World's largest cruise port operator signs half a century deal at Greenock ocean terminal

The world’s largest cruise port operator has signed a 50-year lease agreement to operate at Inverclyde’s ocean terminal.

The terminal on Greenock’s waterfront, which was set up as part of a £20m project including a new visitor centre, has welcomed over 80 cruise ships from across the globe.

Cruise ships carrying over 5,000 passengers including 18-decker ‘Disney Dream’ have docked at the port since its opening under the operation of Peel Ports Group.

The new centre opened in 2023, funded by the Scottish and UK governments and with contributions from Peel Ports Group and the George Wyllie Foundation.

Now, Global Ports Holding Ltd (GPH) – which operates 33 cruise ports in 21 countries – will take over the operation of the cruise port in a bid to boost tourism to the region and Scotland as a whole.

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 Global Ports Holding, 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.”

Peel Ports Group is the UK’s second largest port operator, owning and operating six of the UK’s most important ports in Liverpool, Heysham, Manchester Ship Canal, Medway (Sheerness / Chatham), Clydeport and Great Yarmouth.

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.”

Martin McCluskey, MP for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West, 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.

“I have already discussed with the company their plans to ensure more opportunities flow to local people and local businesses.

“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.”