By
Adam Lawrence |
Construction has started on a project aimed at making Portsmouth’s cruise and ferry terminal in the UK usable for larger ships.
Berth number two at the port is being lengthened by almost 50m. Port operators say this will improve the terminal’s flexibility, allowing for a greater number of larger ships to be docked at any one time. Till now, the largest vessel able to use the port has been 210m; after the extension is done, the limit will increase to 240m.
Port manager Phil Gadd said: “We can never afford to rest on our laurels, and must continue to develop our facilities. It has became clear that ferry and cruise ship operators are keen to bring bigger ships to Portsmouth. The newly extended berth will offer them a chance to grow their business, and help us sustain jobs in the city.”
The berth will be extended by the construction of two berthing ‘dolphins’, which are connected by walkway bridges. The ‘dolphins’ are built using seven steel piles being sunk into the seabed and placing a prefabricated structure on top of the piles to form the decking.
Local contractor Trant is building the extension, and hopes to have the work completed by Easter, in time for the start of the summer seasons. Operators say there will be no disruption to ferry timetables.