Penang Port and Royal Caribbean to Upgrade Malaysian Cruise Port

Penang Port Sdn Bhd will collaborate with Royal Caribbean Cruises to upgrade and improve the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in Georgetown, Pengang. With improvements, the port will be able to accommodate larger ships at its facilities. The 60/40 joint venture will be managed by both parties, though Penang Port Sdn Bhd will hold a majority stake. 

Both companies plan to extend Swettenham’s existing berths from 400 meters to 688 meters. The extension will enable the terminal to dock two cruise ships carrying over 4,900 passengers each at any time.  In addition, the redevelopment will include spaces for tour buses to lessen the traffic in the areas surround Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal. The project is expected to run 35 million USD and will focus on improving accessibility from cruise ships to shore. 

The joint venture between Royal Caribbean and Penang Port will showcase Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage site to the tourism market aboard luxury cruise lines. Royal Caribbean is scheduled to make 38 calls in Penang in 2017. 

Penang Port is the oldest and longest established port in Malaysia and serves as the main gateway for shippers in the norther states of Malaysia as well as the southern provinces of Thailand. Aside from cargo shipments, Penang Port cruise terminal can handle up to one million passengers per year.

Royal Caribbean owns and operates three global brands including: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. Together, these brands operate a combined total of 49 ships and they call on approximately 535 destinations on all seven continents. 

Visit www.rclcorporate.com