PORTLAND Port says it is monitoring the coronavirus situation as it prepares to welcome its first cruise ship of the season next week.

Portland Port's cruise calendar for 2020 was announced earlier this year, with an all-time high of 46 cruise liners bringing a record 79,102 passengers to the port. The figure rises to above 80,000 when the number of crew is added.

With many travel restrictions being imposed due to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Portland Port says it is following government advice.

Bill Reeves, CEO of Portland Port Group, said: "The port is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and implementing the necessary policies and procedures for all its shipping. We are following government guidance, maintaining contact with the local port health department, and updating staff, tenants and sub-contractors on a regular basis. A link to the current government advice, which the port is following, can be found on the home page of our website.

"The port has received some questions from external sources regarding its cruise programme however people can be reassured that the cruise lines themselves have put strict measures in place to ensure that no person, be it a passenger or crew member is allowed on board that could be carrying the virus.

"The Cruise Lines International Association has very clear guidance for its member cruise lines and this is publicly available on their website, a link to which is also on the home page of the port’s website.

"To conclude, I would like to make it clear that the port is taking the COVID-19 situation seriously and acting in accordance with the advice given by the government to ensure the safety of its staff, tenants, visitors and the surrounding population."

The first ship arrives on Monday, March 9. She is a new ship and cruise line for Portland; Hurtigruten’s vessel, MS Fridtjof Nansen. It will come with 530 passengers on board.

Hurtigruten offer expedition cruises where passengers can experience unique nature-based tours in remote areas of the world. She is the latest addition to their fleet and has a variety of custom-built expedition equipment on board, such as kayaks and underwater drones.