A MAJOR new deal with the world’s largest cruise port operator has been hailed as “incredibly exciting” news for Greenock.
Global Ports Holding (GPH) announced on Monday that it has signed a 50-year lease agreement with Clydeport Operations Ltd, part of the Peel Ports Group, to operate Greenock Cruise Port, which welcomed more than 80 ships from around the world last year – a number set to grow in 2025 and beyond.
The deal follows the completion in 2023 of the £20 million visitor centre at the Ocean Terminal, a project led by Inverclyde Council and forming part of the £1bn Glasgow City Region City Deal.
The deal comes after GPH added the operation of Liverpool Cruise Port to its portfolio last year.
The company already operates more than 30 cruise ports around the word, but Greenock its first venture into Scotland.
Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West MP Martin McCluskey said: “This is an incredibly exciting announcement for Greenock.
“This long term 50-year commitment is a real vote of confidence in our area and our future as a cruise destination.
“I have been clear since I was elected that the cruise industry offers a real opportunity for economic growth in our area, and that my priority would be bringing more of those opportunities here.
“I was pleased to meet with Global Ports Holding this week in Parliament and to welcome this exciting announcement. Global Ports Holding run over 30 cruise ports around the world – including world leading ports in the Bahamas, Barcelona, Liverpool, Venice and Singapore.
“My cruise tourism roundtable a few weeks ago showed the appetite of local businesses to work with the industry and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with local traders and the cruise industry to make the most of this opportunity.”
Established in 2004 as an independent cruise port operator, GPH is the world’s largest and leading cruise port brand, operating 33 cruise ports in 21 countries and providing services for more than 20m cruise passengers annually.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: "We’re excited to welcome Global Ports Holding to Inverclyde and to the first-class Greenock Cruise Port visitor centre.
“The fact that this is their first venture into Scotland is a ringing endorsement for Greenock, Inverclyde and the terminal building.
“They are the world’s largest cruise port operator with a huge amount of experience and expertise to build on the excellent work done by our partners at Peel Ports Group to grow and develop the cruise ship market in Inverclyde even further.
“Global Ports Holding’s mission is to enhance cruise operations and attract more passengers while aiming to stimulate economic growth for the local community and create new business opportunities in the wider Glasgow City Region.
“This complements our own aims and ambitions of creating opportunities, encouraging inward investment in the area, and ultimately making Inverclyde an even better place to live, work, visit, and do business.”
Stephen Xuereb, chief operating officer of Global Ports Holding, commented: “Greenock Cruise Port is an important addition to our network, strengthening our presence in Northern Europe.
"Our priority is to enhance operational efficiency and the passenger experience while working closely with local stakeholders to unlock the port’s full potential.
"We look forward to bringing our expertise to Greenock and contributing to its long-term success.”
Mehmet Kutman, chairman and chief executive officer of GPH, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Greenock Cruise Port into the Global Ports Holding network as our first port in Scotland.
“This marks an exciting milestone in our UK expansion, reinforcing our commitment to growing cruise tourism across the region.
“Scotland is a world-renowned destination, and we look forward to working closely with local stakeholders to enhance Greenock’s cruise facilities, drive sustainable growth, and deliver exceptional experiences for cruise passengers visiting this remarkable country.”
David Huck, chief operating officer at Peel Ports Group, added: “Today’s announcement is another huge milestone for the transformation of Greenock Cruise Port and further signifies the West Coast of Scotland’s status as a UK destination of choice.
"Since the cruise facility opened, we’ve welcomed some of the biggest ships from across the globe into the Clyde, bringing thousands of tourists to the area, and the terminal plays an increasingly important role in the local economy.
“This historic agreement with Global Ports Holding is testament to the work our teams, together with Inverclyde Council, have done to position Greenock firmly on the map.
"We are very proud of that achievement and look forward to seeing Greenock Cruise Port go from strength to strength under GPH’s management and investment plans.”
