- charlotte andrews
- BBC News
image source, Getty Images
Each cruise ship carries several thousand passengers, often disembarking in Southampton for a day.
The cruise sector has made a record contribution to the local economy this year, the port organization said.
Figures from the Association of British Ports (ABP) show that ships arriving in Southampton generate around £1 billion in revenue for the Hampshire region.
However, the port has been criticized for its pollution record.
In 2021, we became the first country in the UK to be able to provide onshore electricity to cruise ships, encouraging cruise ships to achieve zero emissions while at anchor.
image source, Getty Images
There are 5 cruise terminals at Southampton Port
However, recent data shows ships are choosing to burn fuel in port rather than using plug-in equipment, with ships connecting to the National Grid just 71 times in two years. ABP suggested that the UK’s high electricity prices may be to blame.
Carnival, Southampton’s main cruise company, said it was working to reduce emissions.
Regarding the economic benefits, Hampshire MP Gary Westbrook has previously said that half of the money generated by the industry stays in the region, supporting around 14,000 jobs a year.
The county council’s Hampshire 2050 lead told a cabinet meeting that the number of cruise ships arriving in the county reached pre-pandemic levels in October.
The cruise sector is estimated to support employment in a variety of industries, including hospitality, dockworkers, and bunkering services.
Alastair Welch, ABP regional director for Southampton, said he was “proud” of the figures.
“While this is a record year for cruises in the city, we will continue to invest in this and other port-related areas to ensure the long-term success of our port city,” he added. Ta.
Councilor Sarah Bogle, Southampton City Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said ABP was making “significant progress” towards sustainability and improving air quality.
“The cruise industry is a very important part of the city’s economy and the record year experienced by ABP shows not only how strongly the cruise industry is growing, but also its significant contribution to the entire South Coast. ” she added.