
Porto Cruise Terminal Celebrates Record-Breaking Growth in 2024
Cruise activity at the Porto Cruise Terminal, situated at the Port of Leixoes, has achieved remarkable growth, reaching new record-breaking levels in 2024. The terminal saw 152 cruise ship visits, which included 15 maiden calls, one new cruise line, and 6 turnaround operations. These arrivals brought a total of 196,000 passengers to Porto and Northern Portugal, making 2024 the most successful year for cruise operations at the terminal to date.
In comparison to 2023, the terminal recorded a significant 32% increase in passenger numbers and a 31% rise in cruise arrivals. Passengers from the United Kingdom comprised the largest share at 34%, followed by visitors from the United States at 24% and Germany at 23%. Additionally, the average gross tonnage of the ships calling at Leixoes increased to 8.9 million GT, representing a 28% growth from the previous year. Although cruise activity is typically seasonal along the Atlantic Coast, the port maintained operations consistently from April to November, except for June. September emerged as the peak month, accommodating 30,409 passengers, while May had the highest number of ship arrivals with 28.
This success can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders within the cruise industry, including the Porto Cruise Terminal staff, port authorities, and local economic organizations. The ongoing promotion of Porto as a prime destination along the Atlantic Coast has strengthened its reputation among cruise lines. The Leixoes Port Authority (APDL) is dedicated to enhancing its infrastructure to foster sustainable growth. Noteworthy plans include the implementation of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) by 2030, enabling docked cruise ships to connect to the electrical grid and thereby reduce emissions, aligning with the port’s sustainability objectives.
Furthermore, the port has introduced environmentally friendly initiatives as part of its Roadmap for Energy Transition Towards Carbon Neutrality. Beginning in early 2024, transportation for passengers and crew within the port has been carried out using 100% electric buses, and towing operations now feature advanced tugboats designed to improve safety and lessen environmental impact. These enhancements reflect the port’s commitment to minimizing its carbon footprint and establishing itself as a sustainable hub for maritime activities.
For more details, visit the Porto Cruise Terminal news article here.
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