Inverclyde Now Logo PORT Operator Confirm Cruise Ships Are Heading For Lay-Up In Glasgow

19 May, 2020 | Clyde Shipping

Azamara Journey, a sister ship to Azamara Pursuit, seen at Greenock in 2018

THREE cruise ships are to sail up the Clyde and berth in Glasgow while operators wait for the holiday industry to re-start.

Peels Ports have confirmed that the first vessel — understood to be luxury ship Azamara Pursuit — is due at King George V Dock, Shieldhall, near Braehead, early next month.

Azamara Pursuit has departed from anchorage off Miami and is showing on marine tracking as heading for Glasgow, for arrival on 1 June.

The 30,000-tonne ship has not had any cases of Covid-19 . The crew’s experiences of coping with the coronavirus crisis are featured in an article for Travel Weekly.

David Huck, Peel Ports’ group managing director said: “Due to the current suspension of the cruise industry, cruise lines require to moor vessels in ports worldwide. Like our counterparts in other countries, UK ports are already berthing cruise vessels on a temporary basis, including at Rosyth, Tilbury, Bristol and Southampton.

“We currently have no plans to moor cruise ships at Greenock, but are due to receive the first of three cruise vessels for temporary berths at King George V Docks at the beginning of next month.

“These are vessels which have skeleton crews of around 40 crew members each and have not had passengers on board for many weeks. The vessels involved have been deep-cleaned, are free from Covid and will be on the high seas for at least two weeks prior to arriving on the Clyde.

“There are literally hundreds of vessels arriving and departing from British ports daily, carrying vital goods and supplies, all subject to strict controls, statutory checks and regulations and these vessels are no different.”

Inverclyde Council has been strongly opposed to cruise ships laying up on the Lower Clyde.

Pin It on Pinterest