#CruiseLiners - The UK's main cruiseport Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton, annually handles 1.7m passengers, has completed a major milestone in a programme to invest more than £1 million in solar energy on ABP-owned buildings.

According to ABP Ports, this is the latest phase of investment that has seen more than 2,000 roof-mounted solar panels installed on Ocean Terminal, the port’s largest cruise terminal. With its new carbon neutral status, the building is now generating more electricity than it is consuming.

Working in partnership with Carnival UK whose cruise brands include P&O Cruises and Cunard, this major milestone is one part of the wider plan for the port’s investment in renewable energy and commitment to further improving the port’s overall environmental performance.

The energy generated by the solar panels equates to an average of 584KW per hour which is enough energy to power an electric car for 1.8 million miles.

ABP Southampton director Alastair Welch said: “Managing our impact on the environment is a serious and long-term commitment for us. We’re determined to do what we can alongside our neighbours on the port to support measures that deliver cleaner air, cleaner water and cleaner energy.

“We‘re constantly working to see how we can continue to create a better environment and we’re delighted to have achieved carbon neutral status at the port’s largest cruise terminal. This is a significant milestone following our latest investment in renewable energy.”

Carnival UK’s VP Port & Shore Operations Steven Young said: "This is a superb and very commendable initiative. The solar panels are a very positive contribution to our overall environmental agenda within the port."