By
Rebecca Gibson |
The UK’s Port of Southampton has embarked on a £12 million (US$15.7 million) project to significantly increase capacity at its Ocean Cruise Terminal so it can handle larger ships and a greater volume of cruise traffic.
Port operator ABP Southampton will work with UK-based construction firm Graham Group to renovate both the terminal building and the quayside, aiming to have work completed ahead of the arrival of P&O Cruises’ first-ever LNG-powered ship Iona in summer 2020. The 5,200-guest vessel will homeport at Southampton and will be joined by a yet-to-be-named sister ship in 2022.
Graham will make several major modifications to improve passenger flow in the terminal building. Tasks will include creating a new entrance lobby, expanding the security area and creating an access route to a passenger boarding bridge.
Elsewhere, Graham will construct 150-tonne bollards, alter the roof of the store building, erect a roof over the inward cabin baggage portal, pave the HGV marshalling zone and complete a canopied vehicle drop-off point. The company will also install new drainage systems and realign fencing and gates.
“Cruise is a strong and growing industry,” said Alastair Welch, director of ABP Southampton. “The ships that call in Southampton are increasing in size and we are investing significantly to accommodate future growth in the industry and to maintain our position as Northern Europe’s leading cruise port. We are pleased to be breaking ground on this important project with P&O Cruises.”
Representatives from ABP, Carnival UK and Graham marked the start of the project with a ground-breaking ceremony in early November.
“This is an important step in preparing the Ocean Terminal for significant upgrades that will give our guests across all our brands as well as the smoothest, most efficient embarkation experience and the very best start to their holiday,” said Josh Weinstein, president of P&O Cruises' parent brand Carnival UK.