By
Alex Smith |
Cruise port operator Global Ports Holding (GPH) is currently developing a new passenger terminal on the new Balears Pier at the Port of Tarragona in Spain, after signing a 12-year concession agreement with the Port Authority of Tarragona. It also has the option to extend the contract by six years.
The Balears Pier was completed in 2021 after a €30 million ($29.5 million) construction project which saw the cruise berthing line extended by 700 metres. The pier is now capable of receiving the largest cruise ships in the world and has capacity to accommodate up to four ships at the same time.
To match the potential of this new infrastructure, GPH is building a €5.5 million ($5.41 million) terminal capable of delivering a great experience for cruise guests. The facility will feature a flexible design that can be adapted for future capacity needs, as well as to offer a space for hosting events. The terminal will use solar energy to sustainably meet its energy needs.
“We are delighted to have been chosen as the operator of a port with such high potential,” says Javier Rodríguez, director for the Mediterranean and Asia for GPH. “Tarragona is a beautiful destination with great connections. We look forward to highlighting its history and culture, while building a new, environmentally friendly terminal that will complement the port and the destination.”
Construction of the terminal is set to be completed in autumn 2023. With the Balears Pier and its new terminal, the port aims to match and improve upon the record 128,000 passengers it received in 2019, before the pandemic prevented it from building on its momentum in 2020-2022.
“This operation represents a great additional boost,” says Josep Maria Cruset, president of the Port Authority of Tarragona. “The association with GPH consolidates the cruise ship project in our port. Its experience and professionalism will help relaunch cruise activity and recover the pre-pandemic results in two years. We are pleased that Tarragona will be available to more visitors from all over the world.”
This article was first published in the 2023 issue of Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed. Subscribe to Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning for FREE here to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox or your door.