Solent: ABP Southampton named Port of the Year

ABP Southampton, Northern Europe’s leading cruise turn around port, added to its trophy case after it scooped a major international award, Port of the Year, at the Seatrade Cruise Awards last week (September 22).

The awards, which reward excellence across the cruise industry, recognised ABP Southampton for significant investment in all four cruise terminals, through partnership with both Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean International (RCI), enabling the evolving demands of the cruise industry to be met. The award also recognised the recent re-securing of Southampton as RCl’s home port, in a seven-year deal worth over £200 million to the local economy.

Also shortlisted in the Port of the Year category was the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Hong Kong, as well as the Ports of Tenerife. 

Alastair Welch, director at ABP Southampton, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the team and recognises how we continually strive to provide the best experience at our cruise terminal facilities. 2016 marks the latest stage of multi-million pound investment in our cruise facilities, where we’ve improved passenger flows, capacity and ship-to-shore access, offering some of the largest cruise vessels afloat exceptional terminal arrangements. 

“Over 1.8 million cruise passengers pass through the port’s dedicated cruise terminals every year, so it’s vital that we enhance the embarkation experience. With our cruise partners we’ve facilitated next generation check-in and a kerb-to-gangway time of only 10 minutes – making it the fastest route from home to international adventures for holidaymakers.

“We’re also very proud of our partnerships. Continuing as the home port for Carnival UK and RCI is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the strength of our relationships with our cruise partners.

“Teamwork makes the Port of Southampton. From the stevedores to the local council, the passenger security teams to the port maintenance teams and all service partners that combine to make this a pre-eminent cruise port. It’s a huge team effort and this award is a testament to the strength of the community who make the port so successful.”

The award was presented to ABP Southampton at a ceremony in Tenerife.