Sydney’s cruise gateway set for the future with major berthing upgrade

Around 1,200 specially designed rock bags, each weighing eight tonnes, are being carefully craned into place on the seabed at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) in Circular Quay, marking the next stage of Port Authority of NSW’s $25 million Berthing Infrastructure Project.

Eleven metres below the surface, the recycled polyester netted bags, containing basalt rocks, will tile the harbour floor in a mosaic-like pattern to stabilise the berth area and protect against erosion and scouring caused by powerful modern cruise ship propellers, known as Azipods.

This work follows the successful removal of sediment build-up, which has deepened the ship berthing area by around one metre. These works are also critical for allowing large vessels, such as Queen Mary 2, to visit Circular Quay on all tides.

The OPT opened in 1960 and has since grown to become Australia’s most popular cruise destination, attracting around 200 cruise ship visits, and more than half a million passengers, so far this financial year alone.

The upgrade is key to future proofing the State’s almost $4 billion cruise industry and helping to ensure Sydney remains a top destination for cruise liners.

The work has been scheduled during the off-peak cruise season and coordinated around vessel movements in the harbour to minimise disruption.

Alongside the berth upgrades, lifts and escalators at the terminal are also being modernised ahead of the upcoming cruise season to improve the experience for the hundreds of thousands of passengers who pass through the facility each year.

Port Authority of NSW CEO John McKenna said this project highlights Port Authority’s role in delivering critical port infrastructure that underpins safe, efficient and reliable operations at Circular Quay.

“Sydney’s harbour is one of the most complex operating environments in the world, and during peak periods we regularly accommodate multiple large vessels. Investments like this ensure we can continue to manage those movements safely and efficiently,” Mr McKenna said.

As cruise vessels evolve, maintaining fit-for-purpose infrastructure is essential. This project will strengthen operational resilience, improve berth functionality and support the long-term performance of the port.”

The project is expected to be completed in September 2026.