Global Ports Holding Wins 24-Year Acapulco Cruise Port Concession

Global Ports Holding (GPH) has signed a 24-year operating concession to run and develop the Acapulco Cruise Port in Mexico, marking the cruise port operator’s first venture into the country.

The agreement, reached with the Administration of the National Port System Acapulco (ASIPONA Acapulco), covers a 17,199-square-meter concession area and sets out phased upgrades, with GPH targeting the start of operations in the second quarter of 2026.

Concession scope and near-term milestones

GPH signed the concession agreement on April 9, 2026, after being selected as the preferred bidder by ASIPONA Acapulco. Under the deal, GPH will operate and develop the cruise terminal within the defined concession area, while redevelopment is expected to unfold over several years under the long-term framework.

• Q2 2026: GPH aims to begin on-the-ground operations at Acapulco Cruise Port.
• Q1 2027: ASIPONA’s new 350-meter cruise pier is scheduled for completion, expanding berthing capability for larger ships.
• After pier delivery: The new berth is expected to become part of the overall concession area once finished.

Terminal upgrades and new on-site offerings

GPH said its planned investments will be phased and focused on modernizing terminal operations for visiting ships and passengers. The company’s stated priorities include improving passenger circulation, terminal efficiency, and overall cruise operations.

Alongside operational changes, the plans call for additional leisure and commercial elements intended for cruise visitors. The goal, according to the project descriptions, is to create a smoother transition from port to destination through measures such as clearer navigation, more organized arrival areas, and expanded retail offerings tailored to cruise passengers.

Destination experiences and shore-side concepts

Beyond the terminal footprint, GPH said it intends to work with cruise line partners and local stakeholders on destination experiences and shore-side concepts aimed at strengthening Acapulco’s role on Pacific and Mexican Riviera itineraries.

The company also outlined plans for locally inspired experiences and shore excursions intended to connect visitors with Acapulco’s identity, including programming tied to cultural heritage, natural attractions, and culinary traditions. These efforts are framed as a way to better engage cruise passengers and encourage longer time in the city, with greater economic benefits for the local economy as a stated objective.

ASIPONA’s 350-meter pier project

In parallel with GPH’s terminal program, ASIPONA is expected to construct a new 350-meter-long cruise pier using public resources. The pier is intended to allow Acapulco to accommodate larger, next-generation cruise vessels, and it is planned for completion in the first quarter of 2027.

Both sides described the work as a coordinated effort moving forward on separate timelines, with GPH’s phased terminal investments and the port authority’s pier development advancing in parallel.

What executives and port officials said

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, described the award as a company milestone tied to its entry into Mexico. “Being awarded the concession for Acapulco Cruise Port represents an important milestone for Global Ports Holding as it marks our first port in Mexico,” Kutman said. He added that GPH expects to work “through close cooperation with ASIPONA and local stakeholders” to support cruise tourism development in the region.

Mike Maura, GPH’s Regional Director for the Americas, said the company will prioritize day-to-day operations alongside passenger-facing improvements. “Together with ASIPONA and our local partners, we will focus on enhancing operational efficiency and the overall passenger experience, safety and security,” Maura said.

Retired Vice Admiral Raymundo Sánchez López, General Director of ASIPONA Acapulco, positioned the agreement as a turning point for the destination. “Acapulco is opening a new chapter in its development within the cruise sector,” Sánchez López said, adding that the effort is intended to strengthen the destination’s presence on international routes and improve the experience for arriving visitors.

Why Acapulco, and how it fits GPH’s Americas expansion

GPH describes itself as the world’s largest cruise port operator and said the Acapulco concession supports its expansion in the Americas. The company’s regional portfolio includes cruise destinations such as Saint Lucia, Nassau, San Juan, and Antigua.

Acapulco is historically significant as Mexico’s first port and has been a well-known cruise destination and a previous centerpiece of Mexican Riviera itineraries. At the same time, the city has faced pressure from newer, more modernized ports in the region, a dynamic GPH and ASIPONA aim to address through terminal upgrades and expanded berthing capability.

With the operational handover targeted for 2026 and the new berth planned for 2027, the next major markers for Acapulco will be the start of GPH’s management and progress on the 350-meter pier, as cruise lines assess the port’s upgraded facilities and expanded ability to handle larger ships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will Global Ports Holding begin operating the Acapulco Cruise Port?

GPH plans to commence operations in the second quarter of 2026 under the new 24-year concession.

What does the concession agreement cover?

The 24-year agreement covers a 17,199-square-meter concession area for operating and developing the cruise terminal in Acapulco. It also sets out phased investments by GPH, alongside a separate infrastructure project led by ASIPONA to add a new cruise pier.

What is the timeline for ASIPONA’s new 350-meter cruise pier?

ASIPONA’s 350-meter cruise pier is planned for completion in the first quarter of 2027. Once finished, the new berth is expected to be added to the overall concession area.

What changes are planned at the terminal for cruise passengers?

GPH’s plans include phased facility upgrades aimed at improving passenger flow and operational efficiency, plus new commercial and leisure offerings within the terminal area. The company has also said it will work with cruise line partners and local stakeholders on destination experiences and shore-side concepts.

Why is Acapulco seen as strategically important for Pacific and Mexican Riviera itineraries?

Acapulco is Mexico’s first port and has long been a recognized cruise destination on the Pacific side of the Americas. The concession agreement and the planned 350-meter pier are intended to strengthen its role as a transit stop by modernizing terminal operations and expanding the port’s ability to berth larger ships.