Port of Poole ramps up safety measures ahead of new cruise season

Port of Poole cruise officials have introduced a raft of new health and safety measures to help make its land and sea operations as Covid-secure as possible.

The port’s current Covid-safe processes with its ferry partners, which it says have passed four audits with the Health and Safety Executive since August 2020, are being extended to cruise lines and their passengers as the UK cruise season approaches.

The port says the recently refurbished cruise terminal is now dedicated solely to passengers and crew members, and has been reconfigured to support social distancing measures, including provision of hand sanitising stations via a new one-way system. A new temperature screening system has also been installed and cleaning practices have been improved through investment in new technology such as fogging machines.

In addition, the port teams will work closely with cruise lines to ensure the safe and Covid-compliant transfer of passengers, including reducing the number of transfers to maintain social distancing.

We’ve been working closely with our partners and stakeholder to ensure the port is ready, willing and able to welcome back passengers in a safe and manageable way,” says Captain Brian Murphy, Marine & Port Director and Harbour Master.“The safety of guests, crew members and our staff is our top priority, so that cruising can start once again with confidence when the time is right.

“We are proud to have invested in industry-leading safety facilities and measures, and look forward to showcasing everything Poole has to offer to both cruise lines and passengers alike when the cruises season begins this summer.”

The port says it’s working alongside the British Ports Association, the UK Chamber of Shipping and Cruise Britain to ensure its safety protocols are in line with government guidelines.

A number of cruise ships will dock at the port this summer, with the full schedule set to be announced shortly.