Portland Port opens cruise berth extension

The extension works were carried out by marine construction specialists Red 7 Marine Ltd, TMS Ltd and CMP Thames who joined forces to deliver the project.

The design involved building two large dolphins, 100mtr apart. Each dolphin consists of a 1,200-tonne reinforced concrete platform set on seven, 1.5mtr diameter steel piles driven into the sea bed.

The dolphins are linked by walkways and are positioned to support ships being moored on the port’s two largest berths.

Bill Reeves, ceo at Portland Port commented, ‘this is a key investment for the port and demonstrates our commitment to the continued development of our infrastructure. The berth extension enhances our ability to accommodate some of the largest cruise ships in service today, as well as those being launched over the next few years.’

The first vessel to use the extension is likely to be Holland America Line’s Koningsdam on May 11, followed by Disney Magic on May 23.

During 2017, eight ships calling at Portland will be more than 290mtr long.