---

Seattle’s new cruise facility, the recently-named Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, is scheduled to open on April 24th with the arrival of Holland America Line’s MS Amsterdam .

The launch of the new terminal is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy and on bunker sales with 211 vessels due to arrive at the facility in 2009.

The MS Amsterdam is due to sail into Puget Sound on April 24th 2009, signalling the beginning of the 2009 cruise season.

The new terminal provides two, 1200 foot berths both equipped with shore power facilities - eliminating the need for vessels to run their diesel engines whilst at dock and creating significant savings in fuel costs, plus the environmental benefit of no air emissions.

The new terminal will serve as homeport for Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International. Meanwhile, the Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 will continue to serve Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

In terms of the financial impact of the cruise industry on the local economy, the annual revenue generated in 2008 was reported to be $274 million, producing 2,380 jobs and $8 million in annual state and local taxes.

"Each time a homeport cruise ship docks in Seattle the activity related to the visit contributes about $1.7 million in area commerce, " the Port of Seattle said in a statement.

In 2008, the port hosted 210 vessels and a record-setting 886,039 passengers, which moved Seattle to the top spot for Alaska cruises.

Bunker sales at Seattle are currently estimated to be around 1.5 million tonnes per annum. The main suppliers at the port are Conoco Phillips, Tesoro Corporation and Rainier Petroleum.

Rainier does not offer heavy fuel, but is an important player in the diesel market, supplying fishing vessels, ferries and tugboats. The company also acts as a delivery agent of marine lubricants.

Last year, bunker trading and broking company KPI Bridge Oil Ltd. announced the launch of a new office in Seattle on September 15th 2008. Managed by Tamara Anderson, an industry veteran with almost 20 years experience in the bunker industry, the company said the new office would permit KPI Bridge Oil to serve locally based clients in their own time zone.