A new international passenger terminal at was due to be officially opened today in Hampshire by business Secretary Vince Cable.

The new building at Portsmouth is part of a £16.5 million investment in new passenger facilities at the south coast port.

As well as being a striking glass and steel construction, the light and spacious terminal is designed to be one of the most environmentally friendly public buildings in the UK.

Mr Cable will say: ''I am pleased to be opening the new terminal. The ferry and cruise ship industries make a major contribution to the economy of the entire country.

''This is a significant investment in new facilities at Portsmouth that will bring a wider benefit elsewhere in the UK through tourism and Business.''

The terminal replaces a building constructed 35 years ago.

Port bosses say there will be a record 33 cruise ships calling at terminal over the coming year, nearly a six fold increase on 2001 when they first began arriving.

Southampton port owners ABP have announced they plan to build a £30m fifth cruise terminal in Southampton with around 360 cruise ships expecting to visit the city this year - worth more than £400m to the local economy.