Maintenance dredging at the Port of Portimão has been completed ahead of schedule, restoring safe access conditions for cruise ships and improving the port’s operational capacity.
The works, which began on February 28, were initially expected to run until the end of June but were finalised earlier this month, the Sines and Algarve Port Administration (APS) announced in a statement.
Following completion, the depth of the water has been restored to around -8 metres below hydrographic zero in both the access channel and turning basin, ensuring safer manoeuvring conditions for vessels entering and leaving the port.
The intervention was carried out by APS after sediment build-up had reduced depth levels, creating limitations for ships measuring up to 220 metres in length.
Two large-capacity dredging vessels were deployed during the operation, allowing work to be carried out continuously throughout March and completed efficiently.
With the dredging now finished, the port is once again fully equipped to safely receive cruise ships, strengthening its readiness ahead of expected growth in traffic in 2026.
Last year, Portimão recorded 56 cruise ship visits and 23,996 passengers – a rise of 40% in ship calls and 70% in passenger numbers compared to the previous year.
