LONDON, UK: Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH), the world’s largest independent cruise port operator, has announced that it has signed a 30-year concession, with a potential 10-year extension option, with the Government of Saint Lucia for the cruise related operations in Saint Lucia.

The agreement marks a further significant step in GPH’s strategic ambitions in the Caribbean, the company said in a press release.

GPH will invest in a material expansion and upgrade of the cruise port facilities, including extending the existing berth in Point Seraphine, redeveloping the Vendor’s Arcade and designing and developing a new Fishermen’s Village at Banannes Bay. The investment will allow the port to handle the largest cruise ships in the global fleet and increase its capacity. GPH will also invest in upland development works at Soufriere Bay, including developing a new amphitheatre and food and beverage area.

The company said that the investment will improve the overall cruise passenger experience in St Lucia, as well as driving significant economic benefits for the local residents through improving the facilities in and around the port and increasing passenger spend in the destination.

St Lucia welcomed about 590,000 passengers in the 12 months to 31 March 2023, down from 790,000 passengers in 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. GPH expects to increase passenger volumes to over 1 million in the medium term after completing the extended pier and upgrading the facilities.

The commencement of the concession is subject to a number of final conditions being satisfied, and GPH expects to take over the management of Saint Lucia Cruise Port before the end of 2023.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman/CEO of GPH, commented on the deal: “I am delighted that the Government of Saint Lucia has awarded GPH the cruise port concession for Saint Lucia. This concession represents another significant milestone for GPH as we continue successfully growing our global cruise port network. The award is a further endorsement of our operating capabilities and the benefits our stakeholder partnership approach can bring to cruise destinations, passengers and the local population.”

GPH is a London-listed company that operates 19 ports in 13 countries, mainly in the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Asia-Pacific regions. GPH’s purpose is “to create world-class experiences at every port”.

Global Ports Holding signs first North American Cruise Port Concession