A Dorset port has undergone a record £26 million redevelopment as it looks to handle larger cruise ships. 

Portland Port held a ceremony with more than 150 guests to celebrate the completion of the landmark project on Friday, June 23. 

The Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell unveiled a commemorative plaque in front of port employees, tenants, dignitaries and other invitees to mark the occasion.

The port says the redevelopment has enhanced its cruise and cargo handling operations as well as its provision for vessels including those from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

It enables the port to meet 'rising demand' and 'keep ahead of the trend' for increasing sizes of cruise ships, including liners up to 350m in length.

The investment is the largest in the port’s history and comes as it welcomes a record 130,000 passengers over the current cruise season.

The work has also taken place ahead of the controversial arrival of an asylum seeker barge this summer, which the Port has agreed to dock after discussions with the Home Office.

There is still no date set for its arrival despite being expected this month. 

Guests at Friday's ceremony heard speeches, toured the new berth and enjoyed entertainment. 

Redevelopment work started in September and had to be completed by April in time for the cruise season.

Dorset Echo: A Dorset port has undergone a record £26 million redevelopment as it looks to handle larger cruise ships. A Dorset port has undergone a record £26 million redevelopment as it looks to handle larger cruise ships.  (Image: Portland Port)

It involved removal of the existing deep water berth, and creation of a new, extended berth 250m in length with 12m of water depth alongside capable of handling cruise ships up to 350m long.

In addition, the project delivered a 75m extension to the port’s outer coaling pier, used for the handling of dry bulk cargo and as a cruise berth. 

Overall, 16,000 sq m of additional quayside space has been provided, which means the port can handle two 350m long cruise ships at the same time. 

The berth became operational in April but it has become officially open following final works.

Bill Reeves, chief executive of Portland Port, said: “This redevelopment is a tremendous vote of confidence in the port and the local economy.

“It is the largest single investment in Portland Port and its infrastructure in its history, and one of the large redevelopment projects in the area in recent years.

“It sets the stage for significant further growth in the future at the port and for the local economy through jobs and local supply chain."

The managing contractor for the project was Knights Brown. Managing director Kevin Valentine added: “I am delighted to see the berth fully operational. 

“When we embarked on delivering this for the port there were many who thought that it couldn’t be delivered. 

“Through true collaboration between all partners on the project we have achieved everything that we set out to."