Holland America's Koningsdam called at the UK port for the first time on 20 September
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Holland America Line’s Koningsdam became the largest-ever cruise vessel to dock at Portland Port in the UK on 20 September.
Following the success of this visit, the newly launched 2,650-passenger ship will return to the port twice in 2017.
“It is exciting that Holland America’s newest flagship chose to call at Portland Port during her first year of operation and shows that the port’s cruise business is gaining momentum,” said Ian McQuade, general commercial manager at Portland Port.
Portland Port which is one of three ports on the south coast of the UK that can already handle vessels up to 300m length overall (LOA), is to start work on extending its cruise berth this October. The extension will boast a new suite of mooring bollards, high capacity pneumatic floating fenders and a minimum water depth of 9.6m. This will enable the port to accommodate vessels in excess of 340m LOA alongside from the start of 2017.
“We are lucky to have minimum water depths of 9.6m on our main cruise berth, now with the berth extension we will be able handle ships in excess of 340m LOA, putting us in a very unique group of ports along the English Channel,” said McQuade. “When we add this to our proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Stonehenge, Bath and the Jurassic Coast, along with easy access to the many attractions of the beautiful English countryside, we feel we will be very well positioned to continue to serve an ever increasing range of cruise line customers.”