Company provided stevedoring baggage, ancillary and passenger services for Swan Hellenic's Minerva
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Stevedoring and ancillary services company Southern Maritime Services (SMS) has handled the first of 36 cruise ship calls at Portsmouth International Port (PIP) this year.
The company provided stevedoring baggage services and manned the passenger reception desk when Swan Hellenic’s Minerva arrived at the port bringing more than 190 passengers as part of a 13-day trip to the Channel Islands and France. SMS also loaded several tonnes of food and other stores onto the ship.
SMS’ sister company, Cruise and Passenger Services, provided valet car parking services for passengers joining the ship.
“We are looking forward to another busy cruise ship season at Portsmouth as it continues to build its reputation as the favoured turnaround port for small cruise ships calling on the south coast,” said Alex Fernandez, general manager at SMS. “We are committed to playing our part in ensuring that the port maintains its reputation for providing cruise passengers with an efficient, seamless experience.”
Minerva is set to make eight more calls to PIP this year.