Ports & destinations

Global Ports Holding advances cruise infrastructure program across five destinations

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 12 October 2025 12 October 2025

Following the successful launch of its new terminals in Alicante, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote earlier this year, Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, is moving ahead with a series of major construction projects across its global network. Developments currently underway span The Bahamas, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Lucia, Spain, and Puerto Rico, underscoring GPH’s commitment to delivering world-class cruise facilities with increased capacity that enhance passenger experiences while supporting local communities across its international cruise port network. The total volume of these current construction initiatives represents an investment of around $250 million by GPH.

In Nassau, The Bahamas works are progressing on a new waterfront features: the West Marina Pool and adjacent Superyacht Marina (pictured above). This CAPEX program currently underway combines refined design details and premium leisure features. Construction of the pool is expected to be completed by mid-October 2025, with the opening to follow thereafter. Once open, it will serve as a vibrant gathering place for families and visitors, while the marina, scheduled for completion by the end of the year, will provide berthing space for mega yachts.

In Antigua, construction is advancing on an upland development project, reshaping the port district with a modern homeporting terminal building, reinforcing Antigua’s role as a turnaround destination in the Caribbean, plus expanded retail and dining areas, and upgraded passenger amenities. The CAPEX program also includes a pool area, signature restaurant, and improved parking facilities. The terminal building is expected to open late 2025 to be available for the upcoming high season, with the wider upland development program scheduled to open 2026.

In Saint Lucia, GPH’s CAPEX program is combining critical marine infrastructure with upland improvements. The works include upgrading Berth 1 at Pointe Seraphine to accommodate the largest cruise ships of the region, building a new tender jetty, and enhancing visitor areas such as Fishermen’s Village, the Vendors Arcade, and Soufriere Bay. Phase 1 is due in late 2025, with completion of the entire project in 2027.

In Las Palmas, GPH is developing the largest cruise terminal in Europe. The Las Palmas terminal can accommodate up to five ships and 12,000 passengers at once. The state-of-the art cruise facility will strengthen the Canary Islands’ position as a leading cruise destination. Sustainability is central to the design, with renewable energy integration, smart building technologies, and eco-efficient operations that reduce the carbon footprint. The facility is scheduled for completion in September 2025, with surrounding landscaping works to follow in early 2026.

Meanwhile, in San Juan, rehabilitation works are underway at the Pan American Wharf, Pier 3 and Pier 4. This much needed repair and upgrade program will modernize and strengthen marine and upland facilities – all while port operations continue. Pier 3 repairs and upgrades have been completed recently, early improvements to the Pan American Wharf are expected by October 2025, with the wider rehabilitation efforts, including Pier 4, planned to be completed in 2026.

“These construction projects with a combined investment volume of over $250 million reflect our commitment to building world-class cruise destinations that support both passengers and local communities,” said Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding. “Each project is carefully designed to enhance the guest experience, create economic opportunities, and deliver sustainable infrastructure that will serve these ports for decades to come. GPH is shaping the future of cruise destinations worldwide and the current program of investments reflects both our belief in the strength of the industry and our commitment to building modern, sustainable ports that create lasting value for guests, cruise lines, and local communities alike.”

With simultaneous developments advancing across the Caribbean and Europe, GPH continues to reinforce its position as
the world’s leading cruise port operator while setting new standards for global cruise port infrastructure.

Hamburg opens new Cruise Center HafenCity

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 13 September 2025 13 September 2025

Cruise Gate Hamburg (CGH), the operator of Hamburg’s cruise terminals, officially inaugurated the new Cruise Center HafenCity, on Friday, September 12. Located in the heart of the HafenCity district, the state-of-the-art terminal strengthens Hamburg’s position as a leading cruise destination.

Attended by distinguished guests from the global cruise community, tourism, politics, business, and civil society, the opening ceremony marked a significant milestone in the city’s cruise development. The celebration was enhanced by the presentation of the Kreuzfahrt Guide Awards, hosted by the Hamburger Abendblatt, and concluded with the ceremonial departure of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises´ Europa from the new terminal.

Following a soft opening phase, the terminal is now fully operational. It features two berths (345m and 230m) and offers space to process both smaller and larger ships. The vertically organized building spans 10,300 m² across four levels – including two underground levels for taxi, car, and bus access, and two above-ground levels for passenger operations.

