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The terminal at Portsmouth International Port has been built to accommodate a growth in cruise ships which could mean an additional 250,000 passengers a year.
Following a major berth extension, and the construction of the new terminal, the port can now handle ships up to 300 metres in length. Using cutting-edge technology, the port is also the first in the UK to use sea water to heat and cool the building.
It is now open, after 18 months of construction, made possible through £11.25m of funding, and has welcomed guests from its first cruise ship, Saga’s Spirit of Discovery.
The design features a sky garden, which is a public viewing space to watch the activity across the port site, a walkway between the existing terminal and an exclusive lounge area for passengers.
“The quality of the building and the attention to detail that has gone into its development really are second to none, and our guests thoroughly enjoyed the new arrival experience.”
Nigel Blanks, CEO, Saga Cruises
Portsmouth appeals to the small to medium sized, boutique, luxury and expedition cruise market, and the terminal has been designed to reflect this experience from the moment they arrive at the port.
Portsmouth’s aim to be the first carbon neutral port
Mike Sellers, Portsmouth International Port’s director said: “This terminal transformation follows a number of significant infrastructure projects to position Portsmouth as not only one of the UK’s leading ports, but a global one too.”
The port was part of a successful £20m bid called Transforming the Visitor Economy, which also includes funding for a Lido and the creation of the UK’s longest urban park ‘Linear Park’ in the north of the city.
“Portsmouth lends itself ideally as a cruise port, with wonderful heritage assets and a spectacular waterfront for arrivals and departures.”
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, cabinet member responsible for the port
The aim of the funding is to boost the local and regional economy, each cruise ship call having the potential to bring £1.5m into the city through port charges, passenger and crew spend on local goods, and services such as hotels and attractions, and also supplies to the ship.
Hopes for increased tourism spending
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, cabinet member responsible for the port said: “Portsmouth lends itself ideally as a cruise port, with wonderful heritage assets and a spectacular waterfront for arrivals and departures.”
Guests on Saga’s cruise ship Spirit of Discovery, whose Godmother is Her Majesty Queen Camilla, were the first to make use of the terminal, as they headed off on an Islands of the Western Mediterranean itinerary.
Nigel Blanks, CEO of Saga Cruises, said: “The quality of the building and the attention to detail that has gone into its development really are second to none, and our guests thoroughly enjoyed the new arrival experience.”
