Bermello Ajamil and Partners Inc. is an Architecture, Planning and Engineering firm specialized in Port and Destination Development for the Cruise and Maritime sectors in addition to servicing other business sectors.
Our firm has offices in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, New York and Copenhagen and provides services and assistance to ports, destinations, governments, private entities, cruise lines and other stakeholders in the global arena.
B&A is the worldwide leader in Cruise Market Assessment and Strategic Planning Development. Other services include Cruise Tourism Market Assessment and Strategy Support; Port and Waterfront Strategic and Master Planning; Marinas, Cruise, Ferry and Cargo Terminal Design; Cruise Business Strategies; Marketing and Promotion Support and Itinerary Planning Support amongst others.
Please read below news regarding port and destination development and some of our current projects.
We are pleased to announce the launch of our brand new website!
B&A Europe is pleased to announce the release of our new website, designed with a fresh new look and user-friendly navigation, updated with the latest information about our projects and services. We hope you will enjoy our new site. If you have any questions, comments or suggestion please send them our way. Contact us at www.baeurope.com.
Port of Tarragona Cruise Facilities Development
The port of Tarragona, Spain plans to develop its port infrastructures to accommodate cruise vessels closer to the city. B&A Europe has been selected to conduct the cruise market assessment and design the layout of the new cruise reception facilities.
Tarragona Cruise Port located in the Costa Dourada region of Spain is anticipating 8,000 passengers in 2015, a significant increase on the almost 2,000 cruise visitors arriving last year.
Cruise ships of less than 140mtr in length berth at Marina Port Tarraco, located on Tarragona seafront, or longer vessels can tie alongside at the Levante Dock.
As Tarragona pushes to be one of Mediterranean’s regular cruise destinations, work has begun on building a new dedicated cruise terminal, planned to be operational in 2018. Consultant Bermello Ajamil & Partners Europe has been contracted to technically assess the drafting of the development plan of the new terminal, envisaged to receive 50,000 cruise passengers a year, in the medium term.
In Tarragona all the virtues of the Mediterranean way of life converge with a wide variety of activities such as wine tourism routes, a rich gastronomic offer, golf, sunshine, clean golden beaches, and all kinds of outdoor activities.
This destination enjoys international recognition as World Heritage of UNESCO, including the archaeological collection of ancient Roman Tarraco, the mediaeval monastery of Poblet, and Human Towers; one of the most genuine and original cultural expressions in Europe. Top ⬆︎
Port of Huelva Cruise Development Training Program
The port authority of Huelva has established a new working committee to boost cruise tourism in the Spanish city of Huelva. The project is being coordinated by Luis de Carvalho, CEO of BA Europe.
The Huelva Cruise Network was formed during a meeting of 50 representatives from various organizations operating in the cruise industry. Chaired by Manuela de Paz, the president of the port authority, the meeting focused on developing strategies to promote the port, the city of Huelva, and its possible shore excursion options to major cruise companies.
While analyzing challenges and opportunities, plans include offering differentiated shore excursion programs, and improving customer service in the port, as well as in the city’s restaurants, cafés and other tourist spots.
Discussions also focused on improving tour guide training, exploring the feasibility of distributing trained volunteers at key points around the city, and providing tourists with maps and brochures about Huelva at the pier with detailed information about the key attractions, services and products.
The group also explored how to improve the welcome and departure procedures at the port by offering musical performances, historical reenactments or enabling cruise visitors to sample local foods from Huelva. In 2015, Huelva will handle eight cruise ships carrying a total of almost 10,000 passengers and crew, while 20 vessels are scheduled to call in 2016. Top ⬆︎
Balearic Islands Cruise Traffic Development
A series of initiatives are underway at the ports managed by the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), with the aim to improve cruise traffic services and to maintain and strengthen the trust placed in these ports by the cruise industry.
Palma has invested €5.6 million on the northern quay at Dique del Oeste Platform for new bollards and extension in 150 m (with 3 dolphins), adapting it for the largest cruise vessels in the world. The year is set to beat all records with a total of 1.7 million cruise passengers forecast to visit Palma on 550 calls.
The Port of Ibiza has 120 scheduled calls, bringing over 200,000 passengers to the island. In 2015 the South Botafoc Quay will be extended to provide two new berthing locations 328 and 375 meters, respectively.
The APB will also be investing €2.7 million in the Port of Mahon, mainly on extending and improving the Passenger Quay berthing line to cater for larger cruise ships.
The Port of Alcudia, in the north of Majorca, is focusing on the luxury cruise segment, which caters for exclusive visitors looking for modern and safe facilities and an alternative to a larger port.
Bermello Ajamil and Partners Europe have been commissioned by APB with a strategic plan for the consolidation and development of cruise traffic in the Balearic Islands.
