UK’s Global Ports to operate Casablanca cruise terminal

GPH

A consortium led by British cruise operator Global Ports Holding (GPH) has secured preferred bidder status for operating a new cruise terminal in Casablanca.

The consortium was awarded a 15-year concession agreement with Morocco’s state-owned Agence Nationale des Ports (ANP).

The consortium and ANP are working towards finalising the concession terms, the London stock exchange-listed company said in a statement.

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GPH is the majority stakeholder with 51 percent, with Morocco’s Steya owning 40 percent and Spanish company Ocean Infrastructures Management holding the remaining nine percent. 

The cruise port infrastructure has undergone a €60 million ($65 million) upgrade, which includes the construction of a new pier, terminal and maritime station to global standards, significantly increasing the port’s capacity. 

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The port can handle ships up to 350m long and can receive 400,000 passengers per annum. 

Casablanca Cruise Port is expected to receive 150,000 transit passengers in 2024, which may increase to 180,000 in 2025. 

Last week the company signed a 50-year contract to operate cruise services at the Liverpool Cruise Port, a major cruise destination for American and European travellers.