Lisbon Cruise Port is to receive a significant boost with the opening of its new, state-of-the-art terminal. The terminal building, which has already won a number of awards, will be inaugurated on the 10th November 2017, following a EUR24 million investment and two year construction process. Global Ports Holding (“GPH”) – the world’s largest cruise port operator – which built and operates Lisbon Cruise Port, has worked closely with the Portuguese national government, the mayor’s office and other local partners throughout the development.
The new terminal has been an important element of recent development in Lisbon, which was awarded ‘Best City’ in the 2017 Wallpaper Magazine Design Awards. The terminal itself won ‘Best Rehabilitation Urban project’ at the SIL Portuguese Real Estate Fair 2017.
Covering around 13,800 m2 over three floors, the new terminal will provide around 1,500 meters of pier to cater for a wide variety and size of ships. It will feature two fully-automated gangway systems, on-site equipment including cranes and forklift trucks, and be able to supply vessels with check-in facilities, water supplies and other provisions while in dock. Visitors passing through the terminal will be able to enjoy the shopping and catering services, as well as the terrace with a panoramic view.
The terminal was designed by renowned Portuguese architect, João Luís Carrilho da Graça and a key consideration of the terminal design was sustainability and ensuring the smooth onward flow of tourists, to avoid congestion elsewhere in the city. The terminal is built with the idea of creating a seamless extension of the cruise ship while it is in port, providing excellent facilities for embarking and disembarking.
The terminal inauguration ceremony on 10th November will be attended by GPH CEO, Emre Sayin, and Mr. Luís Miguel Sousa, CEO of Grupo Sousa and Chairman of Lisbon Cruise Port. Portuguese Government representatives in attendance will include; Mr. Fernando Medina, Mayor of Lisbon; and Mrs. Ana Paula Vitorino, Minister of the Sea.
Emre Sayın, CEO of Global Ports Holding said: "This opening showcases the ambitious plans we have to expand our operations and is a great example of GPH working closely with the Portuguese government at a local and national level, and with our Portuguese partners to deliver an outstanding cruise terminal. We are proud to be investors in a project that will greatly benefit the local economy and boost the development of cruise tourism in the area.’’
Mr. Luís Miguel Sousa, CEO of Grupo Sousa and Chairman of Lisbon Cruise Port said: “We are delighted at the opening of the cruise terminal after a long collaboration with GPH, with whom we enjoy a very good relationship, and who have been unwavering in their commitment to deliver the best possible terminal. The new building and wider development will provide excellent facilities for ships, passengers and the residents of the vibrant city.”
