Global Ports Holdings has completed an agreement to operate the current pier and build a new one at the Antigua cruise port.
Larger Cruise Ships are Coming to Antigua
Big things are happening on the eastern Caribbean island of Antigua with a new agreement that has now been completed with Global Ports Holdings. The port operator will manage and maintain the current pier and facility at the St John Cruise Port and bring its expertise to increase tourism for the government of Antigua and Barbuda.
Emre Sayin, Global Ports Holding, Chief Executive Officer commented:
“I am delighted that we have started cruise port operations in Antigua & Barbuda. The commencement of this agreement is a significant milestone for GPH and is a further endorsement of our operating capabilities and the benefits that our stakeholder partnership approach can bring to cruise destinations, passengers and the local population.
The addition of the cruise port operations in Antigua to GPH’s portfolio builds on the Group’s recent success in the Caribbean. From a standing start just over a year ago, GPH’s Caribbean operations will soon be delivering as much EBITDA as its Mediterranean operations did in 2018. We very much welcome St John’s cruise port into our family. And the GPH team looks forward to working with all stakeholders to build further on the success of this fantastic destination.”
The largest independent cruise port operated will be investing $45-50 million in the first 12 months which includes the completion of a new cruise pier and new retail facilities.
Also Read: 20 Things to Do in Antigua for Cruise Visitors
The new pier will be able to cater for the larger 5,000 passengers and above mega-ships such as Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships. In turn, this will increase cruise visitors to the island and GPH is expecting to increase the total number of passenger volumes for 2020 near to 13 million.
Cruise Hive will continue to follow the developments of this new project and keep readers updated. This news also follows the recent announcement of the Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean working together to develop a new pier facility in St. Lucia.
