The Port of Arrecife welcomes an average of 25 cruise ships per month during peak season, generating substantial revenue through port taxes, even before passengers disembark
Lanzarote boasts two ports capable of accommodating tourist cruise liners: Los Mármoles, in Arrecife, and the recently redeveloped Playa Blanca Port. Currently, it is only Arrecife that receives these cruise ships, generating substantial revenue from port taxes even before passengers set foot on the island.
During the high season from September to June, Arrecife’s port averages twenty-five cruise ship arrivals per month with an average occupancy rate of 85%. During the period between January – March, this figure increases to seventy-five. ‘Each ship pays 2.42 euros per passenger for what is called T2 Passenger Tax,’ explains a source from the Las Palmas Port Authority.
In 2022, Los Mármoles recorded 244 cruise ships docking in the port, bringing approximately 386,281 cruise passengers and generating €934,800 from T2 taxes alone. 2021 saw 64 cruise ships docking in the capital’s port, carrying a total of 154,458 passengers, and bringing in a total revenue of €373,788. Pending the final figures at the close of 2023, the forecast for 2024 estimates the arrival of 520,000 cruise passengers.
Ships must pay a fee to their shipping agency, which tends to range between €300 and €600. Additional fees incurred are directly proportional to the tonnage of the ship. Numerous parameters, items, variables, and discounts (5% to 30%) are taken into consideration in this calculation, involving the application of various formulas and coefficients. One of Lanzarote’s shipping agents provides the example of a medium-sized tourist cruise ship (weighing approximately 70,000 tonnes and 240 meters in length), stating that it would pay around €16,985 in harbour dues in Arrecife, excluding any applicable discounts.
This figure is broken down as follows: €1,445.5 for the T0 navigation tax (applicable to the first three stopovers of the year); €10,000 for the T1 occupancy tax (mooring); €2,434 for the TF10 rubbish or waste tax (based on 500 crew and 700 passengers); €1,889 for the pilot berthing assistance service, and €1,217 for the mooring service. In the case of a large cruise ship (over 120,000 tonnes and over 300 meters long), the cost stands at around €51,500 (including €12,000 for T2).
Additionally, in the event of inclement weather, tug assistance costs €11,259 per service. For inbound and outbound journeys, the cost doubles. Escort only costs half. This service is optional.
