NEW PORTO CRUISE TERMINAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 13, 2010 -- On the 23rd April 2010, the Portuguese Prime Minister, Mr. Jose Socrates, visited the Port of Leixões, where he had the chance to observe the construction works of the New Cruise Terminal. This project includes the Cruise Terminal building, the new quay that will allow the calls of vessels up to 300m long, with approximately 2,500 passengers and turnaround cruise vessels, the Science and Technology Park of the Sea of UP, which will be located in the two upper floors of the building.

During this visit, the Prime Minister took part in a crane manoeuvre, which consisted in moving a stave, and also banished a tombstone signalling the construction works of the new quay. The maritime works began in September 2009 and they are expected to be concluded in March 2011. In this ceremony, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of this project by providing "a new service to the port, turning it into a port which also develops its tourism component, particularly in attracting cruise ships."

The construction of the Passenger Terminal building, which will allow turnaround operations, will begin in the last quarter of 2010, and will be completed in the first quarter of 2013.


The Porto as a tourism destination has gained prominence, the tourism demand has been growing as well as the satisfaction of the foreign visitors. In this scenario, and aiming to increase the number and size of vessels calling Leixoes, the Port Authority, faced with optimism the forthcoming Cruise seasons, seeks to promote the best conditions for the reception of its cruise ships.

NEW CRUISE TERMINAL

Luis Pedro Silva is the chief architect of the new Cruise Terminal project, which comprises:
• A new Cruise Quay 340m long and 18m wide which will allow the mooring of vessels up to 300 meters length and – 10 meters draught, which significantly increases the reception facility of the Port, able to cruise ships calls from larger;

• A Passenger Station building, located in the central building of the complex, with several amenities for transit cruise liners or turnaround cruise vessels, integrating arrivals and departures areas, offices and respective services. Gangway/access ramp from the ship to the Passenger Area and areas devoted to the various authorities;
• A Nautical Recreational Port for 170 vessels, and essential support services for vessels as well as convenience areas and support facilities;

• A river-sea quay will allow the mooring of vessels that will provide tourist routes in the Douro River;
• Arrangement of the south mole, allowing the opening of the port to the city.

• The Science and Technology Park of the Sea of the University of Porto will host several research facilities in the maritime domain (from biology to robotics), an area dedicated to public science communication, especially school age people. These exhibition spaces will be complemented by a small auditorium, a bookshop and a cafeteria.

The total project has an estimated cost of 49.9 million Euros

cruise industry     europe     Ports