New associate member: SMS International Shore Operations, UK

Thursday, March 14, 2024 - 11:13 by ce-press

SMS is one of the longest established private group of companies in Malta, having its roots in the shipping business. Notwithstanding the fact that SMS has been successful in retaining its core traditional values for professionalism and ethical standards, it continues to be at the cutting edge of innovation and diversification.

It is on this basis that SMS has developed from a shipping agency to a large group of companies employing over 500 persons active in travel, tourism, shipping, insurance, logistics, ship registration and financial services, as well as general trading. SMS operates both locally and Internationally in over 10 different countries.

SMS International Shore Operations (SMS ISO) has over 50 years of experience in the management of cruiseships and port operations. With reference to Cruise Europe, it provides ground operations for ship turnarounds in the UK, Ireland, Denmark and The Netherlands.

Christopher Blanchard, evp global operations SMS ISO, says its goals are: “To strive to maintain our position as the international shore operations company of choice, supporting our clients as they open new destinations and itineraries. To continue to support our industry partners, including ports, destinations, tourism boards etc, as they look to grow their cruise business. Lastly, to be the voice for our sector of cruise when it comes to promoting the many positive aspects of our industry to every destination, stakeholder, and the wider community."

In 2024 in UK, SMS ISO will handle 173 calls in Southampton, 22 in Dover, nine in Portsmouth, one each in Tilbury, Rosyth, Leith and Greenwich and six in Edinburgh, according to Ronan Sweeney, general manager Europe, SMS ISO. In The Netherlands it is 35 and Copenhagen 14.

The company offers custom packages and special arrangements tailor-made to meet the requirements of our clients. All management and staff are constantly being trained in the latest policies and procedures relevant to their destinations to ensure the company is always ahead of the any changes and can employ best practice from the commencement of any service agreement.

New associate member: SMS International Shore Operations, UK

The SMS International Shore Operations UK team: supporting industry partners (c) SMS International Shore Operations, UK

Related port

Dover

Dover

Dover is the premier hub port for cruise lines in the South East of England; one of the busiest cruise ports in Britain and Northern Europe welcoming 250,000 discerning cruise passengers every year. Located just 76 miles east of London, Dover is England’s gateway to Europe. Driven by massive investment, Dover is one of the most modern and progressive cruise ports in the county, with highly trained personnel and award-winning customer service. Which is why it is the port of choice for over 25 individual cruise lines. With two impressive state-of-the-art terminals, Dover has the capacity to accommodate three ships at once and with the on-going development there is also the creation of a new multi-use berth raising Dover’s cruise capacity to 4 berths. It is also perfectly positioned for turnaround or port of call visits for Northern Europe, the Baltic, Eastern Mediterranean and USA, enabling you to offer a wide variety of itineraries, with excellent accommodation and historic attractions.

London, Tilbury

London, Tilbury

London International Cruise Terminal at Tilbury The Port of Tilbury is home to London's only deep water purpose-built cruise facility, the London International Cruise Terminal. Situated at the gateway to London - just 22 nautical miles down river from Tower Bridge - the historic Grade II* listed Terminal is in an ideal location close to the heart of the City. Tilbury has become increasingly popular as a turnaround port for Baltic and Northern European destinations but it is also perfectly placed for transit calls to visit England's capital city. The M25 is 7 miles away offering easy access for coach excursions to Central London (25 miles), historic Rochester (27 miles) and Leeds Castle (38 miles). London's principal airports - Heathrow, Gatwick Stansted and London City - are within an hour's drive of the Terminal and Tilbury town station, on the C2C main line Shoeubyrness to London Fenchurch Street line, is one mile away.

Southampton

Southampton

The Port of Southampton is Europe's leading cruise turn-around port. Each year we welcome more than 500 cruise ship calls and two million passengers. All four of Southampton's dedicated, world-class cruise terminals have undergone multi-million pound refurbishments that enable the port to cater for the world's largest vessels. Southampton provides both state-of-the-art dedicated terminals and bespoke shore-side arrangements, alongside port partners, to the cruise industry. Our facilities cater for the world's largest ships with world-class efficiency and provide a bespoke service to the more discerning of passengers.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Welcome to Edinburgh and the Lothians, where the buzz of Scotland's capital city sits in perfect contrast to the peaceful tranquility of the surrounding Lothians region. Edinburgh has one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world, making it the ideal city break destination. With Scotland's most famous castle dominating the city skyline, there is plenty to see and do with the perfect balance between all things traditional and contemporary. Discover world-class museums and galleries, take a tour on an open-top bus or even visit the city's own zoo. From the world famous Festivals to topclass restaurants and bars, not to mention fabulous shopping, you'll be spoilt for choice. With streets steeped in history and a thriving cultural scene, the City of Edinburgh offers the perfect balance between all things traditional and contemporary.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth

Portsmouth’s dramatic harbour is a striking location for passengers, whether you’re arriving on a cruise to explore the city and beyond, or sailing away on your travels. Known as the Great Waterfront City, Portsmouth has been building a discerning reputation as a turnaround or calling cruise port, impressing visitors with its world-class attractions and welcoming back established cruise companies. We not only boast an attractive waterfront but are known as the UK’s best connected port, where passengers can arrive with ultimate ease straight off the motorway. The city is also perfectly located to reach London, which is 60 miles away, Heathrow and Gatwick 1 hour and 20 minutes from the port, even closer is Southampton airport 22 miles, which is only 23 minutes in the car. Portsmouth’s connectivity also stretches to the sea, where it lies in close proximity to main shipping routes, so you don’t have to wait long before you reach warmer waters.