In 2015, a total of €28 million will be invested by APB in infrastructure aimed at enhancing all ports. Top ⬆︎
Charlottetowns 'cruise-friendly' redevelopment plan
Atlantic Canada's Charlottetown started to redevelop its port to be more 'cruise-friendly' this year and will re-brand as Port Charlottetown, Marine Gateway to Prince Edward Island.
Port Charlottetown is now underway with its Redevelopment plan, a $5 million project, which was officially launched June 05th, along with funding partner, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
With only one dedicated cruise berth, the redevelopment plan will focus on the land-side development of the port, specifically the shore excursion piece, with a dedicated roadway and bus lanes, as well as the ability to promote dockside sales within the cruise terminal. The redevelopment will also include a taxi load and go area along with a new pedestrian plaza being designed for the exterior of the Cruise Terminal.
“This will allow us to properly separate the different segments of business operating at the port, which will provide a better experience for the visiting cruise lines,” explains Les Parsons, CEO of Port Charlottetown.
The plans follow the port's cruise strategy which was completed by Bermello, Ajamil & Partners in 2013.
In addition to the redevelopment, the port is also unveiling a new brand: Port Charlottetown, Marine Gateway to Prince Edward Island will replace the previous brand, Historic Charlottetown Seaport. “The new name was a natural fit,” states Corryn Morrissey, Business Development Manager for the port. “This brand clearly defines who and what we are.” Top ⬆︎
Port of Cork Facilities Upgrade
The Port of Cork has invested €1.5 million in upgrading facilities at Cobh Cruise Terminal, Ireland’s only dedicated cruise berth, with the installation of a number of high load mooring bollards (150 ton) at the Cobh Cruise Berth which will enable larger ships to be berthed at a genuine “unrestricted 24/7 berth”.
Speaking about the upgrades, Captain Michael McCarthy said “The Port of Cork Company is committed to developing the cruise business into Cork and these upgrades of our cruise berth in Cobh will enable us to accommodate ‘Quantum Class’ vessels which are the largest cruise liners currently operating in northern Europe.
“Attracting these ‘mega ships’ to Cobh would be a huge advantage, not only for the Port but for the entire Cork region which benefits €14 million annually from cruise. The Port is actively reviewing the development of a second cruise berth in Cobh due to demand that will also be capable of accommodating all sized vessels.
In total, 55 cruise liners are scheduled to call to Cork in 2015, 10 of which are maiden calls and 20 of which will be carrying in excess of 3,000 passengers.
Bermello Ajamil and Partners was commissioned to review the design criteria for the project. Top ⬆︎
Bar Harbour Ferry Terminal Business Plan
Ferry Terminal purchase imminent for the town of Bar Harbor, Maine. B&A to lead the study that will create the final business plan.
The terms for the sale of an idle international ferry terminal from Canada to the Maine Port Authority (MPA) have been ironed out. The MPA has been in talks with Canadian crown corporation Marine Atlantic to acquire the property since the spring of 2012 and an agreement is now very close. However, the MPA wants more information regarding financing, operations, and business opportunities at the site prior to taking control of the terminal.
Bermello Ajamil & Partners (B&A) has been retained to provide a study of the issues involved. The firm has already performed several studies of the ferry terminal property, including a detailed feasibility study and a market study as well as an initial business plan. The new study will provide more specific business and market opportunities, specific cash flow needs and projections, a 5-year capital and operations budget, a 36-month operational budget and evaluations of different operating models along with other items.
The B&A study would create an initial business plan within four weeks, followed by eight additional weeks that will include discussions with stakeholders for completion of a final business plan. Top ⬆︎
Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal & Port Everglades Terminal 4
For B&A, it’s all about efficiency!
Bermello Ajamil & Partners’ Ports and Maritime Division is the world’s premier maritime design practice reinventing cruise terminals and ports around the globe.
In 2014, B&A delivered two new terminals that are generating additional cruise traffic to the Caribbean region: RCCL’s Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal in Bayonne, New Jersey built for Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas and the newest addition to the continued terminal development at Port Everglades with Terminal 4 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that will be able to accommodate even larger cruise vessels once the slip extension is completed at the end of this year.
These two state-of-the-art facilities feature not only sustainable design features, but also modernized systems that significantly reduce shore-to-ship processing times. B&A is working to move more cruise passengers in an efficient manner worldwide! Top ⬆︎
Viking River Cruises Facility in New Orleans
B&A provided planning of new Viking River Cruises Facility in New Orleans.
Gov. Bobby Jindal and Viking Cruises Chairman Torstein Hagen announced the selection of New Orleans as the homeport for Viking River Cruises’ first North American river cruise itineraries. The Mississippi River cruises will be operating from docks near the French Quarter in New Orleans.
Bermello Ajamil & Partners created a master plan for the port to facilitate the Viking business.
This is an important economic achievement for New Orleans as Viking’s new service will result in the creation of more than 780 new jobs in the Southeast Region of the state. Moreover, plans call for the construction of six new vessels over the next three years at an estimated cost of $90 million to $100 million per vessel, all of which will be built in U.S. shipyards and crewed by U.S. citizens.
