Lisbon sets six records in 2024

28/02/2025 | by Cruise Europe Press

The Port of Lisbon recorded its best-ever operational results in cruise tourism in 2024. This success was marked by six new records set throughout the year:

Total passengers: 763,752 (previous record: 758,328 in 2023)
Total calls: 369 (previous record: 353 in 2013)
Transit passengers: 591,796 (7 percent above the previous record of 554,324 in 2023)
Turnaround calls: 110 (previous record: 107 in 2023)
Cruiseships: 133 (previous record: 130 in 2019)
Crew members: 288,049 (3 percent above the previous record of 279,090 in 2023)

In terms of source market, Europe continues to lead as the main passenger origin, with the UK standing out, accounting for 41 percent of the total passengers, followed by the US (20 percent) and Germany (14 percent).

The growth of cruise activity at the Port of Lisbon is also reflected in the number of ships, with 15 first calls in Lisbon, four of which were newly built, including three inaugural voyages.

Carlos Correia, chairman of the board of Port of Lisbon Authority, said: “The extraordinary results of cruises in 2024 reflect the excellence of the Port of Lisbon, the unwavering commitment of our employees, and the fundamental contribution of the entire port community, and particularly Lisbon Cruise Port (LCP), the concessionaire of the cruise terminal. Together, we have reinforced our commitment to the best environmental sustainability practices, which are increasingly a priority in Lisbon's cruise activity.”

Duarte Cabral, general director LCP, added: “Through close collaboration with the Port of Lisbon and the continuous support of all the involved authorities, LCP managed to overcome obstacles, promoting the sustainable growth of this vital sector for the local economy. We will continue to work together with the competent authorities to ensure that Lisbon remains at the forefront as an attractive, safe, and innovative destination for cruisers who choose our city. We are excited about the opportunities that 2025 holds for us and are committed to continuing to promote Lisbon as one of Europe's leading cruise ports.”

In addition, in 2024, Ana Lourenco, director of maritime tourism, Port of Lisbon, took on the coordination of the sustainability committee of Cruise Europe, which aims to promote sustainable and responsible practices in the cruise industry, ports, and destinations, in close collaboration with cruise companies.

Additionally, the Port of Lisbon made significant achievements in sustainability in 2024, including the first phase of the €14.5 million onshore power supply project which involves the installation of electrical infrastructure to provide clean energy to docked ships, with completion expected by 2029. And the Cruises for the Community programme which promotes social integration and sustainable tourism, strengthening the relationship between the city and cruise companies.

Another notable milestone was the christening of the eco-friendly ship Silver Ray, which uses hybrid energy technology, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent, further consolidating Lisbon as a reference in adopting sustainable practices in maritime tourism.

In October 2024, the Port of Lisbon announced the creation of the Sustainability Committee for Cruise Activity in Lisbon, a collaborative initiative that reinforces the joint commitment to implementing sustainable solutions for the cruise tourism sector, involving strategic partners such as the Port of Lisbon Authority, the Lisbon City Council, AGEPOR, ANA Aeroportos, Cruise Lines International Association, LCP, Turismo de Lisboa, Turismo de Portugal, TAP, and Associacao Zero.

At the same time, two important studies were presented by the Port of Lisbon. The Economic Impact Assessment of the Cruise Industry in Lisbon 2023, developed by Nova SBE, revealed that this sector represented 0.3 percent of the national GDP, contributing €794 million, a 136 percent increase compared to 2019. The Monitoring Air Quality Around the Lisbon Cruise Terminal report confirmed that pollution levels remained within legal European and national limits, reflecting the Port of Lisbon’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

LISBON | Portugal

Cruise Europe Press
susanparkersp@gmail.com

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