Sponsored By

Port of Southampton receives record-breaking 3m passengersPort of Southampton receives record-breaking 3m passengers

2024 was Southampton’s most successful year to date for passenger numbers, with its shore power facilities also becoming increasingly well utilised.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

January 15, 2025

1 Min Read
Port-of-Southampton-cruise-ship
The Port of Southampton welcomed over 3m passengers last year, surpassing 2023 numbersPHOTO: PORT OF SOUTHAMPTON

Three million passengers passed through the Port of Southampton last year, marking a new record for the port. 

In addition, 2024 was an unparalleled year environmentally with a 50% increase in cruise vessels using Southampton's shore power facilities. 

Southampton supports 85% of the UK cruise market and delivers a range of services, including fuel bunkering, waste services, ground handling and stevedoring. 

Shore power expansion plans 

Rebekah Keeler, cruise strategy manager at ABP which operates the Port of Southampton, said, ‘We are proud to have the capability, infrastructure, and partnerships to facilitate sustainable cruise growth and over £1b in associated economic value. 

‘We continue to see global cruise sector growth, and Southampton leads the way for the UK and Northern Europe.’ 

ABP recently launched its ‘Enabling the Energy Transition’ initiative, focusing on investing in the decarbonisation of its own operations and actively collaborating with port partners and customers to support their sustainability efforts. 

The company aims to expand its shore power offering in Southampton and is working alongside local authorities and the National Grid, which distributes electricity in the UK, to accomplish this goal.

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

The latest cruise news, analysis and more straight to your inbox
Get the free newsletter read by industry experts

You May Also Like