Portland Port - Hot destination for cruise ships

Harbour Authority delivers 10,000 cruise passengers in 2010
 
Portland Harbour Authority has increased day-trip visitor numbers from 2,000 in 2009 to 10,000 in 2010. The Port has won impressive new contracts with cruise firms in the US, (Crystal Cruises and Oceania Cruises), Germany (Phoenix Reisen), and the expanding UK operator - Cruise and Maritime Voyages.
 
The first cruise ship will dock at Portland Port in early May with several more scheduled over the summer months. Passenger numbers on each vessel range between 350 and 1,900.
 
Previously a naval dockyard for over 150 years, Portland Harbour is now a thriving and successful commercial facility. It still maintains a close relationship with the past through its ongoing contract to support the RFA, as well as being home to the activities of Global Marine and Portland Bunkers International. It has over 4,000 acres of water at depths of up to 15m (C.D.); and provides vessel services from long term lay-ups to brief maintenance calls, luxury cruise liner docking facilities to industrial cargo shipments.
 
The South West economy will benefit from the 10,000 extra visitors this year who are scheduled to use Portland Harbour Authority’s cruise facilities. Traders across the region are joining an enterprise initiative set up by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, Dorset Chamber of Commerce and the Harbour Traders Association, to help local businesses capitalise on the economic benefits that an influx of European day-trip visitors presents.
 
Ian McQuade, Commercial Manager of Portland Harbour Authority, said: ‘‘Cruise operators are increasingly choosing us because we have the facilities in place and proven capability to handle large cruise vessels, plus the region offers their passengers so much – Jurassic history, nature and the charm of Dorset life. It’s great to see the investment we’ve made in the Port being recognised by world-leading tour companies.’
 
Nigel Reed, president of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, said: ‘Thanks to Portland Harbour Authority the South West is set to receive a fantastic boost this year with over 10,000 daytrip visitors coming to the area. Our commercial offer must be versatile, forward looking and able to meet the demands of foreign visitors - this is an excellent opportunity to get this right ahead of the global Olympic attention the region will receive in the next two years.’