Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH), the world's largest independent cruise port operator, said that it has signed a 10-year concession, with a 10-year extension option, with Prince Rupert Port Authority to manage cruise services at Prince Rupert Cruise Port in British Columbia, Canada.
Prince Rupert Cruise Port is GPH's first cruise port in North America, marking an important milestone in the continued development and growth of the group and extends our global reach. Prince Rupert Cruise Port is located at the heart of the British Columbian cruise port market, just 40 miles from Alaska, one of the largest cruise markets in the world and ideally placed for cruise itineraries to and from the key homeports in the region, including Seattle and Vancouver, the company said in a statement.
Prince Rupert Cruise Port welcomed about 41,000 cruise passengers in 2022. Current expectations are that for the 2023 cruise season passenger volumes will rise to close to 80,000 and continue growing.
“We’re bullish on the future of Prince Rupert’s position in the expanding Alaskan cruise market and this strategic partnership with GPH represents a significant step toward the growth of Prince Rupert as a cruise destination.” said Shaun Stevenson, President, and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.
Mike Maura Jr., Regional Director - Americas of Global Ports Holding commented “Prince Rupert Cruise Port (PRCP) marks another first for us, as GPH enters a new region of Alaska in North America. As Global Ports Holding, in partnership with the Prince Rupert community, our focus will be to strengthen and expand the shore excursion capabilities of the beautiful destination of Prince Rupert, as well as bring the global expertise and GPH operating model to the port. Our approach to this partnership recognizes that we are invited guests committed to both the environment and good people of Prince Rupert.”
GPH is headquartered in Istanbul and shares in the company are listed in London. Prior to this agreement GPH had 18 portsin its portfolio.