Cruise Center HafenCity offers a unique arrival experience. Ships sail past the historic Landungsbrücken and the iconic Elbphilharmonie before docking in the heart of HafenCity, offering a scenic and memorable entry into the city. Seamlessly integrated into the vibrant Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, the terminal provides direct access to a dynamic mix of retail, dining, and cultural attractions. Highlights include the immersive art experience Port des Lumières, the newly opened LEGO Discovery Centre, and close proximity to Hamburg’s most famous landmarks such as the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt and Miniatur Wunderland. As part of HafenCity’s multimodal mobility concept, the terminal benefits from excellent public transport connections – including its own dedicated subway station. This significantly reduces private vehicle traffic and ensures convenient, sustainable access to the city center and beyond.

Hamburg’s First Mayor Dr. Peter Tschentscher: “Cruise passengers can access the heart of our city directly through the Cruise Center HafenCity. In just a few minutes, they can reach the downtown area and historic sites by subway, bus, or on foot. Thus, cruise tourism stimulates both HafenCity and the city center, which offer visitors a wide range of restaurants, retail outlets, cultural attractions, and entertainments. Using shore power at the cruise terminals makes cruise ships' stays in the Port of Hamburg climate- and environmentally friendly. I wish Cruise Gate Hamburg every success with the new terminal and hope all cruise guests have a wonderful time in Hamburg!”

Iris Scheel, Managing Director of CGH, “Hamburg’s approach challenges the notion that cruise infrastructure must be pushed to the periphery. Instead, it demonstrates how a well-planned urban integration can create value for both the city and the industry. Building this terminal in the city centre was possible through close collaboration with stakeholders and strong support from the local community and political leadership. It is a statement proving how deeply rooted cruise tourism is in Hamburg. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved who made this vision become a reality.”

Simone Maraschi, Managing Director of CGH, “With the Cruise Center HafenCity, Hamburg continues to strengthen its position as a leading cruise hub in the European market. As the city’s third permanent terminal, it reflects our strong belief in the continued growth and relevance of cruise tourism as an integral part of Hamburg’s maritime economy. The terminal supports Hamburg’s long-term strategy of generating added value for the city with the cruise sector – through premium passenger services, meaningful integration into the urban environment, and a clear commitment to sustainable growth and innovation.”

Dr Andreas Kleinau, Chairman of the Management Board of HafenCity Hamburg GmbH, “Together, the HafenCity Cruise Center and the vibrant Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier complete central HafenCity in a fitting way. Here, Hamburg’s expanded city centre, complemented by a unique mix of functions, touches the shores of the River Elbe for the first time. We are very happy to see this innovative city district become a place for everyone to enjoy, enriching urban life at HafenCity.”

With the Cruise Center HafenCity, Hamburg continues to be a European pioneer in developing shore power infrastructure in its port. By 2026, the new terminal will be equipped with shore power technology, enabling vessels to connect to clean electricity while docked. This development aligns with Hamburg’s strategic goal of providing shore power at all permanent cruise terminals – a target the city will meet four years ahead of the EU-wide mandate. Already today, there is high acceptance of shore power usage, with binding agreements in place with major cruise line operators. From 2027 onward, the city expects shore power-capable vessels calling at Hamburg to make consistent use of the technology wherever technically feasible.

In 2025, a total of 48 cruise calls are scheduled at the new Cruise Center HafenCity – including 18 during the test phase prior to the official opening and 30 additional calls by year-end. For 2026, the number is set to nearly double, with 94 calls already confirmed. Across all three terminals – HafenCity, Steinwerder, and Altona – Hamburg expects approximately 300 cruise ship arrivals this year.

The new facility also reinforces the economic and tourism relevance of the cruise industry for the city. As a recognized growth sector, the cruise industry plays a vital role in Hamburg’s economy and tourism sector – supporting 4,490 jobs in the service industry and contributing €419.7 million to gross value added according to an official study based on pre-pandemic data from 2018. In response to Hamburg’s dynamic development as a cruise destination in recent years, a new economic impact study is currently conducted by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg together with CGH and Hamburg Cruise Net.

Key figures of the new terminal

– Total Area: Approx. 10,300 m², including around 4,000 m² on the operational ground level.
– Terminal Layout: Vertically organized with one operational level (ground floor) for boarding and disembarkation, and two lower levels for access by taxis, private vehicles, and buses.
– Berths for different ship sizes: Two berths measuring 345m and 230m in length, with a maximum draught of 10.3m.
– Parking Facilities: 1,500 parking spaces within the Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier.
– Seamless Mobility: Directly connected to the Hamburg public transport network via dedicated underground station, bus and taxi terminal.
– Shore Power Infrastructure: Available from 2026, two power points (high voltage) for simultaneous supply of two vessels (one large and one smaller vessel), according to norm IEC/IEEE 80005-1, Power output: up to 14 MVA (Megavoltampere) from 100% renewable energy
– Architects: Hillmer und Richter Architekten GmbH, Hamburg.
– Event Venue Availability: Distinctive waterfront setting with excellent transport links and nearby amenities available for corporate events

European Cruise Ports Associations strengthen cooperation and present joint survey findings at Seatrade Europe in Hamburg

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 18 September 2025 18 September 2025

The Strategic Alliance of European Cruise Ports Associations reaffirmed its strong collaboration during Seatrade Cruise Europe 2025 in Hamburg, underscoring the importance of sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience across the cruise industry.

