MEDIA

21 May 2025

Global Ports Holding Inaugurates Fuerteventura & Lanzarote Cruise Port Terminals

Global Ports Holding (GPH), together with its local partner Sepcan and the Port Authority of Las Palmas, has officially inaugurated two new cruise terminals at Lanzarote Cruise Port, as well as the new cruise terminal at Fuerteventura Cruise Port.

At Lanzarote Cruise Port, two new terminals have been delivered: the Naos Terminal, covering 1,106 m², designed for both transit and homeport operations; and the Los Mármoles Terminal, spanning 556 m², with capacity to serve up to three cruise ships simultaneously. Additionally, a 426 m² satellite terminal supports auxiliary services for passengers and crew. Together, these facilities provide a modern, eco-efficient, and passenger-focused gateway to the island.

Fuerteventura Cruise Port terminal covers 924 m² and is situated a short distance from the city center. Designed with a modular concept, it features a dining area with an outdoor terrace, enhancing the overall passenger experience and strengthening its connection to the local environment.

Both terminals are eco-efficient buildings equipped with solar panels and constructed following principles of sustainability, energy efficiency, and functionality. Recycled materials, innovative technologies, and modern construction practices have been employed to minimize carbon footprint and maximize the use of renewable resources—ensuring responsible environmental management.

These infrastructure upgrades form part of GPH’s broader vision to strengthen cruise infrastructure and elevate the guest experience across the Canary Islands. In total, these inaugurations represent a key milestone within an ambitious investment plan by Global Ports Canary Islands valued at over 40 million euros for terminals in the province: two in Lanzarote, one in Fuerteventura, and one in Gran Canaria, the latter scheduled for the next cruise season.

The President of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, Beatriz Calzada, expressed her gratitude to Global Ports Holding (GPH) and its local partner, Global Ports Canary Islands (GPCI), for their commitment to the ports in Las Palmas province and stated:

“Global Ports has invested 40 million euros in building new terminals in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, which will improve the experience of the passengers, will help boost tourism and the economic development of the islands and consolidate the Canary Islands as an internationally recognized cruise destination”. She also thanked them for completing the works “on time and as planned” and noted that the Port of Puerto del Rosario saw a 40% increase in cruise passengers during the first four months of 2025, while the Port of Arrecife receives around 600,000 passengers annually and handles more than 250 cruise ship calls per year.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding, stated:

“With the inaugurations of the Lanzarote terminals yesterday and now Fuerteventura, we are proud to deliver two important milestones just days apart—each reflecting our long-term commitment to enhancing cruise infrastructure across the Canary Islands. These modern facilities are designed to reflect the spirit of each destination—welcoming passengers with comfort, efficiency, and a sense of identity, while preserving the natural beauty and authenticity that make these islands so unique. Once again, I extend my sincere thanks to the Port Authority of Las Palmas, our trusted partner Sepcan, and all institutional and community stakeholders who made this project possible. Global Ports Holding is proud to support both islands’ growing roles in the regional cruise market and to contribute to the continued success of the Canary Islands as a world-class cruise destination.”

Susana Gutierrez, General Manager of Global Ports Canary Islands, added:

“The design of both terminals clearly demonstrates our commitment to environmental sustainability. The buildings integrate seamlessly into their urban and natural surroundings, promote sustainable mobility, and ensure accessibility for all. With the increase in cruise calls and passenger numbers, we believe in the momentum of both ports and the importance of delivering a high-quality experience to our cruise guests. That’s exactly what we are achieving with the opening of these new terminals.”

Official Inauguration Ceremony

The inaugurations of the new cruise terminals in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura were marked by official ceremonies attended by senior representatives from the Port Authority of Las Palmas, Puertos del Estado, and national, regional, and local government institutions.

Attendees included Beatriz Calzada, President of the Port Authority of Las Palmas; Pedro García, Director of Operations at Puertos del Estado; and Dolores Alicia García, President of the Fuerteventura Island Council. They were joined by regional councillors, island directors, and local mayors, reflecting broad institutional support for these key infrastructure milestones.

Global Ports Holding’s Chairman & CEO, Mehmet Kutman, participated in the events alongside GPH leadership, underscoring the strategic significance of these developments for both the company and the Canary Islands' cruise sector.

The new terminals are expected to welcome over one million cruise passengers annually, generating significant direct economic impact for the local economy. Shops, restaurants, and tour operators will benefit from the increased visitor traffic, while new job opportunities and investment prospects will emerge. Global Ports Canary Islands’ development model emphasizes sustainable tourism and economic integration, promoting a balanced relationship between cruise tourism, environmental responsibility, and community prosperity.