Associated British Ports' (ABP) Port of Southampton has awarded a multi-million pound building contract for its fourth cruise terminal to Dean and Dyball, the Hampshire-based multi-disciplinary contractor.

The as-yet unnamed £19m terminal is being built after ABP and Carnival UK signed a 20-year contract in December last year.

The new terminal, to be built adjacent to the Ocean Dock, will be capable of handling ships with a capacity of 4,000 passengers and will therefore comfortably accommodate the largest cruise vessels afloat.


Doug Morrison, ABP Port Director, Southampton, said: "This is a great day for Southampton's cruise business. While the primary function of any cruise terminal is to ensure passengers can get on and off these magnificent ships as quickly and as safely as possible, I believe we have chosen a modern design that will be fitting for the 21st century.

"We are pleased to award this contract to a Hampshire-based company and cannot wait to see the finished terminal. Southampton's cruise business goes from strength to strength and this new terminal is integral to its future growth."

(CD/JM)