A MAJOR project to upgrade 430 metres of quayside has begun at the Port of Southampton in support of Ro-Ro (roll-on, roll-off) operations and the new fifth cruise terminal.

More than 400 metres of quayside – the length of four football pitches – is being upgraded.

The work will reinforce the structure and incorporate the technology for Shore Power connectivity for cruise operations.

This work is part of the port’s long-term investment plan to future-proof infrastructure for customers and port partners.

Included in the work is the installation of 14 new 150-tonne bollards.

New cruise terminal at the Port of Southampton will open next year

They will enable increased flexibility for positioning large ships at the port and will further support ABP’s High and Heavy cargo operations at Southampton.

Alastair Welch, Director of ABP Southampton, said: “We’re excited to be rebuilding the quayside for Ro-Ro operations and the future of cruise.

“This infrastructure upgrade is a significant one and not only takes us a crucial step closer to the opening of our fifth cruise terminal but also supports our High and Heavy compound,” Mr Welch continued.

This investment into the long-term future of cruise will strengthen the Port of Southampton’s position as Europe’s leading cruise turn-around port and its status as the UK’s number one automotive port.

The contract to undertake the work has been awarded to Hampshire-based Knights Brown.