Southampton port has revealed that it expects to welcome 492 cruise calls this year.

That would follow what the port described as a “significant year” in 2022.

Last year, the likes of Azamara Onward, Celebrity Beyond, Silver Moon, Norwegian Prima, Aida Perla, Aida Cosma and Enchanted Princess all called into Southampton.

More recently, the port celebrated welcoming P&O Cruises’ newest ship Arvia on 21 December.

Last spring, Southampton port also switched to shore power at two of its five cruise terminals – Horizon and Mayflower.

The project cost an estimated £9m and was supported by a grant from the Solent Local Growth Deal, arranged through the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.

Since then, a total of 15 ships have used the shore power facilities 42 times, reducing emissions in port.

Southampton port taking ‘huge strides’

Associated British Ports head of cruise Rebekah Keeler said: “We’re proud to provide award-winning cruise operational support year-round to the world’s biggest and smallest cruise ships.

“Alongside this, our ongoing roll out of our air quality strategy sees us take huge strides in facilitating zero emissions at berth.

“Supported by our port-based cruise services providers, we look forward to another successful year in 2023.”

Speaking to Cruise Trade News in July 2022, Keeler expanded on the benefits of shore power, stating: “The key benefit of shore power is zero emissions at berth for ships connecting.

“A ship can switch off its auxiliary engines and draw all the power it needs while eliminating local emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.”