Port of Sunderland ‘til I die

THE Port of Sunderland in the United Kingdom is exploring opportunities in the cruise market, Director Matthew Hunt has confirmed.

Having played host to a number of one-off port calls in the past, Hunt said the Port was “looking seriously” at welcoming passenger ships, having recently signed up to advocacy group Cruise Britain.

Hunt said Sunderland bringing cruise passengers to the city, which has a long maritime tradition, would benefit the whole of North East England.

Though there will be limitations to the size of cruise ships able to visit, the Port is looking to attract small-to-medium vessels and the expedition cruise market.

“It’s an exciting chance to positively contribute to the city’s tourism economy,” Hunt said.

“Cruise lines typically plan three years ahead, so joining Cruise Britain at this time helps to make our presence known across the industry and hopefully sets us up well for the future, when we see tourism return to pre-COVID levels.

“Port of Sunderland has, for many years, welcomed and hosted cruise ships and their passengers, and it is a market we are interested in exploring further, because we can clearly see its potential and believe that the city and region has much to offer visitors.

“Though we’re taking very early steps into this market, having successfully hosted cruise ships before – and as the city continues to grow its offer, with stunning developments underway at our beautiful seaside and in the heart of the city - we hope to increase the frequency of cruise visits to the port in the coming years and add an exciting new dimension to our offer.”

The move has been backed by council Leader Graeme Miller, who championed the destination for its tourism qualities.

“Our beaches stand up against any I have seen, our cultural assets are a huge draw, and we have some stunning places to visit, from Penshaw Monument, to the National Glass Centre,” he added.

“We have to start shouting about what we can offer, and I am pleased the port is flying the flag for the city.”

Sunderland last hosted a cruise ship in 2017, with Norwegian freighter travel ship Gann arriving from Stavanger - the fifth passenger-carrying ship to come to Sunderland in 40 years.

In the 19th century, almost a third of the United Kingdom’s ships were built in Sunderland.