A new GBP 55 million (~EUR 61,44 M / ~USD 73,41 M) cruise terminal is due to open in Port Southampton (England UK) despite the COVID impact on the passenger shipping industry.
The new Associated British Ports (ABP's) 11695-m2 cruise terminal at Port Southampton will be built by the Portsmouth-based construction company Brymor Group. Construction works already started at Berth 102 (Western Docks). The facility will be linked to major transport routes.
The cruise ship terminal will be equipped with shoreside power supply for berthed liners. The ships have huge power demands. For onboard power (like lights and water treatment plants) they tend to run engines 24/7 while moored up. Environmental campaigners previously criticized the cruise industry for contributing to air pollution.
Much of the industry worldwide has been shut down since March. according to ABP-Associated British Ports, its opening next year would be a "vote of confidence" in the port.
Constructed in partnership with NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and MSC Cruises, it will be the port's 5th passenger terminal. The new facility received a grant of GBP 8 million from the UK's Getting Building Fund.
ABP said the new cruise terminal would boast "Shore Power connectivity" allowing vessels with the right onboard technology to "plug-in" while in port.
According to ABP, the opening date would be in time for the "2021 cruise season".