Koningsdam Becomes Largest Cruise Ship To Visit Portland In Dorset

Holland America Line’s newest ship Koningsdam, which was launched earlier this year, became the largest cruise ship ever to visit Portland in Dorset during a transit call on 20 September 2016.
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The 99,836 gross tonne cruise ship is expected to visit Portland again, twice in 2017.

​“It is exciting that Holland America’s newest flagship chose to call at Portland Port during her first year of operation and shows that the port’s cruise business is gaining momentum,” said Ian McQuade, general commercial manager at Portland Port.
 
In October work is due to commence on an extension of the berth at Portland. Currently the port can handle ships up to 300 metres in lengths. The extended berth will be able to accommodate ships in excess of 340 metres from the beginning of 2017.
 
“We are lucky to have minimum water depths of 9.6m on our main cruise berth, now with the berth extension we will be able to handle ships in excess of 340m LOA, putting us in a very unique group of ports along the English Channel,” said McQuade. “When we add this to our proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Stonehenge, Bath and the Jurassic Coast, along with easy access to the many attractions of the beautiful English countryside, we feel we will be very well positioned to continue to serve an ever increasing range of cruise line customers.”