The Exploits Valley Port Corporation has some big plans for the port in Botwood and that includes exploring the potential to host cruise ships.

Botwood was once a bustling, high-traffic port – shipping paper from the mill in Grand Falls, and ore mined at Buchans all over the world.

Since the dismantling of the ASARCO mineral shed in 2008 and the closure of the paper mill in 2009, the port has been trying to find new business opportunities.

Chair of the Exploits Valley Port Corporation Scott Sceviour says they have some ambitious plans ahead.

He says they’re looking at building two new wharves at a total cost of between $150 and 180 million. “We’re diving into different areas,” says Sceviour, “so the cruise association is one of them.”  He says salt boats do come in to Botwood, and the port is also used by the Canadian Coast Guard for crew changes.

He says a recent meeting on the port’s potential for attracting cruise ships drew interest from 41 tour operators and business leaders from all over the region.