• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
Royal Caribbean Group has marked the opening of the Dale R. and Carol Ann Lindsey Alaska Railroad Terminal in Seward, Alaska, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by representatives of the Alaska Railroad, The Seward Company, Turnagain Marine Construction, local government officials and community leaders. The facility forms part of a long-term redevelopment project designed to strengthen Seward's role as a major cruise gateway in Alaska.
During the ceremony, Royal Caribbean Group's Senior Vice President of Deployment, Destination Development and Port Operations, Josh Carroll, noted that the project represented the culmination of nearly a decade of planning and cooperation aimed at unlocking new tourism and economic opportunities for Seward and the wider region. He indicated that the terminal's completion had been made possible through close collaboration between industry partners, government stakeholders and the local community.
The new terminal replaces dock facilities dating from the 1960s and is intended to establish Seward as a leading cruise turnaround port. Alaska Railroad President and CEO Bill O'Leary stated that the facility would benefit not only Seward but also communities across Southcentral and Interior Alaska, as cruise passengers continue their journeys inland by rail and road. He also highlighted the contributions of Dale and Carol Ann Lindsey, whose names the terminal now bears.
Designed as the largest cruise terminal in Alaska, the facility includes 41,500 square feet of enclosed passenger space and ~27,000 square feet dedicated to luggage transfer and operational functions. Its direct connection to the Alaska Railroad station is intended to simplify onward travel to destinations including Anchorage, Fairbanks and other communities across the state. The project also features a modern floating double-berth pier capable of accommodating some of the largest cruise vessels operating in Alaska.
Environmental considerations formed a significant part of the redevelopment. The upgraded pier incorporates shore power infrastructure developed with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Ports Grant programme. The system is expected to reduce vessel emissions and noise while ships are alongside, while excess electricity generated during the winter season will be stored in battery systems that can provide backup power for the Seward community during adverse weather conditions.
The terminal has also been designed for year-round use. Outside the cruise season, the building will serve as a community venue capable of hosting sporting events, concerts, festivals and other gatherings. The facility recently welcomed local residents as part of celebrations linked to Royal Caribbean Group's Port Partners small business accelerator programme, where Exit Glacier Greenhouses received a US$20,000 grant to support future growth.
Fuente: Cruise Mapper
