MEDIA

05 Jun 2026

Global Ports Holding Granted 30-Year Concession to Develop Ferrol Cruise Port

Global Ports Holding Limited (“GPH”), the world’s largest independent cruise port operator, is pleased to announce that the Port Authority of Ferrol-San Cibrao has granted Global Ports Ferrol S.L. a 30-year concession for the construction and operation of the cruise terminal at the Port of Ferrol.

The concession follows GPH’s successful award of a 30-year concession for Ferrol Cruise Port in November 2025, marking an important milestone in the Group’s continued expansion across Spain and the Atlantic region.

The concession covers a total area of 960 square meters on the Outer Breakwater Wharf and will be developed in two phases. The first phase will include the construction of a 480-square-meter terminal building, with a second phase planned once the wharf is fully operational for larger cruise vessels. A mobile facility will also be available to support calls berthed further from the main terminal, enabling the port to handle multiple cruise calls simultaneously.

Following the concession award, Global Ports Holding will submit the construction project for the first phase within three months, with works expected to begin within six months, subject to the necessary approvals from the Port Authority.
The new terminal will provide services for cruise lines, shipping agents, passengers, and port service providers, including passenger guidance, baggage control, gangway operations, and related services. The development will be carried out in line with energy-efficiency and environmental sustainability criteria.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding, commented:
“Ferrol represents another important milestone in our continued growth across Spain and the Atlantic region. We are delighted to move into the development phase of this project and look forward to delivering a modern cruise terminal that enhances the passenger experience while supporting the long-term growth and international positioning of the destination.”

Francesc Grau, GPH Regional Director West Med commented: “Ferrol holds strong potential as an emerging cruise destination in Northern Spain, with a unique combination of maritime heritage, cultural appeal, and access to the wider Galicia region. This concession marks an important step in our commitment to developing modern, efficient, and sustainable cruise infrastructure that will support the port’s long-term growth. By investing in the new terminal, we aim to enhance the passenger experience, strengthen Ferrol’s position on cruise itineraries, and create lasting value for the city, the Port Authority, and the local community.”

Strategically located on Spain’s northwest coast along key Atlantic cruise routes, Ferrol further strengthens GPH’s presence in Spain and the wider Atlantic region. Leveraging GPH’s global operating expertise and cruise line relationships, annual passenger volumes are projected to increase from approximately 23,000 in 2026 to around 80,000 by 2034.

Global Ports Holding looks forward to working closely with the Port Authority of Ferrol-San Cibrao and local stakeholders to support the sustainable growth of cruise tourism in Ferrol and contribute to the city’s wider economic development and international visibility.