Global Ports Holding Limited in collaboration with Ocean Platform Marinas has been awarded a 25-year concession contract to operate the Seville Cruise Port, the city's cruise and megayacht terminal, located between the Delicias and Tablada docks in the Port of Seville.
Over the next 25 years, GPH and OPM will combine their global leadership in cruise ports with deep expertise in marina management to position Seville as a key destination for both cruise ships and large yachts.
GPH and OPM will invest €5 million in a new terminal in the Port Urban District and in improving services associated with each port call, among other initiatives. The goal is to attract higher value-added port calls in both business lines, optimize all services linked to each port call, improve passenger service and experience, and strengthen the urban integration of the waterfront.
“Global industry leaders have joined forces to manage the cruise terminal in a clear commitment to the Port of Seville,” stated Rafael Carmona, President of the Port Authority. Carmona highlighted the strong interest in the city’s potential as a top-tier tourist destination and noted: “Our goal is to jointly promote the development of the premium cruise and megayacht business under sustainability criteria, increasing the number of port calls and consolidating a marina in the heart of the city.”.
Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, added:
“We are delighted to expand our presence in Spain with the Seville Cruise Terminal. Together with our local partner, OPM, we believe Seville offers exceptional potential for both cruise and megayacht operations, and we look forward to working closely with the Port Authority to develop the full potential of this unique destination.”
For his part, José Luis Almazán, CEO of Ocean Capital Partners, stated:
“Our goal is to make Seville a benchmark for port-city integration: a home port where ships can access top-tier services while enjoying a unique urban experience. To achieve this, we have the support of the Port Authority of Seville and Global Ports Holding as the ideal partner for terminal management and passenger services.”
The concession covers an area of 5,100 square meters, which includes the current cruise terminal at the Delicias Dock, the adjacent esplanades and the berthing line.
The plan also includes 1,548 square meters at the Tablada Wharf for the new cruise terminal, which will be located in one of the port's historic buildings within the Port Urban District. Once cruise operations move to Tablada, the Delicias Wharf will reinforce its role as a marina dedicated to large yachts.
Throughout the various phases of the project, Global Ports and OPM Sevilla plan to invest more than €5 million, primarily in the development of the new terminal and in improving services for cruise ships and megayachts. The investment program includes improvements to the berthing areas, optimization of passenger flows, specialized support for large yachts, and the provision of technical facilities for winter storage and afloat repairs.
The investment will be carried out over the next five years; in the short term, more than 700,000 euros will be allocated to improvements in the current cruise terminal and the Delicias Dock.
In addition to cruise operations, the concession includes specialized services for megayachts, such as concierge assistance, provisioning and technical support, positioning Seville as an attractive home port and wintering destination for operators.
The Port of Seville occupies a unique position in the cruise industry. Its inland location, accessible via the Guadalquivir Waterway, makes this inland maritime port an ideal hub for embarkation, disembarkation, and transit operations, especially for cruises that combine river and ocean itineraries. Currently, the volume of cruise passengers is around 20,000 per year, a figure that Global Ports and OPM Sevilla expect to increase, supported by their strong position in the sector, their close relationships with shipping lines, and their global business network.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
