Southampton’s new cruise terminal receives first vessel

The Port of Southampton’s £55m cruise terminal has welcomed its first vessel.

Passengers from MSC Cruises’ MSC Virtuosa were the first to set foot in the Horizon Cruise Terminal ahead of its formal opening later in the year.

Aimed at strengthening Southampton’s future as Europe’s leading cruise turnaround port, the two-floor building, has a wave shaped roof and sustainable features including 2,000 solar panels and shore power connectivity, allowing ships to ‘plug in’ while alongside.

The new 11,695sqm terminal, the fifth at the port, has been designed to accommodate larger cruise ships and allow more than 6,000 passengers to disembark and embark in a single day.

Passenger lounges and the VIP suite are complemented by £5m ship to shore air bridges, while stone cladding at the entrance pays homage to Southampton’s historic city walls.

The new, £55m Horizon Cruise Terminal in Southampton built by Brymor Construction (Picture: Brymor Construction)

Hampshire-based Brymor Construction provided design and construction services as the main contractor for this flagship building for Associated British Ports (ABP) at Western Docks.

“It is tremendous to see the first cruise ship arrive at this iconic terminal,” says Stephen Morton, chairman and founder of Brymor Construction. “Our very first job at the port of Southampton for ABP was a £250,000 baggage reclaim refurbishment. It is incredible to think that many years later we have now worked on the largest project in our 34-year history here.

“Huge credit must go to all those involved for working so hard when already faced with tight deadlines and the challenges posed by the pandemic over the past year.”

Alastair Welch, director of ABP Southampton, comments: “We’re incredibly proud to be building the infrastructure for the future of cruise with a commitment to sustainable operations. This next-generation-ready terminal strengthens the Port of Southampton’s position as Europe’s leading cruise turn-around port and is a huge vote of confidence in the future of cruise.

“It is a tribute to ABP and Brymor’s close relationship that we have reached this landmark moment.”

ABP partnered with MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd for the terminal with support from the Solent LEP and the government’s Getting Building Programme.