Portsmouth prepares to open new net carbon neutral terminal extension

Seatrade Cruise News’ Holly Payne got a sneak look at the building Friday, as the port hosted media and local dignatories including Penny Mordaunt, MP for Portsmouth North.

The port claims it is the first UK cruise terminal to use sea water to heat and cool the building. The engineering development plan was made possible through £11.25m UK Government Levelling Up funding to transform the city's visitor economy.

Environmental features

Other environmental features include wind and solar technology, and internal and external living walls to help purify the air. All the elements combined means the building will generate more energy than it consumes, eventually moving from net carbon neutral to becoming carbon positive. 

The new terminal has been built to accommodate a growth in cruise ships coming to the port, which is expected to rise to over 100 calls in 2024.

A forecast increase in cruise and ferry customers could mean an additional 250,000 passengers per year.

Additional capacity

Following a major berth extension, coupled with the new terminal, the port is now in a position to handle ships up to 300mtr in length and the associated passenger capacity these vessels carry.

Mike Sellers, Portsmouth International Port's director said: ‘From the start of this development we were determined to retain our environmental values, however we have now exceeded our ambitions and the new terminal extension with its sophisticated engineering is on track to generate more energy than it uses.

‘Our Masterplan has focused efforts towards a sustainable future that aims to be the first carbon neutral port by 2030, we're able to do this by working alongside innovative industries and partners who share our vision.’

Saga Cruises

The 999-passenger Spirit of Discovery is a regular visitor to Portsmouth and one of the smaller vessels the port welcomes. Nigel Blanks, CEO of Saga Cruises, said: ‘We are delighted to be playing a part in this historic moment for Portsmouth Port as the first cruise operator to welcome our guests through the new terminal.

‘The quality of the building and the attention to detail that has gone into its development will enhance the customer experience for our guests going forward.’