Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP), the new operator at Port Castries, has resolved outstanding cruise-related debts totaling US$17+ million for the Saint Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA).
This substantial payment was part of the cruise port management agreement (finalized in April 2024) between the Government of Saint Lucia and Global Ports Holding/GPH, the world’s largest cruise port operator.
Saint Lucia Cruise Port is now a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding.
The debt repayment announcement was made shortly after the commencement of operations on April 30th, at the Northern Wharf of Port Castries.
In late April, the Saint Lucia Cruise Port team met with SLASPA executives to provide updates on the project, discuss the transition of various responsibilities, and explore opportunities for collaboration. During these discussions, it was confirmed that SLASPA would continue to manage all stevedoring services through its contracted stevedoring company. SLASPA will also maintain control over access to all ports of entry, including Port Castries. The SLASPA Port Police Department will retain security oversight for Port Castries, ensuring compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) requirements.
A subsequent consultation in early May with the SLASPA Seaport Management Team reviewed the operational plan, berthing plans, cruise line support plans, and other maritime-specific obligations under the concession agreement. The next step involves SLCP executives meeting with the SLASPA engineering team and other key staff members to discuss the investment plan and its anticipated benefits for port partners, tenants, local business owners, and the community.