SHARE NOW
04 Nov 2025 - CRUISE & FERRY
CRUISE & FERRY
A cruise infrastructure improvement programme is being carried out by Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, across five destinations
The world’s largest cruise port operator, Global Ports Holding (GPH), which currently manages 32 ports in 19 countries, is investing in the future. Following the successful launch of new terminals in Alicante and Tarragona in Spain, and in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands in 2025, GPH is moving ahead with five construction projects across its global network, representing an investment of around $250 million.
Building of the Las Palmas terminal in the Canary Islands, the largest cruise terminal in Europe, is now complete, with surrounding landscaping works to follow in early 2026. Accommodating up to five ships and 12,000 passengers simultaneously, GPH designed the terminal with sustainability in mind, incorporating renewable energy integration, smart building technologies and eco-efficient operations to reduce its carbon footprint. GPH hopes the cruise facility will strengthen the Canary Islands’ position as a leading cruise destination.
Construction continues on a new waterfront feature, the West Marina Pool and adjacent Superyacht Marina, in Nassau, The Bahamas. The completed pool is now open and the marina, which will provide berthing space for mega yachts, is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
An upland development project will reshape the port district in Antigua with a modern homeporting terminal building, reinforcing Antigua’s role as a turnaround destination in the Caribbean as well as expanded retail and dining areas and upgraded passenger amenities. The capital expenditure programme development also includes a pool area and improved parking facilities. The terminal building will open in late 2025 in time for the upcoming high season, while the wider upland development is scheduled to open in 2026.
Works in Saint Lucia include upgrading Berth 1 at Pointe Seraphine to accommodate the largest cruise ships of the region, building a new tender jetty and enhancing visitor areas such as Fishermen’s Village, the Vendors Arcade and Soufriere Bay. GPH expects to complete phase one by the end of 2025, with completion of the entire project expected in 2027.
A repair and upgrade programme is under way at the Pan American Wharf, Pier 3 and Pier 4 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Work is complete on Pier 3, with wider rehabilitation efforts, including Pier 4, scheduled for completion in 2026.
Port operations will continue while work takes place to modernise and strengthen marine and upland facilities.
"These construction projects, with a combined investment over $250 million, reflect our commitment to building world-class cruise destinations that support both passengers and local communities," said Mehmet Kutman, chairman and CEO of GPH. "Each project is carefully designed to enhance the guest experience, create economic opportunities, and deliver sustainable infrastructure that will serve these ports for decades to come. GPH is shaping the future of cruise destinations worldwide, and the current programme of investments reflects both our belief in the strength of the industry and our commitment to building modern, sustainable ports that create lasting value for guests, cruise lines and local communities alike."
04 Nov 2025
CRUISE & FERRY
A cruise infrastructure improvement programme is being carried out by Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, across five destinations
The world’s largest cruise port operator, Global Ports Holding (GPH), which currently manages 32 ports in 19 countries, is investing in the future. Following the successful launch of new terminals in Alicante and Tarragona in Spain, and in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands in 2025, GPH is moving ahead with five construction projects across its global network, representing an investment of around $250 million.
Building of the Las Palmas terminal in the Canary Islands, the largest cruise terminal in Europe, is now complete, with surrounding landscaping works to follow in early 2026. Accommodating up to five ships and 12,000 passengers simultaneously, GPH designed the terminal with sustainability in mind, incorporating renewable energy integration, smart building technologies and eco-efficient operations to reduce its carbon footprint. GPH hopes the cruise facility will strengthen the Canary Islands’ position as a leading cruise destination.
Construction continues on a new waterfront feature, the West Marina Pool and adjacent Superyacht Marina, in Nassau, The Bahamas. The completed pool is now open and the marina, which will provide berthing space for mega yachts, is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
An upland development project will reshape the port district in Antigua with a modern homeporting terminal building, reinforcing Antigua’s role as a turnaround destination in the Caribbean as well as expanded retail and dining areas and upgraded passenger amenities. The capital expenditure programme development also includes a pool area and improved parking facilities. The terminal building will open in late 2025 in time for the upcoming high season, while the wider upland development is scheduled to open in 2026.
Works in Saint Lucia include upgrading Berth 1 at Pointe Seraphine to accommodate the largest cruise ships of the region, building a new tender jetty and enhancing visitor areas such as Fishermen’s Village, the Vendors Arcade and Soufriere Bay. GPH expects to complete phase one by the end of 2025, with completion of the entire project expected in 2027.
A repair and upgrade programme is under way at the Pan American Wharf, Pier 3 and Pier 4 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Work is complete on Pier 3, with wider rehabilitation efforts, including Pier 4, scheduled for completion in 2026.
Port operations will continue while work takes place to modernise and strengthen marine and upland facilities.
"These construction projects, with a combined investment over $250 million, reflect our commitment to building world-class cruise destinations that support both passengers and local communities," said Mehmet Kutman, chairman and CEO of GPH. "Each project is carefully designed to enhance the guest experience, create economic opportunities, and deliver sustainable infrastructure that will serve these ports for decades to come. GPH is shaping the future of cruise destinations worldwide, and the current programme of investments reflects both our belief in the strength of the industry and our commitment to building modern, sustainable ports that create lasting value for guests, cruise lines and local communities alike."
