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Cruising operations have steadily returned to full swing for SCH and its sister companies during 2021 with more than 150 ship calls supported at ports throughout the UK.

The network of ports has grown for SCH and its subsidiaries with ships supported in Southampton, Liverpool, Ports mouth and Dover, through activities ranging from mooring to stevedoring and valet parking to support for Covid testing.

The strict regulations covering cruising have meant 2021 has been a challenging year and considerable work has been completed to ensure that port handling operations comply with full Covid protocols.

SCH and sister companies Cruise and Passenger Services (CPS) and Southern Maritime Services (SMS) have worked closely with cruise shipping lines to keep passengers safe during port transit operations, with each line requiring a tailored approach to meet the protocols.

Although sailings have been largely restricted to round UK voyages, new callers have been added to the market with SCH securing notable successes in winning the work to handle Disney Cruise Line’s first series of ex-UK cruises and SMS handling the inaugural Summer Soiree programme of cruises by Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady from Portsmouth.

SCH Director Lee Davis commented: “It’s fair to say 2021 has been a cruise year like no other but we have worked through it by coordinating closely with ports and cruise ship operators to deliver the service required. Adapting our operations to the new environment has also given us a valuable insight into how we can better serve our customers in future.”