After years of dithering and shoving international cruise ships into unsuitable moorings, it looks like Cape Town will finally get a proper cruise liner terminal.
Transnet has issued a call for submissions of interest for the funding, construction and operation of a terminal.
The Queen Mary 2 visited Table Bay for two nights earlier this year but passengers were forced to use the windswept Eastern Mole, kilometres from the V&A Waterfront.
The iconic liner will be back next year for another two-night visit.
The proposed site is at E Berth, not that far from the traffic circle that leads to the Clock Tower Precinct, although quite a stiff walk from the shops.
Welcoming the news, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Alan Winde said: “In Cape Town the income-generators are the world cruise liners that stop here.
We need to offer cruise liners a better welcome than they are getting.”
The tender notice published last week called on interested parties to attend a briefing on June 6. Submissions will close on June 29, after which Transnet will decide on the next step, according to Transnet property manager Johan Claasen. - Weekend Argus