The Liberal National Government has allocated $950,000 to purchase four new Shore Tension Units (STUs) to make future cruise ship visits to Geraldton safer and more frequent.
Transport Minister Bill Marmion said the STUs, which would be mainly used at Berth 3, would enable Geraldton Port to be 'cruise ready'.
"These units will strengthen the port's role in supporting and expanding the economic contribution the cruise industry makes to the Mid-West region," Mr Marmion said.
"Some cruise ships scheduled to visit Geraldton have been cancelled on the day of arrival due to harbour surge generated by long wave periods, making safe berthing and disembarkation of passengers via gangways difficult.
"STUs are designed to reduce the movement of moored vessels and enable vessels to remain safely moored in challenging difficult weather conditions - this will minimise gangway movement and allow more cruise ships to dock and disembark passengers safely."
Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said missed cruise ship visits were disappointing not only for passengers but also for Geraldton's economy.
"The cruise industry plays an important role in bringing tourism and revenue to the local economy - investing in STUs will help attract additional visits and allow more cruise tourists to sample the many things Geraldton and the Mid-West region have to offer," Mr Blayney said.
The Mid West Ports Authority has been trialing STUs loaned from Fremantle Port to test their effectiveness in mitigating the effects of Geraldton's harbour surge and gangway movement.
The trial found that four STUs would be required to provide safe and reliable berthing services for cruise vessels in the vast majority of sea conditions.
Fact File
Shore tension units help reduce the load on mooring lines and keep the lines at constant tension, maintaining stable and safe mooring for vessels
Since 2012, there have been 61 scheduled cruise vessel visits to Geraldton - 18 vessels have cancelled on the day of their arrival due to the current anchorage conditions
In 2015-16, cruise ship visits contributed $4.11m in economic benefits to Geraldton
Minister's office - 6552 6800
