Liverpool’s bid to become a cruise hub has raised concerns over “unfair competition” for the port of Southampton.
Hampshire MP John Denham made the claim ahead of a meeting with Southampton port owner Associated British Ports over the Liverpool plan.
The government is taking a new look at the Liverpool’s application, which had previously been rejected.
Currently cruise ships can call at Liverpool but few start or end journeys there.
ABP claims that EU subsidies paid to the Liverpool terminal amount to “unfair help”.
Liverpool City Council said between 25 and 40 ships a year could be expected in the city if the plan went through.
This was about 4% to 6% of the market, which was worth between £6.6 million and £10.6 million, a spokesman said.
The government needs to approve the plan because a £9 million EU grant helped pay for Liverpool’s £20 million cruise terminal, whereas Southampton is commercially-funded.
Transport minister Mike Penning previously said he wanted to “maintain a level playing field across the UK cruise industry”.
Labour MP Denham is due to meet ABP director Doug Morrison yesterday (Monday).