The Port of Tyne will feature in a new BBC 2 documentary series in February.

Sea Cities will reflect everyday events as they happen at the port and follow the engineering team as they maintain plant and equipment, service a 70m high container gantry crane and prepare to open the Swing Bridge in Newcastle.

The port, which is expecting 39 cruise calls this year, will be the homeport for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ flagship Balmoral while Cruise & Maritime Voyages will be operating 10 cruises, including flagship Magellan.

Further cruise calls will include Disney Magic’s maiden call in June; Crystal Symphony in July and Regent Seven Seas Voyager in June and August.

Holland America Line’s new ship MS Koningsdam will also create excitement when she makes her first call to the Tyne later in the summer.

The  pilot boat crew who guide the cruise ships and other vessels will also feature in the programme.

Sea Cities’ producer Adam Keelan, said: “The programme takes viewers on a journey into the beating heart of sea and riverside communities.

“The Tyneside episode is rooted in the people of the North East and communities connected to the Tyne – representing passions and an enthusiasm for their professions.”

• The hour long programme will be broadcast on BBC2 at 7pm on Friday, February 5.