Maiden vessel at new cruise terminal

A Hampshire construction company marked a milestone when the largest development in its history — a £55m cruise terminal — became operational.

Brymor Construction was the main contractor for the flagship building — with a wave-shaped roof — for Associated British Ports (ABP) at Western Docks in Southampton.

The Horizon Cruise Terminal has just welcomed its maiden cruise ship — MSC Cruises’ MSC Virtuosa — with passengers setting foot at the complex for the first time ahead of its formal opening later in the year.

It is hoped the two-floor building will take the passenger experience to another level and strengthen Southampton’s future as a cruise port.

Its design features curtain wall glazing, curved glulam beams and exposed soffits to create the wave-shaped roof.

Sustainable features include 2,000 roof-mounted solar panels and shore power connectivity allowing ships to ‘plug in’ while alongside.

Stephen Morton, Chairman of Brymor Construction, said: “It is tremendous to see the first cruise ship arrive at this iconic terminal.”