Cruise ship to bypass Bunbury

Bunbury businesses preparing for the Dawn Princess have been told the cruise ship will bypass Bunbury for Albany this week.

The Bunbury Herald understands the Princess is unable to dock at its usual berth at the landbacked wharf because of a build up of silt in the channel.

The luxury vessel had been scheduled to dock at Bunbury’s Outer Harbour this Wednesday to give its passengers the opportunity to spend time in the city and its surrounding areas.

Carnival Australia spokesman David Jones said it was unfortunate and the company had explored every option available in Bunbury.

He said draft restrictions and conflicting cargo ship bookings meant the ship was unable to come into Bunbury.

Bunbury Port chief executive Kevin Schellack said the ship was offered the Outer Harbour berth and, being unable to use that berth, an Inner Harbour berth.

“The Bunbury Port Authority does experience siltation at the Outer Harbour due to storms and the general lack of use of the facility by large vessels,” he said.

“The removal of the Timber Jetty may increase the siltation of this area in the future and this will be monitored closely.”

Mr Schellack said the port dredged the area during annual channel maintenance.

Bunbury Cruise Ship committee chairman David Kerr said work was being done to ensure the city continued to be a quality destination for cruise ships.

“A number of cruise ships are scheduled to visit Bunbury next cruise season, between October and March, including the Seabourn Sojourn, which is set to make its maiden voyage to the city,” he said.

South West Development Commission chief executive officer Don Punch said the situation was disappointing but unusual.

“We don’t anticipate there being many more situations like this in the future,” he said.

“When setbacks like this occur we have to look to the future and make sure Bunbury can offer the best stopover options possible for future visits.”