The Requirement

The Port of London Authority (PLA) had a need for two purpose-designed buildings for passenger and baggage handling for the world's first floating cruise ship terminal.
The project forms part of a £1m investment programme to create a new terminal to attract more international cruise ships to central London.

The Solution

The new facility, modelled on an airport layout, incorporates on-site Immigration, Customs and the latest security screening, in line with the new International Ship and Port Security codes.

Foremans was responsible for the design, supply and fitting out of both buildings, which was completed in just six months from receipt of order.

The two buildings were craned onto a 50m steel barge pontoon at the PLA's marine depot at Denton Wharf, Gravesend. The terminal is powered by a ‘whisper-quiet' generator on deck and its facilities include passenger check-in desks, two streams of security portals and electronic scanners for passenger and baggage screening, a waiting area, toilets and staff mess room.

Comments from the Client

Alan Cartwright, Marine Engineer, Port of London Authority:

"We are delighted with what has been achieved on this project in such a short timespan. We looked at a variety of building solutions and Foremans' approach to off-site construction was identified as the best in terms of suitability for purpose, quality, appearance and cost."

"The terminal features good quality internal finishes that are attractive and comfortable for passengers, and externally both buildings will be easy to maintain in the marine environment. We are very pleased with the end result and have already had considerable praise from the industry, cruise ship operators and passengers."