A key strength of GPH’s proposition to local stakeholders is our market leading cruise port development experience. Many cruise ports in operation today were created as an afterthought to a commercial port, often occupying old commercial quays and buildings. However, while such facilities helped to grow the industry, they are no longer suitable for the cruise industry of today.
Cruise ships are larger than ever, and cruise passengers expectations of what the cruise port experience should be has changed. As a result, many cruise ports require significant investment into the refurbishment or expansion of their berths, including the building of new berths. In addition, existing terminal facilities need to be refurbished or new state-of-the-art terminal facilities need to be built, including provision for retail and food & beverage outlets.
GPH has strong relationships with financial institutions globally and has a strong track record in securing the required project financing to finance such investment. Most importantly, we have the experience and track record to deliver the right kind of design and investment to transform cruise ports so that they can meet the demands and needs of not just today’s cruise lines and passengers but also tomorrows.
Global Ports Holding operates Las Palmas Cruise Port through a 40-year concession, as well as Lanzarote and Fuerteventura Cruise Ports through a 20-year concession. Leveraging its expertise and knowledge, GPH is delivering state-of-the-art terminals with a focus on providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry and its customers. In Q4 of 2021, GPH began construction of a new terminal building and cruise facilities at these ports, with a total investment of EUR 40 million. The project includes a sustainable 14,400m2 terminal building made from recycled materials at Las Palmas, capable of handling the largest cruise ships in the world. The new terminals will feature retail and F&B experiences, improved operational structure, and an increased capacity of 40 buses. The project is expected to serve around 1.6 million passengers by 2024.
Operated by Global Ports Holding (GPH) through a 25-year port operation and lease agreement, Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) - one of the most sought-after cruise destinations globally - has undergone a transformative redevelopment project.
Following a four-year transformation project to revitalize and expand the cruise port on Prince George Wharf, the Nassau Cruise Port was inaugurated in May 2023.
The $300 million project included the addition of a new berth and the refurbishment and repair of all piers, enabling Nassau Cruise Port to accommodate six cruise ships per day, including three Icon-class vessels, thereby enhancing tourism in the region. The expansion and revitalization of the port facilitated an increased capacity from 20,000 passengers per day to over 30,000 passengers per day. As part of the first phase of redevelopment, travelers are welcomed by a modern arrivals plaza, a captivating Junkanoo museum featuring immersive experiences, and authentic Bahamian retail and food and beverage outlets. Additionally, the port boasts an organized ground transportation area, a world-class amphitheater, state-of-the-art security technology, an art gallery, and new green spaces.
Embracing Bahamian heritage, the port's redevelopment emphasizes modernization while preserving the authentic charm of the region. The port hosted 4.2 million passengers in 2023, up from 3.8 million in 2019.
Global Ports Holding operates Lisbon Cruise Port through a 35-year Built Operate Transfer (BOT) agreement, and has completed a new, state-of-the-art terminal in Lisbon following a two-year construction process and a EUR24 million investment in 2017. GPH collaborated closely with the local authorities and other local partners to ensure the successful development of the terminal. Spanning 13,800 m2 over three floors and with 1,500 meters of pier, the new terminal is designed to accommodate a wide variety of ships. It features two fully-automated gangway systems, as well as on-site equipment such as cranes and forklift trucks to provide vessels with check-in facilities, water supplies, and other provisions while in dock. The terminal was designed with sustainability in mind and to ensure the smooth onward flow of tourists, avoiding congestion elsewhere in the city. Designed by Portuguese architect, João Luís Carrilho da Graça the terminal won the "Best Rehabilitation Urban Project" award at the SIL Portuguese Real Estate Fair 2017.
