Portland Port - Update

As one of the largest man made harbours in the world, Portland Port has seen a significant increase in cruise calls in recent years with six cruise ship visits in 2008. To cater for the increased demand, the company has developed a dedicated cruise passenger terminal and port facilities.

Passengers from MV Deutschland disembarking at Portland Port

Northern Europe is now the world’s third biggest cruise destination after the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Keen to attract German ship owners and cruise operators, Port managers initially contacted the Regional Language Network SW (RLN SW) in 2006 prior to a sales visit to Bremen to meet with several German shipping and cruise companies. Help was sought in translating details of the technical support services available at Portland to visiting ships into German. Since then, the whole Portland Port Services brochure, including the cruise facilities information, has been translated.

As a member of Destination South West, an alliance of 10 ports throughout the Southwest of England, Portland Port also saw the need to understand the culture of German cruise operators and their passengers and to promote services in their own language.

This business stance has paid dividends with Portland Port welcoming the first German cruise ship MV Deutschland this summer and further visits are planned for 2009 and 2010. The cruise arrival was heralded by the “warmest of welcomes” to passengers. RLN SW worked with Portland Port to organise a hearty greeting by the Town Crier and Weymouth and Portland Mayor. German speaking volunteer guides welcomed passengers as they disembarked and then escorted those choosing to take a shuttle bus into town with commentary en route.

The volunteer guides form a special interest language network set up by RLN SW to cater for visits by overseas visitors attending international events in Weymouth and Portland. Portland Port has been involved in this initiative from the start, supporting an RLN SW organised German on Tour two day training event for the guides.

Earlier in the year, the Port’s commercial manager, Ian McQuade, hosted a half day’s port briefing organised by RLN SW for the volunteers. This included a tour of the port facilities, a visit on board a cruise ship in berth and tips on language and cultural issues associated with cruise tour excursions.

Anne Alcock, vessel services manager at Portland Port is pleased with the developing relationship with the Regional Language Network commenting: “The service from the RLN SW business advisors has been very good. They have pulled out all the stops to help us ensure that Portland is regarded as a cruise destination of choice for German cruise operators.

“I would advise any business to explore the RLN SW route as they provide the right kind of prompt, efficient assistance needed in an approachable, nurturing and informal way. They have signposted us to affordable translation companies and by developing the special interest language network have greatly helped local tourism benefit from cruise ship visits.”

Philada Rogers, RLN SW advisor, is looking forward to further collaboration in the future. “Portland Port is reaping success in attracting cruise ships through the improved passenger facilities. It has also been willing to embrace a partnership approach with local organisations to ensure language and culture understanding is an important element in welcoming overseas visitors.”

Visit the Portland Port website at www.portland-port.co.uk.

 

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