Global Ports Holding (GPH) has signed a 30-year concession contract with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to develop and manage the St. Vincent cruise port, located in Kingstown, the country's capital and main port.
The agreement comes after the memorandum of understanding signed between GPH and the Government in June 2026 and represents a significant step forward for the development of the cruise tourism sector in the country.
The signing ceremony took place on October 26, 2026 at the Kingstown cruise terminal, with the presence of the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Honorable Dr. Godwin Friday, along with several government ministers and other authorities.
Provided that the preconditions set out in the concession contract are met, GPH is expected to begin managing the San Vicente cruise port during the first quarter of 2027.
Under the agreement, GPH will contribute its extensive experience in cruise port management, its operational capabilities and its established relationships with major shipping lines to drive the long-term development of the facilities and strengthen St. Vincent and the Grenadines' position as a cruise destination in the southern Caribbean.
The St. Vincent cruise port is expected to receive more than 250,000 passengers during the 2026/27 season, providing a solid foundation for its future growth under GPH's management.
The company plans to develop a phased investment program focused on modernizing port infrastructure, expanding berthing capacity to accommodate larger cruise ships, and improving the overall passenger experience.
Beyond infrastructure, GPH will work closely with the Government and local stakeholders to develop shore excursions, support local businesses and generate wider economic benefits for the destination communities.
Mehmet Kutman, President and CEO of Global Ports Holding, stated: “This agreement opens a new chapter in our collaboration with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We value the trust placed in GPH and are committed to combining our international experience and investment capacity with the unique character and potential of the destination. Our ambition is to develop a modern and sustainable cruise port that generates long-term economic value, supports local businesses and communities, and ensures that the benefits of cruise tourism extend far beyond the port facilities.”.
For his part, Mike Maura Jr., regional director of GPH Americas, stated: “Based on our experience in the Caribbean, including San Juan and Nassau, we look forward to bringing our regional expertise and industry best practices to St. Vincent, while respecting its unique identity. Our goal will be to enhance the passenger experience, strengthen the destination’s appeal to cruise lines, and work closely with local stakeholders to create real opportunities for businesses and communities.”.
The addition of the St. Vincent cruise port will further strengthen GPH's presence in the Caribbean and reflects the company's commitment to working with governments and local communities to develop sustainable cruise destinations and generate long-term value.
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