South Quay is a 200mtr long x 40mtr wide deep-water quay that provides 9mtr in depth to accommodate vessels up to 220mtr in leng.
This has seen the port’s capacity for conventional cargoes, yachts and special project cargo increase and will facilitate the ever-increasing interest from cruise ships wishing to visit Poole and the surrounding area.
The first cruise to use the new facility with be Corinthian, operated by Grand Circle Line Cruises.
Grand Circle Line, Variety Cruises and Cruise & Maritime Voyages have already announced South Quay for their 2018 itineraries and discussions have begun with several other interested companies.
Jim Stewart, ceo of Poole Harbour Commissioners enthused, 'This is an incredibly important milestone for the port and we are confident that Poole will become a key port for cruise companies going forward.'
Poole Harbour is the largest natural harbour in Europe and is widely recognised for its spectacular natural beauty.
'We have many stunning tourism attractions on our door step, including the world heritage Jurassic coastline, historic castles, stately homes, beautiful villages, towns and more,' he added.
The new facilities will be able to receive ships of up to 1,000 passengers - with 25 cruise calls expected in 2018.
Continuing Stewart advised, 'Cruise ship calls to Poole will double in 2018 and, we are anticipating, will double again in 2019.'
Bob McGowan, head of customer service for Cruise & Maritime Voyages said, 'For the first time this August and September, we are delighted to be operating a choice of cruises sailing from the new South Quay at Poole.
'This new development has enabled us to offer convenient cruise departures to the people of Dorset and beyond and we are very pleased with the close co-operation we have established with the port.'
'Such has been the high booking response to these cruises that we are offering an expanded programme from South Quay, Poole in March and April 2019,' added McGowan.
CMV itinerary options from Poole include a weekend retreat to Rouen, Honfleur and the River Seine, a 12-night British Isles discovery cruise, a 10-night autumn fjord cruise or a 10- night Iceland & Northern Lights cruise.
Poole Harbour Engineer Phil Armstrong concluded, 'We are particularly proud to have secured completion of work on South Quay, on budget and on schedule. The whole project has been a long time in the planning.
There was a huge amount of work, in particular, in undertaking the environmental statement and a significant amount of public consultation throughout the whole process and engaging with all of our stakeholders.'
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