Portland Port Increases Cruise Ship Capacity

The cruise ship berths in Portland Harbour on the south coast of the United Kingdom will receive a £26 million improvement, making them deeper and longer to handle up to two sizable vessels simultaneously.

The Outer Coaling Pier, the port’s main cruise quay, will be extended by 74 meters as part of this project, and the existing deep water berth will be replaced with an enlarged wharf with a depth of 12 meters.

When used in conjunction, the new berths can accommodate two cruise ships, each up to 350 meters long, docked simultaneously. Additionally, the project will add 16,000 square meters of quayside area.

To meet the growing demand, the port will therefore boost its capacity for cruise ships. The completion of the docks, including resurfacing, is scheduled to occur between October 2023 and February 2024. The docks are expected to be operational by May 2023.

Ian McQuade, the commercial general manager of Portland Port, said: “This development will provide a major and significant enhancement to the port’s capabilities. The new facilities will enable Portland Port to keep pace with the increasing demands from our existing cruise and cargo customers whilst offering the opportunity for future growth.”

“The size of vessels calling at Portland over the last number of years has continued to grow and this investment will enable our business to keep ahead of this trend,” McQuade added.