Plans for a fifth cruise terminal in Southampton have been unveiled today.
The £30 million new terminal will be designed to accommodate the largest cruise vessels afloat, according to port owner Associated British Ports.
The plans were disclosed to coincide with a visit to the UK’s main cruise port by transport minister Mike Penning.
ABP has spent more than £41 million on its cruise facilities in recent years to cater for all sizes of cruise ships.
Full details and time scale for the opening of the fifth terminal have yet to emerge.
But plans for improved facilities at the port come ahead of Italian line MSC Cruises switching UK departures from Dover to Southampton from summer 2011 and the introduction of more year-round sailings from the port.
ABP Southampton port director Doug Morrison said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to welcome the minister to the Port of Southampton today and take the opportunity to unveil our plans for a fifth cruise terminal.
“Investing in this type of infrastructure helps create jobs and will bring prosperity to the city and surrounding economy.
“We are very proud of our port here in Southampton and the building of a fifth cruise terminal will cement our position at the forefront of the European cruise industry.”
Penning said: “Southampton has a long and proud maritime history and the new terminal plans that I have been shown today will not only provide a boost to the local and national economy, but will help ensure the city maintains its status in the maritime world for many more years to come.”