£26 million expansion of Portland Port getting underway
It'll mean two cruise ships can dock at the same time
A £26 million plan to expanded Portland Port is getting underway, in the biggest single investment project they've ever had.
The existing Deep Water Berth (DWB) will be removed, and replaced with a brand new, extended berth.
There'll also be a 74 metre extension to the solid quay face of the current primary cruise berth there.
That will mean two cruise ships will be able to dock alongside each other at the same time.
Alex Hayes, Landside General Manager at Portland Port, is overseeing the project:
"This is a key investment for the port and demonstrates our commitment to the continued development of our infrastructure. The project has taken a lot of time and planning to take it from its initial conception though to implementation. There is still a lot of work to be done before the project is complete, however the outcome will be a milestone for the port and its future."
The preparatory works are already underway, with piling works from the beginning of October.
The new berths are expected to be operational by 1st May 2023.
The initial surface finish of the quayside will be temporary but heavy duty, to allow for settling, with final surfacing works then due to take place between October 2023 and February 2024.
Ian McQuade, Portland Port’s Commercial General Manager said:
"This development will provide a major and significant enhancement to the port’s capabilities. The new facilities will enable Portland Port to keep pace with the increasing demands from our existing cruise and cargo customers whilst offering the opportunity for future growth. The size of vessels calling at Portland over the last number of years has continued to grow and this investment will enable our business to keep ahead of this trend.
"This is the largest investment Portland Port has ever undertaken and it is a resounding vote of confidence in the business by the company’s owners. The future looks very exciting for the port."