Boris Johnson has enthusiastically backed London’s first cruise liner terminal.

The Mayor of London said the new cruise terminal will be situated in Greenwich and should be open in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.

It is part of a major development on the East side of Greenwich Peninsula at Enderby Wharf, and will accommodate cruise ships carrying up to 1,500 passengers.

The scheme also includes a 251-room hotel and new skills academy.

James Blakey, commenting on behalf of developer Mason Properties which is behind the Enderby Wharf scheme, said: “The proposals have optimised the deep water within the River Thames to create a new tourist destination in a highly accessible location.”