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Sustainable development project for Las Palmas cruise ports

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 15 September 2022 15 September 2022

Global Ports Holding Plc, the world’s largest cruise port operator, and its local partner SEPCAN S.L., together with the Las Palmas Port Authority has revealed its plans for its Las Palmas Project at Seatrade Cruise Med held in Malaga, Spain.

On August 22nd, Global Ports Holding had announced the completion of the concession agreement of 3 ports in the Canary Islands: Las Palmas, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote Cruise Ports through Global Ports Canary Islands S.L. (“GPCI”), an 80:20 joint venture between GPH and our local partner Sepcan S.L. GPCI will start operations of the three cruise ports in October 2022, ahead of the peak winter season, with over 650 scheduled calls in Las Palmas, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura together.

Global Ports Holding hosted the Las Palmas Project Reveal presentation and cocktail on September 14th at its booth at the Seatrade Cruise Med where the cruise industry executives were in attendance. Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena, President of Puertos del Estado, Luis Ibarra, President of Las Palmas Port Authority, Mehmet Kutman GPH Chairman and CEO and Javier Rodríguez Sánchez, GPH Regional Director West Med & Asia introduced the official project during the event. GPH, together with its local partner Sepcan has revealed its plans for the 3 ports in the Canary Islands with an investment of €40 million.

Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena, President of Puertos del Estado (the Spanish Ports National Board) said: “The cruise sector is one of the reference traffic in Spanish ports of general interest. It has been consolidated over the years, today having some of the European ports of reference for cruise ships, such as the Port of Las Palmas.”

Luis Ibarra, Las Palmas Port Authority President said: “In the last decade, the Port Authority of Las Palmas has invested 45 million euros in infrastructure for cruise operations and a further 20 million euros is planned up to 2026. We have reinforced competitiveness and quality in the provision of port services for the demanding cruise traffics. The common project of Global Ports Holding and Ports of Las Palmas is a great development born out of determination, commitment and professionalism”.

Mehmet Kutman, GPH Chairman and CEO highlighted the importance of the Project for GPH: “Spain has always been an important country for GPH as it has been the milestone of its expansion into the international cruise markets. With our local partner Sepcan group, we look forward to work in partnership with Port Authority of Las Palmas and all stakeholders for this project ”

Javier Rodríguez Sánchez, GPH Regional Director West Med & Asia said “Today, we are delighted to reveal our latest project of 3 ports in the Canaries. The Las Palmas project is a proof of our continued efforts in sustainability and shows our commitment not only to social benefits but our care for the environment. We look forward to enhance guest experience and cruise operations with the local expertise and global knowledge in the Canaries and we also look forward to continue working in our expansion projects in the region.”

The project features a new sustainable terminal building and infrastructure improvement in the Las Palmas Cruise Port. The project includes a 14,400m2 terminal build from sustainable recycled materials to achieve low carbon footprint that will be able to provide smoother homeporting and transit operations at one of the busiest ports in Spain. Operational by 2024 cruise season, Las Palmas Cruise Port, with an ability to handle the largest cruise ships in the world simultaneously, will have new retail and F&B experiences, 40 bus capacity and an improved operational structure.

Las Palmas ports has increased the number of ports of GPH in Spain to 7. As the third busiest cruise destination in Spain, Las Palmas located in East-Mid Atlantic at the Canaries. A popular destination for winter cruising thanks to the archipelago’s mild climate, its major cruise port, Las Palmas is also a year-round destination thanks to its international air connections. With its sandy beaches and beautiful turquoise waters, Las Palmas brings together culture scenery.

Port of Galveston, Waze partner to improve traffic conditions

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 07 September 2022 07 September 2022

The Port of Galveston is partnering with popular navigation app Waze to decrease traffic congestion and make better-informed planning decisions with real-time traffic and roadway data.

The free, two-way data share agreement will give port officials real-time data collected directly from Waze users. The port will provide Waze with real-time construction and road closure data, which will help Waze users plan the most efficient routes.

“We are always looking for opportunities to improve traffic flow in and around the port, especially our cruise terminals, which host more than 1 million passengers a year,” said Rodger Rees, port director and CEO. “The partnership with Waze gives us a great tool to enhance our traffic plans and our clean air initiatives to benefit port users and island residents.”

Waze users will have access to current road construction, hazard and closure information. The port will be able to give cruise passengers and ground transportation providers the best routes to specific terminals to minimize traffic congestion.

As a Waze partner, the port will be able to edit Waze maps to add roads and other relevant information. This is especially important as the port completes phases of its new internal roadway and opens its third cruise terminal at Pier 10 in November, Rees said.

Waze also supports the port’s vision to be a Smart Cruise Port by using technology to enhance the debarkation and embarkation processes for cruise passengers. Reducing travel and idling times also contributes to the port’s environmental goals as a Green Marine-certified port.

In 2022, the port expects 330 cruise ship sailings, with more passengers and ships forecast next year. Cargo transports, ship supplies and other port-related activities also generate traffic in and around the port.

Port Mobility Director Julio De Leon sad, “We're thrilled to partner with Waze to gain a deeper understanding of real-time conditions. The context Waze gives us in terms of what’s happening and why traffic conditions are being affected in near real-time is invaluable to our traffic planning program as we prepare for growth in our cruise and cargo sectors.”

