Global Ports Holding Opens 14,000-sqm Las Palmas Cruise Terminal

Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, has opened a new cruise terminal at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria that it is positioning as the largest cruise terminal in Europe and a major new gateway for Atlantic cruise calls in the Canary Islands.

GPH said the Las Palmas Cruise Port terminal was developed with local partner Sepcan and forms part of a wider investment program across multiple islands, alongside ongoing work at Spanish ports including Sevilla and Ferrol.

Las Palmas terminal details and what GPH says it enables

GPH said the new terminal spans 14,000 square meters across two levels and is designed to support multi-ship operations. The company said the facility includes three boarding bridges and has the operational capacity to serve up to four cruise ships simultaneously.

Francesc Grau, GPH’s regional director for West Mediterranean, linked the opening to the port’s wider ambitions, saying, “The opening of the new cruise terminal marks an important milestone for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and further strengthens its position as a key cruise hub in the Atlantic.”

• Footprint and layout: GPH said the terminal covers 14,000 square meters on two levels, a design intended to support passenger processing and ship turnaround activity.
• Boarding infrastructure: The terminal includes three boarding bridges, which GPH said supports handling multiple ship calls in parallel.
• Multi-ship capacity: GPH said the terminal can accommodate up to four cruise ships simultaneously, pointing to a focus on higher-volume port days.
• Delivery model: GPH said the terminal was developed with Sepcan and sits within a broader €40 million investment plan for cruise terminal upgrades across the Canary Islands.

Part of a broader €40 million terminal modernization program in the Canary Islands

GPH said the Las Palmas terminal is part of a €40 million investment plan aimed at upgrading cruise terminal facilities across Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. In describing its wider work in the province, GPH has also referenced terminals in Las Palmas, Arrecife, and Puerto del Rosario.

Mehmet Kutman, chairman of Global Ports Holding, tied the investment to the region’s role in deployment planning, saying, “We strongly believe in the long-term potential of the Canary Islands as one of the leading cruise destinations in the Atlantic.” In separate remarks cited by GPH, Kutman also described the Las Palmas terminal as a “crucial step” in strengthening the region’s global competitiveness.

Beatriz Calzada, president of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, said the inauguration demonstrates readiness for continued growth and service improvements at the port. In comments referenced by GPH on the province’s broader terminal work, Calzada said investments in cruise terminals in Las Palmas, Arrecife, and Puerto del Rosario have been important for meeting cruise line requirements.

Inauguration event and Seatrade Cruise Med plans

GPH said the opening was marked by a mid-afternoon cocktail reception held inside the new terminal. The company added that the terminal is set to host Seatrade Cruise Med this September, placing Las Palmas at the center of a major cruise industry gathering shortly after the facility’s debut.

Sevilla: 25-year concession launches Tablada terminal project

Beyond the Canary Islands, GPH has been outlining developments across its West Mediterranean portfolio, including ongoing work in Sevilla. Ocean Platform Marinas (OPM) and GPH have begun operating a cruise and megayacht terminal at Sevilla Cruise Port under a 25-year concession agreement, with the partners planning a €5 million investment to develop a new terminal at Tablada and upgrade services for cruise ships and megayachts.

GPH said the concession covers a combined 5,100 square meters and includes the current cruise terminal at Delicias Wharf along with adjacent space and the berthing line. It also includes 1,548 square meters at Tablada Wharf, where GPH said the new cruise terminal is planned to be located inside one of the port’s sheds within the Port Urban District.

Once cruise operations move to Tablada, Delicias Wharf is expected to shift toward a more dedicated role for large-yacht marina activity, according to GPH. Rafael Carmona, president of the Port Authority of Seville, highlighted the destination’s city access, saying, “Seville is highly attractive for cruise ships and megayachts, providing visitors the singular experience of sailing along the Guadalquivir estuary while docking in the heart of the city.”

Ferrol: terminal development positioned to support cruise-call growth

In Ferrol, GPH said it is advancing development plans aimed at increasing cruise activity while maintaining the destination’s character and strengthening onshore services. Jesús Casas, director of the Ferrol-San Cibrao Port Authority, said, “This project completes the missing piece: to reinforce the cruise traffic with a terminal that reflects Ferrol’s tourism potential.”

With the Las Palmas terminal now inaugurated and set to host Seatrade Cruise Med in September, GPH’s parallel work in Sevilla and Ferrol points to continued near-term focus on terminal infrastructure and passenger-facing services across its Spain portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How big is the new Las Palmas Cruise Port terminal?

GPH said the terminal building covers 14,000 square meters across two levels.

How many cruise ships can the Las Palmas terminal handle at the same time?

GPH said the terminal has three boarding bridges and the operational capacity to serve up to four cruise ships simultaneously.

What does GPH’s €40 million Canary Islands investment plan cover?

GPH said its €40 million plan targets cruise terminal upgrades across Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote, and it has referenced work connected to terminals in Las Palmas, Arrecife, and Puerto del Rosario.

What industry event is scheduled for the new Las Palmas terminal?

GPH said the terminal is set to host Seatrade Cruise Med this September.

What is planned under the Sevilla concession at Delicias Wharf and Tablada Wharf?

GPH said OPM and GPH have started operating a cruise and megayacht terminal under a 25-year concession and plan to invest €5 million to develop a new terminal at Tablada and upgrade services. Once cruise operations move to Tablada, GPH said Delicias Wharf is expected to shift toward a more dedicated role for large-yacht marina activity.