The Port Authority of Sines and the Algarve (APS) is planning a significant expansion of Portimão Port’s capacity in a bid to attract more cruise traffic. The authority is preparing dredging operations, upgrades to the RO-RO quay, and improvements to land access routes.
For reference, an RO-RO quay is a dock designed specifically for roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) vessels, in other words, ships which carry vehicles like cars and motorbikers, which can then drive on and off the vessel using ramps, rather than being lifted by cranes.
Work is scheduled to begin in 2026, and will enable the port to accommodate cruise ships up to 220 metres in length. The RO-RO quay will be adapted to handle two tenders and ferry vessels simultaneously, thus increasing operational flexibility and efficiency. The port authority has suggested that Improvements to access routes aim to better connect the port with the city, easing the movement of both passengers and cargo into Portimão.
The works, overseen by the authority, include maintenance dredging of the maritime access channel, and restoring safe operating conditions for 220-metre cruise ships, thereby increasing the port’s overall capacity.
Cruise numbers in Portimão remain modest compared with larger European ports. However, Portimão Port is set to end 2025 with the knowledge that it was one of its busiest years ever, with 58 calls and around 23,000 passengers in total, marking a year-on-year increase of 45% and 63% respectively for these two figures compared with 2024. Current projections point to approximately 100 calls in 2026, and 117 in 2027.
Located between the Atlantic and key Mediterranean routes, the port is hopes to strengthen its competitive edge while advancing the objectives of its ‘Port Strategy 5+’ plan, which sets out to increase passenger traffic across Portugal’s national ports.
Source: APS
