Porto Cruise Terminal Reports Remarkable Growth in 2024: A Record-Breaking Year

Cruise activity at the Porto Cruise Terminal, situated at the Port of Leixoes, has seen remarkable growth, achieving record levels in 2024. The terminal reported 152 cruise ship arrivals, which included 15 inaugural calls, one new cruise line, and six turnaround operations. This surge brought in 196,000 passengers to Porto and the surrounding areas, marking 2024 as the most successful year for cruise operations in the port’s history.

The year-on-year comparison shows a 32% increase in passenger numbers and a 31% rise in cruise calls compared to 2023. The largest percentage of passengers originated from the United Kingdom (34%), followed by the United States (24%) and Germany (23%). The gross tonnage of ships calling at Leixoes also rose significantly to 8.9 million GT, reflecting a 28% increase from the previous year. The port maintained continuous operations from April to November, aside from June, with September being the peak month for passenger arrivals, accommodating 30,409 visitors.

This outstanding growth can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the operations team at Porto Cruise Terminal, port authorities, and local economic agencies. The ongoing promotion of Porto as a leading destination along the Atlantic Coast has elevated its appeal to cruise lines. The Leixoes Port Authority is dedicated to improving infrastructure to foster sustainable growth, exemplified by plans to implement Onshore Power Supply (OPS) by 2030, allowing docked cruise ships to connect to the electrical grid and minimize emissions, aligning with sustainability objectives.

Furthermore, as part of its Roadmap for Energy Transition Towards Carbon Neutrality, the port has introduced environmentally friendly practices. Since early 2024, all passenger and crew transportation within the port is conducted via 100% electric buses, and modern tugboats are now used for towing operations to enhance safety and reduce environmental impact. These initiatives are part of the port’s broader commitment to decreasing its carbon footprint and establishing itself as a sustainable maritime hub.


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