Port of Lisbon sees growth in cruise passengers and ship calls in June

The Port of Lisbon, located in the Portuguese capital, is one of Europe’s leading port infrastructures and a major cruise hub in the Atlantic. With a strategic location at the mouth of the Tagus River, the port plays a crucial role in maritime trade, facilitating the transport of goods and passengers. This has helped the Port of Lisbon grow in cruise passengers.

Additionally, it is a frequent stop for international cruises, offering a wide range of services and amenities for passengers and crews. The Port of Lisbon stands out for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, implementing advanced technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and improve operational efficiency.

How has it evolved?

Since the beginning of 2024, the Port of Lisbon has recorded 154 cruise ship calls, an increase of one call compared to the same period in 2023. However, the total number of passengers has decreased by 7%, totalling 272,187, a decline attributed to the reduction in calls by the NCL operator, which adjusted its itineraries to diversify its offerings. Still, the Port of Lisbon continues to grow in cruise passengers with new strategies.

In June, the Port of Lisbon saw a significant 32% growth in the number of cruise ship calls, totalling 33 calls compared to 25 in the same month of the previous year. Regarding passengers, there was a 13% increase, with a total of 60,922 passengers, representing an increase of 7,070 compared to June 2023. These numbers highlight how the Port of Lisbon has grown in cruise passengers.

According to APL, the data from June and the first half of 2024 reveal a positive trend in cruise activity at the Port of Lisbon. The continuous growth in the number of calls and the recovery in passenger volume during the second quarter indicate a consolidation of activity throughout the semester.

During the first six months of 2024, the Port of Lisbon recorded 154 ship calls, representing a 1% increase compared to the same period in 2023, which saw 153 calls. Despite an initial drop in passenger numbers during the first quarter, the trend reversed in the second quarter with an increase of 1,480 passengers, reflecting a positive variation of 1%. The number of ship calls also increased by 14%, with 16 more calls than in the same period of the previous year.

What changed in 2024?

Carlos Correia, president of APL, highlighted the implementation of the “Onshore Power Supply (OPS)” project approved in the first half of 2024. This system will allow the port to provide electric power directly to docked ships, significantly reducing the carbon footprint by enabling ships to shut down their engines while in port.

The growth in the number of cruise ship calls and passengers at the Port of Lisbon in June reflects the effectiveness of the strategies implemented by APL. The introduction of sustainable technologies, such as the OPS system, and the reception of eco-friendly ships like the “Silver Ray,” underscore the Port of Lisbon’s commitment to sustainability. With forecasts of more turnaround segment calls, the Port of Lisbon is well-positioned to continue creating significant value for the city and the cruise sector.

Source: Publituris