AUTHORITIES in Barcelona, Spain have imposed new restrictions on cruising, including a ban on docking at the “Muella Barcelona Norte” and the World Trade Centre area in a bid to lessen pollution. Effective from 22 Oct, all vessels at the popular destination will be forced to utilise the southern port...
AUTHORITIES in Barcelona, Spain have imposed new restrictions on cruising, including a ban on docking at the “Muella Barcelona Norte” and the World Trade Centre area in a bid to lessen pollution.
Effective from 22 Oct, all vessels at the popular destination will be forced to utilise the southern port along the Moll Adossat pier, currently used by larger vessels.
Rather than being able to simply stroll off cruise ships into the city’s historic Las Ramblas centre, transfers will now require a 30-minute bus ride.
“We are pushing the pollution away, towards the south, and reducing the emissions that reach the city,” said Port of Barcelona chief Luis Salvado.
As well as the removal of passenger cruising from the central docks, Barcelona is also reducing the number of available cruise ship docks from 10 to seven late this month.
The changes are the outcome of a 2018 agreement between cruise lines and the Barcelona local government “to eliminate the negative impact that this activity could produce for citizens”.
Salvado said the changes aim to “stabilise” the number of people using the port, with the first half of 2023 already seeing an 8% uplift in Barcelona cruise visitors compared to pre-pandemic levels.
travelBulletin spoke to the Spain Tourism Board earlier this year about its efforts to manage over-tourism in Barcelona, here. BP
