America Cruise Terminal – New location for cruise ships

Over 100 years ago, the first Swedish American Line vessel sailed for the USA from Stigbergskajen in Gothenburg. This historic quay is now being resurrected as a cruise reception centre under the name America Cruise Terminal.

“Gothenburg has developed considerably as a maritime city,” said Jill Söderwall, Vice President Cruise at Gothenburg Port Authority.

2017 will be the final season in which cruise ships can dock at Frihamnen. The area will form part of a major urban development scheme with the construction of homes and offices, forcing the present cruise terminal to find a new location.

The new central cruise terminal will be at Stigbergskajen in Masthugget. The quay and part of the terminal building, Amerikaskjulet, are currently being restored and will be ready to welcome vessels from spring 2018. The new name - America Cruise Terminal – evokes memories of the terminal’s illustrious past.

“The location is ideal as it is within walking distance of the inviting and vibrant districts of Majorna, Linné and Haga, and just a short journey by public transport or chartered bus into the city centre. Now that the beautiful and historically significant Amerikaskjulet is about to be revived as a passenger terminal, cruise guests can look forward to a warm, and authentic reception,” Jill Söderwall explained.

Amerikaskjulet was constructed in 1912 and operated as a passenger terminal until 1975. The building was then converted into offices, even if the quay was used occasionally by naval vessels and school ships. Part of Amerikaskjulet will now be converted into a reception hall with a tourist information office, souvenir shop and other facilities.

Longer vessels than at Frihamnen
The maximum length for vessels calling at America Cruise Terminal will be 225 metres - 25 metres longer than the current maximum length at Frihamnen.

“We believe that America Cruise Terminal will lead to more cruise companies including Gothenburg on their itinerary,” Jill Söderwall said. “The extremely keen competition to attract cruise ships makes a good welcome extremely important.”

Around half of the ships that call each year sail under the Älvsborg Bridge and dock centrally. The largest vessels will continue to dock at the terminal at Arendal.

Quay renovation
Before the inaugural season in 2018, the whole of the outside of Stigbergskajen will be renovated. Ten metres of the quay will be demolished and rebuilt, the bollards will be reinforced, ramps will be constructed and parking spaces for buses will be created.

“It is an old quay - the first quay in Gothenburg for oceangoing traffic - and it is in considerable need of repair and renovation. We are working flat out to have the work completed before the first call in 2018,” said Jill Söderwall.

Seventeen vessels are already scheduled to put into the new America Cruise Terminal.