Company will manage services for the next 35 years and invest to improve port facilities
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Global Ports Holding (GPH) has started managing cruise operations at Antigua’s main cruise port, just six months after signing a concession agreement with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in February 2019.
Working with its partners, GPH will be responsible for providing cruise services at both the port in St John’s and to the ships that anchor near Falmouth Harbour for the next 30 years.
"I am delighted that we are starting cruise port operations in Antigua,” said Emre Sayin, CEO of GPH. “This agreement marks a significant milestone for GPH and Antigua and Barbuda and is a further endorsement of our operating capabilities and the benefits we can bring to cruise destinations, for passengers and the local population in the Caribbean.”
GPH will also finance the completion of a new pier to enable St John’s to accommodate cruise vessels that accommodate more than 5,000 passengers. In addition, GPH will invest to improve the area surrounding the port and expand the terminal’s current retail, food and beverage facilities.
Through these investments, GPH aims to improve the cruise experience for visiting guests and to encourage more operators to visit Antigua as part of their Southern Caribbean and transatlantic itineraries – either for transit or turnaround calls. The company will also provide employment and investment and opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudians.
“The addition of cruise port operations in Antigua and Bahamas to GPH’s portfolio augurs well for the future of the cruise industry in the Caribbean,” said Sayin. “The GPH team looks forward to working with all stakeholders to continue to build on the potential of Antigua and the Caribbean.”