Inaugurated in 2024, the new Cruise Terminal at Tarragona Cruise Port, operated by Global Ports Holding and located on the Balears Wharf, has become an international benchmark in architectural design, sustainable construction, and industrialized innovation. This new facility has not only improved the experience for cruise passengers and operators but has also attracted international attention for its quality, efficiency, and sensitivity to the local environment.
International recognition and awards
Since its inauguration, this building, designed by Hombre de Piedra Arquitectos, has been recognized by some of the most prestigious architectural and industrial awards in the world:
– Advanced Architecture Awards 2025 – Finalist: Recognition for architectural innovation and transformation, awarded during REBUILD 2025 at IFEMA Madrid.
– Offsite Awards (United Kingdom) – Finalist: International Project of the Year Awards dedicated to excellence in industrialized architecture.
– Design Educates Awards – Honorable Mention in Architecture The jury, chaired by Pritzker Prize winner Toyo Ito, highlighted its educational and emotional value.
– Seatrade Cruise Awards 2025 – Finalist: International Project of the Year International recognition within the cruise industry.
Mediterranean-inspired architecture with environmental efficiency
Designed by architect Juan Manuel Rojas and his team at Hombre de Piedra Arquitectos, under the technical direction of David Corbella from Global Ports Holding, the terminal features an architectural design inspired by the Roman mosaics of ancient Tarraco and modernist trencadís, with a roof structure that creates a visually distinctive identity recognizable from the sea.
The off-site modular industrialized architecture developed for this terminal uses a non-orthogonal geometry to facilitate passenger flow and allow the building to adapt easily to future needs. The open angles of this geometry enhance passenger circulation. Its modularity allows coherent growth over time with easy expansion or dismantling. This geometric design also symbolizes the triumph of the organic underwater world over the hard, concrete structures of traditional ports.
This construction method has made it possible to reduce CO2 emissions by 60% and waste by 55% during the construction phase. It is a fully demountable, recyclable, and scalable infrastructure, with a clear commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.
Functionality, capacity, and services
Covering an area of 2,200 m2, the terminal can accommodate up to four cruise ships simultaneously thanks to a 759-meter-long berth. The space is designed to optimize passenger flow and ensure a comfortable and efficient operation.
In the coming years, the Port of Tarragona plans to implement an Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system, allowing ships to connect to the electrical grid while docked, eliminating emissions from auxiliary engine use.
Future outlook and regional impact
With over 136,000 passengers received in 2024, Tarragona Cruise Port has established itself as a key player in the sector and faces the coming seasons with excellent growth prospects. The new infrastructure supports a model of sustainable and regionally balanced tourism development that benefits not only the city of Tarragona but also other destinations of interest in the surrounding area, generating a positive impact across the territory.