THE world's most prestigious liner, Queen Elizabeth 2, could turn her back on Southampton and move to another port, the Daily Echo can exclusively reveal.

In a shock move, luxury cruise ship operator Cunard has sent teams of experts around the country to make an in-depth assessment of a number of other docks.

Cunard's American-based bosses are known to be concerned at what they consider to be the high costs of berthing the flagship of the British merchant marine in the city.

If QE2, which arrives back in the port this Friday, was to sail away from Southampton it would be a huge blow to the port and the city's economy, threatening to many local jobs.

The ship generates huge amounts of cash for local companies and services which supply the 70,327-ton liner every time she ties up alongside Southampton's dockside.

Any move by Cunard would also make a large dent in Southampton's international reputation.

Cunard's present contract with Associated British Ports, which owns and operates Southampton docks, for the use of the passenger terminal in the city's Eastern Docks is due for renewal next spring.

In a statement to the Daily Echo from its headquarters in Miama, Florida, Cunard confirmed it was examining other ports, although the company stressed no decisions had been made. It is known Cunard representatives from its European headquarters in Southampton are touring the country looking at other cruise ship terminals including the East Coast port of Harwich in Essex and Dover, Kent.

"Our operations team are always in discussions with various ports who are looking to encourage us to use their facilities,'' said the statement from Cunard.

"No decision has been made with regard to QE2 but we are considering the strengths of various alternatives.''

Behind-the-scenes negotiations are at present under way between Cunard and Associated British Ports over the renewal of the shipping line's contract.

The present agreement was drawn up between Cunard's previous owners, Kvaerner, and ABP before the shipping line was acquired by the powerful Carnival Corporation last year.

Since Carnival's acquisition the firm has announced an expansion programme and taken a hard look at costs.

"It is not unusual or surprising for a company to review its options at the time of a contract renewal,'' said a spokesman for ABP in Southampton. "We are in discussion with Cunard with the intention of retaining their business in Southampton for the long-term.''

The port of Southampton and the name Cunard have been closely linked for decades. The shipping company is at the heart of the city's maritime heritage with such great names as Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Mauretania, Caronia and for the last 30 years the renowned QE2 which has Southampton as her port of registry.

Should the QE2 stay in Southampton. Call the newsdesk on 01703 424520

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