Port Everglades names new Chief Harbormaster Christopher Marchant

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 06 September 2022 06 September 2022

Port Everglades has promoted Christopher (Chris) Marchant to the role of Chief Harbormaster, guiding maritime services for Broward County's multi-faceted 2,190-acre seaport.

Marchant has served as Assistant Harbormaster for Port Everglades since August 2021 and as Duty Harbormaster from May 2010. He was also a linehandler with Port Everglades for four years.

"Chris is a prime example of how we recognize talent from within the organization, which preserves valuable institutional knowledge and helps us deliver high quality services to our customers in the cruise, cargo and energy sectors," said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Jonathan Daniels.

Marchant earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

Portland in UK to expand port to receive two large cruise ships at a time

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 06 September 2022 06 September 2022

Portland Port on the south west coast of the UK said it is embarking on its largest and most ambitious improvement project to date, investing £26 million in a major berth development that would allow it to receive two large cruise ships simultaneously.

“The port has applied for, and had approved, all the necessary permissions to carry out the project. The development will see the existing Deep Water Berth (DWB) removed, and replaced with a brand new, extended berth. In addition, the works will deliver a 74m extension to the solid quay face of our current primary cruise berth, the Outer Coaling Pier (OCP),” the port said in a statement.

The outcome of the development works will be a brand new DWB with a 250m solid berth face, including a suite of new 150t bollards and with 12m water depth alongside, capable of handling cruise ships up to 350m long. In addition, OCP will be extended to produce a 250m solid berth face with 11m water depth alongside. Overall the project will deliver 16,000m2 of additional quayside space and be capable of handling two 350m LOA cruise ships alongside at the same time.

"Milestone for port and its future"

Alex Hayes, Landside General Manager at Portland Port, who is overseeing the project and said: “This is a key investment for the port and demonstrates our commitement to the continued development of our infrastructure. The project has taken a lot of time and planning to take it from its initial conception though to implementation. There is still a lot of work to be done before the project is complete, however the outcome will be a milestone for the port and its future.”

During the tender process, pre-qualifications were sent out to 20 applicants. Knights Brown are the Managing Contractor with Ramboll undertaking the design work as Principal Designer. Ramboll have used their expertise in the design of quay walls to minimise the tonnage of steel required as well as maximising the use of locally available rock within the works.

The piling works has been awarded to Red 7 Marine. Red 7 Marine and the port have worked successfully together before, during the construction of the two new dolphins on OCP in 2017. Red 7 Marine is an experienced marine company, which has developed and grown consistently since 1999.

Along with Red 7 Marine, local contractors Barrett Electrical, D&M Groundworks, ESG Trading, Pipefix and Quest Marine will also be involved in supporting the works.

The preparatory works are already underway and, once complete, the development will have used 380,000 tonnes of locally sourced infill material and 4,800 tonnes of steel. The piling works are due to commence at the beginning of October with the both OCP and DWB being fully operational by 1st May 2023.

The initial surface finish of the quayside will be temporary but heavy duty, to allow for settling, with final surfacing works due to take place between October 2023 and February 2024.

Ian McQuade, Portland Port’s Commercial General Manager said: “This development will provide a major and significant enhancement to the port’s capabilities. The new facilities will enable Portland Port to keep pace with the increasing demands from our existing cruise and cargo customers whilst offering the opportunity for future growth.”

Bodrum welcomed the largest cruise ship in its history

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 29 August 2022 29 August 2022

Bodrum Cruise Port, a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding, the world's largest cruise port operator, hosted the largest cruise ship in Bodrum's history on August 25, Thursday: Odyssey of the Seas. While the ship's 3693 passengers were visiting Bodrum city center, there were also passengers who preferred the castle and ruins tours. Aziz Güngör, Global Ports Holding Eastern Mediterranean Ports Director, said, “We will be seeing more large ships like Odyssey of the Seas in Bodrum waters from next year. Bodrum is on its way to becoming a very important cruise destination.”

Bodrum, as one of Turkey's rising star of cruise destinations, hosted the Odyssey of the Seas, the 2nd newest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Odyssey of the Seas, bringing 3693 passengers, mainly American, British and German, made its first voyage to Bodrum. While most of the passengers visited Bodrum's old town and bazaars on foot, some of the other passengers took tour buses to go to Bodrum’s archaeological sites such as St. Peter Castle, authentic Sandima Village Tour, Jeep Safari, Turkish Bath and Beach Clubs.

Global Ports Holding, Eastern Mediterranean Ports Director Aziz Güngör said that for the first time in its history, Bodrum Cruise Port has hosted a ship of this size in cruise tourism, where ship sizes and capacities are increasing day by day. Güngör said, “We will be seeing bigger ships such as Odyssey of the Seas, which we will see twice this year, in Bodrum waters more and more, starting next year. Bodrum is on its way to becoming a very important cruise tourism destination.”

Bodrum exhibited a rising performance in cruise tourism in 2022. In the first 7 months of the year, Bodrum ranked 3rd after Kuşadası and Istanbul in terms of the number of ships and passengers. Bodrum Cruise Port, which is among the few ports of Turkey with the Green Port accreditation, provides the terminal and pier services required by a cruise port in full.