Construction work has begun to upgrade Ocean Cruise Terminal at the Port of Southampton, to support continued growth in the cruise sector.
Representatives from ABP, Carnival UK and contractors, GRAHAM, came together to mark the start of main construction work for this major investment at Ocean Terminal.
This £12 million project, in partnership with P&O Cruises, will take just over a year to complete and includes a package of improvements to the terminal ahead of welcoming the next generation of P&O Cruises ships, in particular Iona, which will home-port in Southampton following the launch in May 2020.
ABP Southampton Director, Alastair Welch, said: “Cruise is a strong and growing industry. 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.”
Carnival UK president Josh Weinstein said: “Today was an important step in preparing the Ocean Terminal for significant upgrades which 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.”
The Port of Southampton currently welcomes over 2 million passengers each year on more than 500 cruise calls and each visit to the port generates more than £2 million for the local economy.