New gangway to ramp up Broome’s cruise ship draw

The multi-platform $750,000 gangway that would cement Broome’s status as a cruising destination by allowing passengers to safely disembark without delays has been completed ahead of the busy 2020 season.

Commissioned by the Kimberley Ports Authority on Monday, the highly advanced structure was designed to suit fluctuating Broome tides of up to 10m, in the hopes of attracting more cruise ships to the region. The adjustable ramp and mechanical gangway is able to service vessels docking into the Port of Broome to about 9.5m above deck level, eliminating previous delays of up to one hour.

The $15.3 million Channel Optimisation Project, known as dredging, was also completed in September last year, allowing vessels all-tide access to the port.

KPA chief executive Craig Faulkner said the gangway was the next step in providing a world-class experience for passengers.

“The gangway provides a more appropriate way to get on and off the vessel and has wider safety parameters for passengers,” he said.

“It has been a long time coming and finally we have had it commissioned in between cyclone and other things and we are ready for the cruise season.

“Our engineering department have done a lot of research and it is unique in how it has been designed for our facilities, which are different to others around the country.”