Portland can already handle vessels up to 300mtr LOA alongside and the new facility, which will be finished in time for the 2017 season will further increase this capability to berth vessels in excess of 340mtr LOA alongside.
Ian McQuade, general manager – commercial, at Portland Port added; ‘We are lucky to have minimum water depths of 9.6mtr on our main cruise berth, now with the berth extension we will be able handle ships in excess of 340mtr LOA’.
Whilst Portland will witness a small dip in passenger numbers and ship calls this year, the port will receive visits from two new 2016 arrivals: Koningsdam and Mein Schiff 5 both just shy of 300mtr long and together are expected to bring approximately 5,000 passengers to Portland.
2016 will also see Saga Sapphire visiting the port for the first time, with regular customers Holland America, Costa and Phoenix Reisen returning to Portland for another year.
