The world's largest cruise port operator GPH-Global Ports Holding announced that it had signed a 20-year concession with Port Kalundborg (Zealand Island, Denmark) to provide cruise passenger services.
Kalundborg Port is GPH’s first cruise port in Northern Europe, marking a major milestone in the continued development of the company.
Kalundborg is in the center of Denmark, next to the deepwater T-route, and just over an hour from downtown Copenhagen. The Port's location means that it can provide lines with a fuel-efficient and time-saving alternative to Copenhagen Cruise Port.
Kalundborg has historically received a handful of cruise ship calls per season. However, with the new 500-m long quay/dock completed in 2019 and the addition of GPH’s global expertise, the port expects to drive growth in cruise ship traffic.
As part of the agreement, GPH will invest up to EUR 6 million by the end of 2025 into a purpose-built cruise ship terminal.
GPH expects to take over port operations before the end of the financial year.
GPH's CEO Emre Sayin said that Kalundborg was "an economic, sustainable and time-efficient alternative port in Denmark for cruise lines and wanting to visit." He added they were "very much looking forward to working with the Port Authority, cruise lines, and local stakeholders" as they introduced and transformed "the charming destination of Kalundborg into a sustainable port of turnaround and visit for the region."