Further work is set to go ahead at Portland Port so it can welcome the huge ships of the world.

The former naval dockyard is already enjoying a cruise ship boom and accommodating some of the globe's biggest liners.

There has also been a significant growth in cargo customers and there is an increased use of the dock by military vessels.

Bosses say this growth in all areas has driven the need for significant investment in the infrastructure.

A major extension to the main cruise and cargo berth was opened last year and dredging is currently taking place to increase the water depth at this berth, Outer Coaling Pier (OCP), to 11 metres. The dredging, which is nearly complete, will allow the port to accommodate fully laden Panamax bulk cargo vessels and tankers, as well as cruise vessels up to 350 metres in length.

In a further boost for growth, the Board of Portland Port has approved in principle the deepening of the seabed level either side of the Queens Pier outer arm, from 8 metres to 11 metres. This pier was originally constructed in 1952 using reinforced concrete piles. It was further extended in 1973 with steel pile support. Further works were carried out in recent years.

The port says to achieve the desired 11 metre depth, a major project must be undertaken. The project will involve sheet piling either side of the berth to maintain the historic context of the structure. Once in place, dredging can then begin. At the same time the berth will be extended by the construction of a new mooring dolphin, resulting in a facility for berthing vessels up to 230 metres long with drafts up to 10.5 metres. Once completed this will enable some of the vessels which currently have to be accommodated on OCP and Deep-Water Berth, to be berthed at Queen’s Pier outer arm instead, thus increasing the port’s flexibility.

The project is due to begin in the new year and has been subject to a full competitive tendering process. The successful tender came from Ringwood-based CMP Thames Ltd which aims to complete the work by next June.

CMP Thmas director Julian Branford said: "We are delighted to be awarded this contract and it is a privilege to be working with Portland Port which, from previous experience, is a pleasure to work with."