The Port Of Boston Sets Record For Cruise Ships
Sees Increase In Overall Direct Call Service Cargo

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced that the Port of Boston set a record with the most scheduled cruise ships ever to call at Cruiseport Boston's Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. In 2008 there were 113 ship calls, an increase of 12% over last year. Scheduled passenger counts were up by 15% and set a new record of 270,000.

At Massport's Conley Container Terminal, containers transported by direct-call carrier services was up roughly 5.5 % over 2007, even though the total combined direct and indirect container activity declined by 5%, the national average.

The Port of Boston had a record-breaking cruise season with Cruiseport Boston showing double-digit growth in both scheduled passengers and ship calls, said Mike Leone, Port Director for Massport. We also saw an increase in container volume from our direct call steamship lines, which is the most reliable and cost-effective way for trade-dependent companies to compete in the global marketplace.

Conley Terminal is served by two steamship lines that transport container cargo directly between Boston and ports overseas and by one feeder service that moves cargo by barge to and from Boston via New York. The feeder service connects with steamship lines that do not call Boston on direct port-to-port service. Cargo volume from direct call steamship lines -- China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) and its vessel-sharing partners "K" Line, Yang Ming Line, and Hanjin Shipping; and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) grew. While overall container volumes declined, however, due to a suspension of the Eimskip feeder service from Halifax, the suspension of the CMA-CGM steamship service to Boston from North Europe, and a decline in feeder volume barged between New York and Boston.

New this cruise season, the 2,000-passenger Norwegian Spirit one of Norwegian Cruise Lines newest and largest ships will sail the Boston-Bermuda itinerary, along with some Canada/New England cruises. Norwegian Spirit replaces the 1,750-passenger Norwegian Dream. The larger ship underscores the popularity of Boston-Bermuda cruising market.

Other highlights for 2009 include the opportunity for a transatlantic voyage from Boston. Cunard's Queen Mary 2 will depart Boston on July 4th for an eight-day transatlantic crossing to Southampton, England. And in September, Cruiseport Boston will welcome Cunard's newest ocean liner Queen Victoria, when she makes her maiden call to Boston.

The Port of Boston's activity supports 34,000 jobs, and contributes more than $2 billion to the local, regional, and national economies through direct, indirect, and induced impact.

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