21 March 2024
Since Portsmouth International Port’s terminal extension opened in August 2023, a report has shown 75,000 passengers have made use of the new facility, arriving and departing for their cruise.
The carbon neutral terminal, part funded by the government’s Levelling Up grant, boasts seawater technology to heat and cool the building, smart LED, solar panels to generate energy and living walls to purify the air. It was designed to meet expectations of the boutique cruise and ferry market, and to manage an increase in passengers through the port with 88 cruise calls expected this year.
In the summer the port also welcomes back Virgin Voyages for nine turnarounds and in May the first call to Portsmouth for new French brand CFC’s Renaissance.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Portsmouth City Council Cabinet Member for the Port said “Over the past six months we have seen a record number of passengers use our new terminal extension. As a port we have pitched ourselves towards small to mid-sized boutique, expedition, luxury cruises and this approach is proving to reap rewards. We are on track for our busiest year, with 88 calls, which helps to support the port’s overall growth and is essential for the city. It is estimated that each cruise call can generate £1.5m for the city’s economy through passenger and crew spend, combined with port charges.
With the port contributing £8m profit to the council’s budget this year, we’re optimistic our popularity as a cruise port will continue as forecasts show future growth.”
The report highlights the importance of cruise to offset the impact of ferry and freight trade post pandemic and Brexit.
Mike Sellers, Portsmouth International Port’s director said: “Investment in the port has resulted in exponential growth in the cruise trade and the recent figures show that it has been money well spent. Our berth extension and new terminal facilities have secured commitments from well-known brands and meant Portsmouth is establishing itself as an important UK cruise port, sustaining the national appetite for cruise travel.
We now turn to shore power as our current focus so we can be in a position next year to provide energy for multiple ships on multiple berths, which we believe will be UK first. We look forward to sharing our experience with the wider industry and demonstrate how ports are a leading sector in sustainability.”