Yalta seaport faces modernization next year

Modernization of the Yalta seaport will start in 2014, Yalta mayor Serhiy Ilash told reporters on Tuesday, according to the Cabinet of Ministers press office.

«With a view to developing cruise and yacht tourism Yalta will carry out a comprehensive renovation and modernization of the port. The work in the harbor will begin in 2014», – Ilash said.

Hydraulic structures will be modernized in the bay of Yalta. The port will be able to take large ships, thanks to the dredging of the harbor waters.

In addition, a passenger terminal and office buildings in the port area will be renovated. Modernization of hydraulic structures should significantly improve the protection of the city's waterfront and harbor during stormy weather. Infrastructure around the port will also be expanded.

It is planned that after the modernization, the Yalta seaport will be able to accept and handle up to 450,000 passengers within 22 weeks of active navigation. The port's revenues and contributions to the state budget will grow tenfold. The port will be able to simultaneously take 4 large ships over 200 meters long with passenger capacity of more than 1,500 people after the expansion of the port basin.

A reminder that Royal Caribbean International announced its readiness to finance the reconstruction of the port of Yalta and Simferopol airport in July 2012. The amount of investment could reach about USD 500 million.

Adapted from Ukrinform