by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:20 PM ET, Wed June 4, 2025
The city of Duluth, Minnesota, has constructed a new section of seawall to better accommodate cruise ships sailing the Great Lakes.
On Tuesday, when Viking Octantis, the first cruise ship of the season, sailed into the port city on Lake Superior, the ship was able to dock alongside the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.
The ship’s 374 passengers were able to walk right off the vessel, as opposed to shuttling back and forth on tenders as they’ve had to do during past visits, reports WDIO.
The seawall project was made possible with $13.5 million from the state of Minnesota, $4.9 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Economic Development and $860,000 from the Duluth Economic Development Authority, reports the Duluth News Tribune
Crews also made other waterfront improvements that will allow both visitors and residents to better enjoy the space between the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and the waterfront.
New spaces called “Portside Park" and "Paulucci Plaza” will host public events moving forward.
“You’re going to see a space that really is about people. It really is about folks being able to, at their pace, enjoy what is the most prime real estate in all Duluth,” says Roger Reinert, Duluth’s mayor.
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