Cruise activity at the Porto Cruise Terminal, located at the Port of Leixoes, has continued its steady growth in recent years, reaching new record-breaking levels in 2024. The terminal welcomed 152 cruise ship calls, including 15 maiden calls, one new cruise line, and 6 turnaround operations. These visits brought 196,000 passengers to Porto and Northern Portugal, cementing 2024 as the most successful year for cruise operations at the port to date.
Compared to 2023, the terminal experienced a 32% increase in passenger numbers and a 31% rise in cruise calls. The United Kingdom accounted for the largest share of passengers at 34%, followed by the United States at 24% and Germany at 23%. The average gross tonnage of ships calling at Leixoes also grew significantly, reaching 8.9 million GT, a 28% increase over the previous year. Despite the seasonality of cruise activity along the Atlantic Coast, the port maintained consistent operations between April and November, with the exception of June. September was the busiest month in terms of passenger numbers, accommodating 30,409 visitors, while May recorded the highest number of ship calls with 28.
This success reflects the collaborative efforts of stakeholders within the cruise industry, including the Porto Cruise Terminal operations team, port authorities, and local economic entities. The continued promotion of Porto as a premier destination on the Atlantic Coast has strengthened its standing among cruise lines. The Leixoes Port Authority (APDL) remains committed to advancing its infrastructure to support sustainable growth. Notable initiatives include the planned implementation of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) by 2030, enabling docked cruise ships to connect to the electrical grid and reduce emissions, in line with the port's sustainability goals.
Additionally, under its Roadmap for Energy Transition Towards Carbon Neutrality, the port has introduced environmentally friendly measures. Since early 2024, passenger and crew transportation within the port has been conducted using 100% electric buses, while towing operations now utilize modern tugboats designed to enhance safety and minimize environmental impact. These advancements reflect the port's ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and position itself as a sustainable hub for maritime activities.