The works will extend to the land connection to the maritime terminal, currently made through degraded access roads, according to a report by Eco.

With “around 100 calls” planned for 2026 and 117 for 2027, according to the APSA statement, the port of Portimão will grow this year, compared to 2024, by 45% in the number of cruise ship calls (to 58) and 63% in passengers (to 23,000), figures that are not, however, records.

The increased capacity of this port, located at the mouth of the Arade River, will involve dredging to accommodate cruise ships of 220 meters. These works will be accompanied by the repair and rehabilitation of the designated RO-RO quay, intended for ferry vessels. This quay will allow two larger cruise ships to dock simultaneously, although larger ships will still need to remain anchored offshore.

These interventions are part of the strategy defined for mainland commercial ports for the 2025-2035 period (Ports 5+), which foresees a 30% increase in passenger traffic at national ports.