MEDIA

20 Oct 2025

Global Ports Holding Signs 15-Year Concession to Operate Casablanca Cruise Port

Global Ports Holding (“GPH”), the world’s largest independent cruise port operator, is pleased to announce that it has signed a 15-year concession agreement with Agence Nationale des Ports ("ANP") to operate the Cruise Terminal in Casablanca.

The concession was awarded to a majority-owned consortium between GPH (51%) and its local shareholders, following a public tender process. The consortium will take over operations from January 2026.

This milestone follows the recent inauguration of Casablanca’s new state-of-the-art cruise terminal by His Majesty King Mohammed VI on September 18, 2025. The facility includes a 650-metre quay, three boarding bridges, parking for 44 buses, and a maritime station designed to international standards. It can accommodate ships up to 350 metres in length and handle over 450,000 passengers annually, reinforcing Casablanca’s position as a growing hub for West Mediterranean and transatlantic cruise itineraries.

The signing marks another important milestone for GPH, further strengthening its presence across the Atlantic and West Mediterranean region. Casablanca now joins a strong network of GPH ports including La Goulette, Las Palmas, and Mindelo—creating a connected corridor that bridges the Canary Islands, West Africa, and the Western Mediterranean, while serving as a key gateway for transatlantic itineraries between Europe and the Caribbean.

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and a key gateway for cruise passengers exploring the country’s diverse cultural and historical offerings—from the capital Rabat to the enchanting Red City of Marrakech, which will soon be within 1.2 hours’ reach with the completion of the new high-speed train line before the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The ANP has invested approximately €72 million in the development and construction of the new cruise terminal and all its components. Casablanca Cruise Port welcomed approximately 150,000 transit passengers in 2024 and is expected to reach 180,000 in 2025.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, said:

"Casablanca Cruise Port is an important addition to our expanding regional network, strengthening our presence across the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Its modern facilities and strategic location make it an ideal link between established and emerging cruise destinations. We look forward to collaborating closely with ANP, and all stakeholders to deliver exceptional services, enhance the cruise experience, and contribute to the sustainable growth of Morocco’s cruise tourism."