Editor’s note: This article was updated with edited information. Last updated: Nov. 20 at 10:56 a.m.
BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new study has received the greenlight to evaluate the feasibility of increased cruise ship services in Bellingham.
The Port of Bellingham consented during their meeting on Tuesday to allow Global Ports Holding to perform a feasibility study on the city’s cruise terminal.
Global Ports Holding is expected to produce a document detailing what would be possible given the current parameters on the Bellingham Cruise Terminal.
The Port’s Economic Development Director Tyler Schroeder spoke about the specifics of the study ahead of that vote.
“This feasibility study is for a market demand. What cruise ships, what vessels. What region areas: Alaska, Salish Sea. What size with that limit to small to medium [ships]. If we determine there’s a market, what’s the infrastructure improvements?” Schroeder said. “And then also the additional stakeholder outreach.”
The year-long study would not require the Port to continue a partnership with Global Ports Holding, who – according to Commissioner Bobby Briscoe – approached the Port about the study.
Commissioner Michael Shepard voiced his support for the study, saying it helps the commission do what he thinks is part of their job.
“I really do think it’s our job to investigate economic opportunities like this and so I think we’re doing what we are chartered to do by fully investigating opportunities for robust economic development in our community,” Shepard said.
Should the study find that additional cruises would be possible, it would likely be years down the line before our waters saw more high-capacity vessels.
