The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) Authority has announced a $100 million investment in the Cruiseport, including $60 million for shore power, a significant step forward for sustainable maritime practices at the Port of Boston, benefitting both cruise industry partners and the surrounding community.
Massport celebrated a record-breaking passenger count at Flynn Cruiseport Boston this year with just over 480,000 passengers, a 29 percent passenger increase over last year. Flynn Cruiseport welcomed a total 167 cruise ships this season –18 more ships and a 12 percent increase over 2023.
Boston’s cruise industry is truly making waves. The newly released 2024 Economic Impact Report highlights the impressive growth of cruising in Boston and its expanding contribution to the region’s economy.
- $256 million in economic impact — an 90% increase since 2018
- Over 3,000 jobs supported — a 36% jump since 2018
From transportation providers and local restaurants to tourist attractions, hotels, airlines, souvenir shops, and local suppliers for the ships, the cruise industry supports hundreds of businesses across the region. It creates opportunities for people and strengthens the local economy, benefiting communities large and small.
“My sincere congratulations to Rich Davey and the team at Massport on their record-setting success at the Flynn Cruiseport,” said Congressman Stephen Lynch, MA 8th District. “I am extremely happy that Massport will be investing $60 million to install “ship-to-shore” electrical power so that cruise ships will not have to keep their diesel engines running while they are at berth in the South Boston Seaport, which will be great for the environment. These investments create jobs by making the Port of Boston more competitive while preserving our rich maritime history.”
Massport has been planning to bring ship to shore power to Flynn Cruiseport for some time. CEO Rich Davey announced that Massport will install shore power at the two main berths. Nearly 80 percent of the ships that currently serve Boston can plug into shore power or use an alternative low-carbon technology.
CEO Rich Davey and his team for making this critically needed investment at Flynn Cruiseport as we work to grow the cruise business and support the travel and tourism industry across Boston and the state.”
Larger cruise vessels are increasingly making their way to the New England region. In July, Norwegian Cruise Line announced a new, larger Boston homeport ship for the 2026 cruise season – the Norwegian Breakaway. The Norwegian Breakaway can carry up to 4,500 passengers and will be Flynn Cruiseport Boston’s largest homeport vessel replacing the current homeport vessel, the Norwegian Gem, which carries up to 3,200 passengers.
(Photo from Massport)
