Dedicated Cruise Ship Terminal and Auxiliary Facilities (Implementation Phase)

The Government of Cape Verde has developed an official strategy to use its location at the centre of major trade and navigation routes and its natural environment to develop its tourism industry. The economy of Cape Verde is characterised by a narrow production base little to no diversification and geographical isolation. The most pressing socio-economic issue for Cape Verde is the reduction of relative poverty and unemployment. Despite the lack of adequate dedicated harbour facilities. Cruise ships make regular port calls at Mindelo.The project aims to improve the facilities for visiting ships with the construction of a cruise terminal. A terminal is seen as an important stepping-stone in the implementation of Cape Verdes tourism policy. The local cruise industry has so far developed more or less without the involvement of the government. However as the market develops it is becoming increasingly necessary to upgrade the existing harbour facilities to make it possible to maintain and further expand the number of port calls. Besides cruise operators increasingly demand higher standards for quality and safety. The annual number of port calls by cruise ships between 2004 and 2010 has varied between 21 and 37 despite poor logistics and berthing conditions. The project consists of the dredging of the harbour basin the construction of a berth and terminal for large cruise vessels and will include a roll-out strategy to further develop the islands tourism industry. The project is expected to bring new business opportunities and jobs to the islands. A capacity-building and awareness training programme to prepare the private sector for a higher level of service to visiting cruise passengers is an important component of the project.