Southampton’s Ocean Cruise Terminal opens for business

29 May 2009

Ocean Terminal - the latest addition to the Port of Southampton’s cruise facilities - was being officially opened on Friday 29 May. A panel to commemorate the occasion was unveiled by David Dingle, Chief Executive of Carnival UK, during a ceremony hosted by Port Director Doug Morrison. 120 members of the public were also in attendance, as winners of a competition organised by the Southern Daily Echo. The lucky winners were also given an exclusive “behind-the-scenes” tour of the new terminal, once they had waved off P&O Cruises superliner Ventura.

Development of the £19m terminal by Associated British Ports (ABP) comes on the back of a 20-year contract with Carnival UK, owner of some of the world’s most famous cruise lines, including Cunard and P&O Cruises. The terminal is the first purpose-built cruise facility to be built at the port in over 40 years.

Doug Morrison, ABP Port Director, Southampton, said: “We are delighted to see Ocean Terminal enter service. We can now offer four cruise terminals to our customers, at a time when we are seeing more passengers travelling through the port than at any time in its recent history. As the cruise capital of Northern Europe, Southampton continues to go from strength to strength, generating over £300m a year for the local economy.”

David Dingle, Chief Executive, Carnival UK, added: “Our new ships are testament to the growth of the cruise industry, the strength of its links with Southampton and its massive economic contribution to the region, and it is fitting that they will sail from a new state-of-the-art terminal in the city.”

Images Shows: Ocean Terminal
Image Copyright: Associated British Ports

For further information:

Contact : James Champness, Communications, Associated British Ports
Tel: 020 7430 1177
Email:Jchampness@abports.co.ukinfo@abports.co.uk
Web:www.abports.co.uk