Global Ports Holding (GPH) has signed a 15-year concession agreement with the Agence Nationale des Ports (ANP) to operate the Casablanca cruise terminal.
The concession was awarded to a consortium majority-owned by GPH (51%) and its local partners, following a public bidding process. The consortium will assume operations starting in January 2026.
This milestone follows the recent inauguration of Casablanca’s new state-of-the-art cruise terminal by His Majesty King Mohammed VI on September 18, 2025. The facilities include a 650-meter pier, three boarding bridges, parking for 44 buses, and a maritime station designed to international standards. It can accommodate ships up to 350 meters in length and handle more than 450,000 passengers annually, reinforcing Casablanca’s position as a growing hub for Western Mediterranean and transatlantic cruise itineraries.
The signing marks another important milestone for GPH, further strengthening its presence in the Atlantic and Western Mediterranean region. Casablanca now joins GPH's robust network of ports, including La Goulette, Las Palmas, and Mindelo, creating a connected corridor linking the Canary Islands, West Africa, and the Western Mediterranean, while also serving as a key gateway for transatlantic routes between Europe and the Caribbean.
Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and a key gateway for cruise passengers wishing to explore the country's cultural and historical diversity: from the capital, Rabat, to the enchanting Red City of Marrakech, which will soon be just 1.2 hours away thanks to the completion of the new high-speed rail line ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The National Ports Administration (ANP) has invested approximately €72 million in the development and construction of the new cruise terminal and all its components. The Port of Casablanca Cruises received approximately 150,000 transit passengers in 2024 and is expected to reach 180,000 in 2025.
Mehmet Kutman, President and CEO of Global Ports Holding, stated: “The Casablanca Cruise Port is an important addition to our expanding regional network, strengthening our presence in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Its modern facilities and strategic location make it an ideal link between established and emerging cruise destinations. We look forward to working closely with the National Ports Administration (ANP) and all stakeholders to deliver exceptional services, enhance the cruise experience, and contribute to the sustainable growth of cruise tourism in Morocco.”
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