In addition, this service will bring much new business to hotels, restaurants, museums and other attractions in the city, exponentially expanding sales for local merchants. Top ⬆︎
Port Miami Federal Inspection Facilities (FIF)
B&A was selected to provide architectural design and planning for the Office and warehouse complex that will include offices of CBP Personnel.
The Warehouse will serve as facility for more in-depth inspection of containers entering Port Miami. This facility is quite unique because it is not existent in any other port worldwide. Top ⬆︎
Renovation of Terminal 25 at Port Everglades
B&A was selected to provide architectural and engineering consulting services
The objective is to renovate the Cruise Terminal 25. Work will incorporate existing Cruise Terminals 22 and 24 into the overall operation of Terminal 25. All three terminals are referred to, collectively, as Cruise Terminal 25. The scope of work will include Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Bidding and Negotiation, and Contract Administration. Top ⬆︎
Canary Islands Cruise Promotional Business Strategy Implementation Phase
A meeting will take place in Tenerife during the month of June gathering the local cruise stakeholders of all the Canary Islands as a follow-up to the implementation of the strategy launched earlier in 2015.
The main project goal is to increase cruise business to the 7 Canary Islands which registered 1.908.209 cruise visitors in 2014 while improving the overall image and long-term sustainability of the Canarias as a cruise destination. Introducing the Canarias to new cruise markets such as the US, Canada, Asia and other developing markets, while tapping into new opportunities to further explore the lesser known islands in the archipelago and improve the services and products offered for cruise is also a major objective.
The strategy brings to the same table the local port authorities of Puertos de Estado, tourism institutions from Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro, tourism promotional agencies, Canary Islands Government, Puertos de Canarias, port agents, tour operators and local stakeholders.
The project was commissioned by Promotur, Turismo de Canarias to B&A Europe (Bermello Ajamil & Partners Europe). Top ⬆︎
Ports of Cape Verde Cruise Development Program
The government of Cape Verde has signed a bi-lateral agreement with the Dutch Government to help further establish Cape Verde as a cruise destination.
Netherlands based Finance for Cruise Destinations BV (F4CD) has been engaged by the Cape Verde islands' national port authority ENAPOR, to undertake a cruise development program which will be 35% financed by a grant from the Dutch Government.
Phase 1, involving a Market Assessment Study, has been completed and phase 2, the Development Phase is running. This phase comprises the design of a dedicated cruise ship pier, and improvement of reception and land transportation facilities in Mindelo, inclusive of a waterfront development.
A need assessment and the design of soft tourism infrastructure on the islands of Sao Vicente and Santo Antão, as well as an Environmental Impact Assessment, a Social Economic Feasibility Study and the Financial Engineering, complete the scope of this phase. Implementation is scheduled to commence in 2016.
These projects will address some the issues reported by cruise lines in the past and the goal is to improve the cruise passenger visitor experience overall on calls to the islands of Sao Vicente and Santo Antão.
Bermello Ajamil & Partners Europe has been commissioned by Finance for Cruise Development BV to undertake the Market Assessment Studies and the assessment of the soft tourism infrastructure in Cape Verde.
There are further plans to extend the cruise development program for the remaining islands of Santiago, Sao Nicolau, Maio, Fogo, Brava, Sal and Boavista. Top ⬆︎
Tenerife Cruise Forum 2015 June 18th, 2015
The Tenerife Cruise Forum 2015 is taking place on June 18 organized by the Port Authority of Tenerife.
Several key topics will be discussed including identifying areas to improve the overall service and cruise passenger satisfaction levels, the main factors going into the selection of an itinerary and port, the roles of the port agents, tour operators and airlines, and the cooperation between all the local stakeholders.
Guest speakers include several renowned national and international cruise professionals. Mr. Luis de Carvalho will be a speaker and a moderator for this event, covering the topic of Seasonality for Cruise Destinations.
The Tenerife Cruise Forum is an event aimed for all professionals associated with the cruise tourism industry that could benefit from the arrival of cruise passengers in Tenerife and in the Canary Islands. Top ⬆︎
International Cruise Summit 2015 November 18th & 19th, 2015
The 2015 INTERNATIONAL CRUISE SUMMIT will once more bring to Madrid the combined talents of this fastest growing industry and its major players.
Cruising is one global tourism sectors that has the greatest potential for growth. Europe is a market in expansion, not only as a source but also as a worldwide destination. While cruise companies continue to take a stake in Europe in general and Spain in particular the call is now for all stakeholders to continue to build the knowledge and awareness regarding the industry and its trends, development, logistics, challenges, opportunities and the new emerging source markets.
During the INTERNATIONAL CRUISE SUMMIT 2015 we will be discussing the present and future of an industry which this year is predicted to reach 23 million worldwide.
Luis de Carvalho, CEO of B&A Europe with be directing the event which is organized by Cruise Media News. Top ⬆︎
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