Portsmouth International Port is set to welcome 150,000 cruise passengers annually in the next few years, following the announcement construction firm Knights Brown will lead the multi-million pound project to increase the size of cruise ships the Port can manage.
From November the biggest cruise investment the city has seen gets underway, this involves complex engineering work to reconfigure the cruise berth, meaning once completed by spring next year the Port can handle ships up to 255m in length.
Mike Sellers, Portsmouth International Port’s director said: “Portsmouth is in an enviable location for cruise, with world famous attractions and a dramatic waterfront, there are plenty of opportunities to grow the city’s share of the market.
“More passengers will also drive demand for additional hotels, an increased spend in shops and restaurants, not to mention putting Portsmouth on the international map.
“With the recent arrival of the Normandy veterans aboard Fred Olsen’s Boudicca, for D-Day 75 commemorations, proves we have a high-profile position as a UK port.
“This is the start of an incredibly exciting and bold plan for cruise, over the next few years there will be a remarkable difference in how Portsmouth is perceived as a leading competitor thanks to our experienced cruise experts who have recently joined the senior management team.
“A successful cruise and ferry port provides a wide benefit to the city including a significant contribution towards employment, increased sales for tourist attractions, not to mention an opportunity for residents in the surrounding Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex area to experience convenient travel abroad.”
Increasing the length of ships the port can manage up to 255m opens up more of the cruise market for the city, making the possibility of visits from the major lines such as Silversea, Crystal, Fred Olsen, Saga and CMV a regular occurrence.
Ian Diaper, Portsmouth International Port’s head of operations said: “Being in a position where we can accommodate the size of ships major lines have in their fleet, means we’re in a great place to attract over 100 calls in the small, mid-size luxury and expedition cruise sector.
“The cruise market is rapidly growing, with lines looking to diversify and attract a broader share of potential customers. Many cruise lines are also increasing their fleet with new vessels on order, so we have a real opportunity to accommodate demand . . . .
. . . . continue reading at the Portsmouth International Port website
