Opened in 2024, the new Tarragona Cruise Port, operated by Global Ports Holding and located on the Balearic Wharf, has become an international benchmark in architectural design, sustainable construction, and industrialized innovation. This new facility has not only enhanced the experience for cruise passengers and operators but has also garnered international attention for its quality, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
International Recognitions and Awards
Since its commissioning, this building, designed by Hombre de Piedra Arquitectos, has been recognized by some of the most prestigious architectural and industrial competitions in the world:
- Advanced Architecture Awards 2025 – Finalist: Recognition of architectural innovation and transformation, awarded during REBUILD 2025 at IFEMA Madrid.
- Offsite Awards (United Kingdom) – Finalist: International Project of the Year Awards dedicated to industrialized architecture of excellence.
- Design Educates Awards – Honorable Mention in Architecture The jury, chaired by Pritzker Prize winner Toyo Ito, highlighted its pedagogical and emotional value.
- Seatrade Cruise Awards 2025 – Finalist: International Project of the Year International recognition within the cruise sector.
Architecture with Mediterranean character and environmental efficiency
Designed by architect Juan Manuel Rojas and his team at Hombre de Piedra Arquitectos, under the technical direction of David Corbella of Global Ports Holding, the terminal features architecture inspired by the Roman mosaics of Tarraco and modernist trencadís, with a roof that creates a clearly recognizable visual identity from the sea.
The modular, off-site industrialized architecture designed for this terminal uses a non-orthogonal geometry to facilitate passenger traffic and allow for easy adaptation of the building to future needs. The open angles of this geometry promote passenger flow. Modularity allows for coherent evolution over time with easy expansion or dismantling. Furthermore, the proposed geometry represents a triumph of the organic underwater world over the concrete rigidity of ports.
This project has resulted in a 60% reduction in CO₂ emissions and a 55% reduction in waste during the construction phase. It is a fully demountable, recyclable, and scalable infrastructure, with a clear commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.
Functionality, capacity and services
With an area of 2,200 m², the terminal can accommodate up to four cruise ships simultaneously thanks to its 759-meter berth. The space is designed to optimize passenger flow and ensure smooth and efficient operations.
In the coming years, the Port of Tarragona plans to implement the Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system, which will allow ships to connect to the electrical grid while docked, eliminating emissions from the use of auxiliary engines.
Future projection and impact on the territory
With over 136,000 passengers welcomed in 2024, Tarragona Cruise Port has established itself as a leader in the sector and faces the coming seasons with excellent growth prospects. The new infrastructure supports a sustainable and territorially balanced tourism development model that benefits not only the city of Tarragona but also other destinations of interest in the region, generating a positive impact throughout the area.
