The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of Tarragona has approved the awarding of the new cruise terminal to Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH). The concession will be for 12 years, with an option for a further 6 years, for the construction and operation of a new cruise passenger terminal in Tarragona.
The terminal will be located in the Mol de Balears, which can now accommodate the world's largest cruise ships and allows for the docking of up to four ships simultaneously, thanks to the increase in the docking line to 700 m.
In addition, the area available for cruise operations has been expanded with the addition of the new 40,000m² apron. The Port Authority has also invested in upgrading the pier for electrification, which will significantly reduce CO2 emissions from docked cruise ships.
GPH will invest up to €5.5 million in the construction of a new, state-of-the-art modular cruise terminal, which will utilize solar energy to ensure the sustainable provision of the terminal's energy needs. This building will offer passengers a full range of services. It will also feature an intermodal area for coach and car parking. The building's modular design will provide maximum flexibility to adapt the terminal to future capacity requirements and will offer an event space in a unique setting.
Josep M. Cruset, President of the Port of Tarragona, believes that “the awarding of the new cruise terminal at the Moll de Balears represents a great additional boost for a project that the Port shares with the City Council of Tarragona, Reus and Vila-seca, the tourism agents and the companies of our territory and of the “Costa Daurada”.
Emre Sayin, CEO of GPH, stated, “The Port of Tarragona Terminal is a significant acquisition for our company, reinforcing our growing presence in the Iberian Peninsula and the Western Mediterranean. We are very grateful to the Port Authority of Tarragona for placing their trust in GPH as the operator of the Port of Tarragona Cruise Terminal and look forward to working with all stakeholders to increase passenger traffic in Tarragona in a sustainable and responsible manner.”.
