Project idea: Small and medium sized cruise ports are a big potential for economic growth in the North Sea Region. The small and medium sized ports are yet to be discovered by cruise lines but are very attractive ports for the small and boutique ships of the cruise fleet. Cruise calls bring economic growth, employment and development to the region. Background Cruise lines are always looking for new ports to vary their tours. And since January 2015 there are new fuel regulations which has increased the need of more ports between the bigger ports. The new fuel regulations has forced cruise lines to use cleaner and more expensive fuel. In order to keep the costs of the fuel low they would like to lower their speed. But to visit a region a day, they need regions closer to each other. A cooperation of small and medium sized ports between the bigger ports can fulfil this need. Small and medium sized ports are usually belong to small and medium sized cities which are located in a rural area. Cruise calls bring new visitors to the area which stimulates economic growth for the port but also for the hinterland. And because of the international incoming visitors it also stimulates the region to develop on language skills, quality, hospitality services and product development

Project aim High growth rates in European cruise tourism have been recorded for the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas. The North Sea Region is underestimated as a cruise destination. The project aim is to encourage sustainable growth of cruise shipping and to stimulate economic growth in the hinterland by the cooperation of small and medium sized ports by promoting the North Sea Region as a cruise destination. This project will consider a broad range of topics which are all linked to the region development and the cruise potential of the ports. Therefor 5 work packages are formed to reach these aims.

Work packages The idea is to form 5 work packages: 1. Marketing the North Sea Region as a cruise destination Each port has its unique features but together as a region we can make bigger impression in de cruise industry. Therefor we would like to set up a joint lobbying and marketing strategy which is built upon the regional identity. This will create awareness in the cruise industry of the North Sea Region as a cruise destination. 2.Accessibility to port and ship for guest, crew and visitors When a cruise ship enters a harbour the ISPS code, EU and other regulations start to work. These sets of rules makes is not a very hospitable happening in the harbour . To make this more easy to work with and more hospitable for cruise guests en visitors to the ship, it would help tremendously if there would be an optimisation and best practices for small and medium sized ports how to handle with these regulations. 3.Cruise and fuel developments for small and medium sized ports Since January 2015 fuel regulations have changed in the North Sea Region. New fuel regulations means adaptations on the cruise ships. But also changes in the ports. Should you invest as a port in a scrubber installation, or LNG bunkering as shore power supply? Is an investment in all three systems needed? As a small port it is a huge investment to invest in just of these system, let alone in all three of them. Choices have to be made. But what is the right choice? And would it be better if all three systems would be divided along the North Sea coast so you only need 1 system? Research has to be done in on these questions to make it possible that small and medium sized ports are made future proof. 4.Cruise ports and the hinterland connection Cruise ports are the starting point where cruise guests go ashore. But without a strong hinterland with several options for excursions a port is not attractive. The cruise guests need to be entertained and triggered to come back to the region as individual guests. Therefor it is important to map out unique attractions offered in the region and to guide organisations and businesses how they can create a unique offer of high quality which stands from the crowd the strengthen the region as a cruise destination. Besides that a, strong and integrated approach among regional stakeholders and organisations has to be established to make each cruise call a success. 5.Communication & Dissemination By working together of the huge benefits is that you can exchange knowledge among ports. This will be done between partners through a programme of conferences, workshops, surveys and studies. The overall project findings and outcomes will be transferred to the industry stakeholders and lobby activities will be set up for best practice at local/regional, national and European political levels

-Netherlands: Municipality of Harlingen -Netherlands: Province of Fryslân, Streekagenda Noardwest -Denmark: port of Skagen -Belgium: Port of Zeebrugge -England: Port of Plymouth -Scotland: Port of Leith (Edinburgh) -Norway: Port of Bøde

Smaller and medium-sized cruise ports from: - Norway - Sweden - United Kingdom - Denmark - The Netherlands - Belgium - Germany Research universities in port facilities and/or service hospitality.