lion's share of economic benefits from cruise right here in NSW to support local hospitality and retail businesses, tourism and suppliers."
