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New cruise ship terminal for London
A new passenger cruise ship terminal for London opened today. Designed, constructed and owned by the Port of London Authority, the facility is a key step in attracting more international cruise ships to visit London. The commissioning ceremony took place on the Thames at Greenwich with Keith Hill MP, Minister of State for London.
The purpose-built floating terminal will be used by passengers beginning and ending their cruises in central London. Modelled on an airport layout, it includes the very latest security screening, segregating passengers and their luggage. The facility fully meets the requirements of the new ISPS (International Ship & Port Security) code. There is also provision for on-site Immigration and Customs.
Because it is a floating terminal, the Port of London Authority will be able to use it for cruise ships moored at Greenwich and at Tower Bridge. Now ships up to 240 metres long and up to 1000 passengers will be able to sail into the heart of London and carry out full passenger and baggage embarkation and disembarkation.
Commenting on the new terminal, Geoff Adam, head of marketing at the Port of London said:
“This innovative new floating passenger terminal is a world first. It is attracting considerable interest in the world cruise industry and we are confident it will attract more cruise ships to London. This is good news for the Thames and a boost to London’s tourist economy.”
For further information contact Martin Garside, Port of London Authority (tel: 020 7743 7915). Email: pressoffice@pla.co.uk
Note to Editors:
1. The Port of London Authority is the port authority for 150 km (95 miles) of the tidal Thames from Teddington to the sea. It provides navigational, pilotage and other services for ships using the Port of London.
2. Photographs of the new cruise terminal and of cruise ships visiting London are available on request.
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