The firm will work up planning and environmental issues on behalf of Hull City Council needed to gain planning approval.

This should allow the council to submit a planning application this year for the Sammy’s Point site, next to the city’s The Deep aquarium.

The proposed design includes shore-side electricity station as a carbon reduction measure to allow cruise ship operators to turn off ship engines while in port and rely on more efficient power systems to reduce overall emissions.

Councillor Daren Hale, Leader of Hull City Council said: “Hull needs a dedicated cruise facility in the heart of the Old Town so that we can greet cruise passengers with a five-star welcome and an immediate experience of Hull, in addition to the region’s world class visitor attractions.

“This could also be a carbon reduction measure, reducing the need for journey to south coast ports.

“A new cruise facility would be a huge boost to our plans to increase tourism and create new jobs, therefore this appointment is welcomed.”