The largest independent cruise port operator in the world, Global Ports Holding (GPH), announced that the Tarragona Port Authority had awarded Global Ports Holding Plc a 12-year concession, with a 6-year extension option, in order to manage the services for cruisers in Tarragona (Spain).
In Q3 last year, an EUR30 million investment into the port infrastructure in Tarragona was completed. The investment program included a new cruise ship pier in the “Moll de Balears” which can handle the world’s largest cruise ships, while berth capacity was doubled to 4 ships at any one time.
The Port Authority has also invested in shore power system, which is due to significantly reducing the CO2 emissions from in-port operating cruise vessels.
Under the terms of the new agreement, GPH will invest up to EUR 5.5 million into building a new modular cruise terminal, which will utilize solar power to ensure the sustainable provision of energy needs. The new cruise terminal will provide passengers with an improved experience, including retail and F&B opportunities. New coach and car parking facilities are expected to improve the transport infrastructure.
The innovative modular design will provide maximum flexibility to adapt the cruise terminal to meet future capacity needs and provide a vibrant event space in Tarragona.
In 2019, before the increase in berth capacity, Port Tarragona welcomed ~130,000 cruisers. A World Heritage Site, the city is less than an hour’s drive from Barcelona Airport. The recently completed investment into the port infrastructure and the planned new terminal will improve the attractiveness of the port for turnaround operations in the region.
The addition of Tarragona to the cruise port network of GPH means that upon the successful conclusion of all previously announced concession agreements, the number of cruise ports Global Ports Holding operates and manages will rise to 23.