The associations came together for the panel session “European Port & Destination Associations: Community Engagement in Port Cities," moderated by Figen Ayan, Founder of Ayan Consulting and European Commission Expert, where they presented the main findings of their joint survey on the Impact of Cruise Tourism on Destinations. The panel featured Theodora Riga, President of MedCruise; Simone Maraschi, Chair of Cruise Europe; Kay Greenway, Director of Cruise Britain; Klaus Bondam, Director of Cruise Baltic; and Monica Berstad, Managing Director of Cruise Norway.

Launched collectively earlier this year, the survey sought to better understand the challenges posed by increasing tourism pressures on infrastructure, the environment, and local communities across Europe. The objective was to gather insights from member ports and destinations, identify best practices, and advocate for policies that support both the tourism sector and community well-being.

The results provide valuable insights into current trends and priorities:

– Management and restrictions – Most ports currently have no significant restrictions on cruise arrivals.
– Sustainability and environmental measures – Destinations are investing in infrastructure, tourist dispersal, and green initiatives such as shore power and environmental fees, though the pace of implementation varies.
– Collaborative sustainability efforts – Many ports are working closely with cruise lines and local stakeholders to develop sustainable shore excursions and diversify attractions beyond city centres.
– Investment in greener solutions – Ports are increasingly implementing green measures, reinforcing their commitment to long-term environmental performance.
– Strong economic contribution – Cruise tourism continues to generate significant revenue for local businesses and create employment in the tourism sector.
– Cruise tourism, in terms of volume, accounts for only a very small share of the overall tourism handled by most of our members.

In addition to the panel, the Associations held a dedicated meeting during Seatrade Cruise Europe to review their joint initiatives and discuss next steps. Looking forward, they confirmed their determination to continue working together on key areas such as environmental performance, data sharing, and community engagement — ensuring that Europe’s cruise destinations remain competitive, attractive, and sustainable.

Port of Helsinki to renovate and expand the historic Katajanokka ferry terminal

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 09 September 2025 09 September 2025

Helsinki’s iconic harbour building, Katajanokka Terminal, which was completed in 1937, is to be renovated. The protected building, designed by Gunnar Taucher, will be renovated and expanded with an extension that will respect the original architecture and the surrounding cityscape while providing services for both passengers and locals.

The Port of Helsinki has signed a planning agreement that will take the renovation to the concrete phase. The planning will be carried out by Helin & Co Architects, with the participation of engineering and architecture consultancy Sweco. The work will begin in autumn 2025.

Two ferry companies to share same terminal

Port traffic in Helsinki will be undergoing some major changes in the coming years. The city centre harbours serve both passengers and freight, and the arrangements for the coming years will change both passenger routes and the flow of freight:

– Tallinn traffic will be moved to the West Harbour
– Stockholm traffic will be centralised to the renovated Katajanokka Terminal
– The South Harbour will be freed up for the use of international cruise ships and for the needs of the city’s residents, including the new Museum for Architecture and Design.

In the future, Katajanokka Terminal will serve two shipping companies whose ships sail to Stockholm: Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line. The first step in the planning process is to identify space needs and ensure that the planned solutions support both the operations of the shipping companies and the smooth movement of passengers.

“In the future, Katajanokka Terminal will not only be a gateway to Stockholm, but also a shared place for the city’s residents. The aim is to create an environment that serves passengers while providing facilities and services for the everyday lives of Helsinki residents,” says Kaj Takolander, VP Passenger Services at the Port of Helsinki.

Cooperation to start immediately

The renovation project will be carried out in close cooperation with the City of Helsinki, including various land use planning actors and the City Museum, to ensure that the historic building is preserved and the extension is carried out in a way that respects the environment.

Timetable

– Autumn 2025: planning starts
– Spring 2026: initial data for the land use planning process ready
– Construction work in 2028–2032
– The aim is to have the new terminal operational by 2032.