MEDIA

17 Apr 2024

Global Ports Holding Welcomes Liverpool Cruise Port at Seatrade Cruise Global

Global Ports Holding Plc ("GPH"), the world's largest independent cruise port operator, proudly welcomed Liverpool Cruise Port into its network with a momentous event hosted at the Seatrade Cruise Global on April 10th. The event, held at the Global Ports Holding booth, garnered significant attention from industry stakeholders, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defines this transformative partnership.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding, along with Angie Redhead, Head of City Assets at Liverpool City Council, and David Huck, COO of Peel Ports Group via video participation, took the stage to express their enthusiasm for the future of Liverpool Cruise Port. During the ceremony, Mehmet and Angie positioned Liverpool prominently on the Global Ports Holding map, symbolizing the integration of the port into GPH's global network. The collaboration among stakeholders was celebrated throughout the event, highlighting the shared commitment to elevating the cruising experience in Liverpool.

Global Ports Holding's entry into Liverpool marks a landmark moment for the company, representing its first venture into the British Isles. This strategic expansion aligns with GPH's broader Northern Europe expansion strategy, following successful ventures in Kalundborg, Denmark, and Bremerhaven, Germany. As a UK-listed British company, this move holds special significance, strengthening GPH's foothold in Northern Europe and presenting exciting future growth opportunities.

Liverpool's appeal as an exceptional cruise destination was underscored, with its rich maritime history and vibrant culture offering exciting possibilities for travelers. Recognizing the port's immense potential, GPH is eager to collaborate with stakeholders to enhance its success while respecting Liverpool's rich heritage and architectural legacy.

GPH's commitment to invest up to £25 million in infrastructure enhancements at Liverpool Cruise Port demonstrates its dedication to upgrading facilities and enhancing the passenger experience, subject to the granting of the appropriate permits and licenses. These investments will position the port to accommodate increasing passenger numbers, with projections exceeding 400,000 annually post-infrastructure development.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global Ports Holding; "I am honored to welcome Liverpool Cruise Port into our family. This partnership represents a significant milestone for us, and we are excited to work hand in hand with Liverpool City Council and Peel Ports Group as well as the local community to make Liverpool a premier cruise destination."

David Huck, Chief Operating Officer at Peel Ports Group; “We’re delighted to welcome Global Ports Holding to Liverpool as we enter this new partnership together. We’re looking forward to another vibrant cruise season for Liverpool Cruise Port, with visitors from all around the world set to enjoy the unique cultural heritage that the City has to offer. With responsibility of the Terminal now passing to GPH as the world-
leading operator, and through our combined maritime and cruise expertise, we are confident that we can take the City’s tourism and trade ambitions to the next level.”

Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council;“Liverpool City Council is delighted to have helped enable this historic agreement between Peel Ports and Global Ports Holdings Plc. This partnership will stand for decades, and under the custodianship of GPH, heralds a new era of passenger shipping in this amazing maritime city.

As a world-leading operator, GPH has the ambition and experience to develop a new and exciting future for Liverpool as a cruise destination; we look forward to working closely with them, and to extending a warm welcome to many more visitors to Liverpool.”