The reports says that Portsmouth continues to see ‘exponential growth’ in its cruise segment, racking up 76 calls in 2023 with 88 calls booked for 2024. 100 calls are anticipated for 2025. ’Cruise has been essential to offset some of the impact we have seen on ferry passenger and freight trade post pandemic and post Brexit,’ continues the report.
With passenger and crew spend in the city, contractors working on the ships and local hotels providing pre-cruise accommodation, each call is expected to generate up to £1.5m to the city’s economy.
Investment of over £70m
Mike Sellers, Portsmouth International Port's director said, ‘We have attracted over £70m of investment over the past few years, which has meant a berth extension to manage larger vessels, a new terminal extension to cope with more passengers and most recently our shore power project, which is set to be a UK first.’
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, cabinet member responsible for the port added, ‘This report is great news for the city. It shows that our council-owned port is performing really well and has weathered the storm of some challenging times…’
He added, ‘Profit from the port goes directly to the council and £8m will support much-needed local services for all our residents, and helps to continue investing so we can become the greenest port in the UK. As a council service the success of the port has an impact for everyone in our city.
‘Our focus is to continue growing in a sustainable way, both ethically and environmentally… Portsmouth International Port continues to thrive and the city is benefitting from its growth through profits contributing to the council's budget.’
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