Global Ports Holding to Operate Havana Cruise Port

Turkey-based cruise port operator Global Ports Holding has signed a 15-year management agreement with the Cuban company Aries S.A. for the operation of the cruise port in Havana, Cuba.

Starting from June 21, 2018, Global Ports Holding will assume all of the cruise port operations until 2033. The port operator will also work with Cuban partners on the design and technical specification of the cruise port investment program, including proposed new terminals and their commercialization.

The port currently has two berths and in 2017 welcomed 328,000 cruise passengers, a growth rate of 156 pct when compared to 2016. For 2018,  over 500,000 cruise passengers are forecast to visit the port. As part of Cuba’s investment program, the number of berths at the port will increase to six by 2024.

Chairman and Co-Founder of Global Ports Holding Mehmet Kutman described the deal as the first step in the group’s growth strategy for the Americas.

“This represents our first agreement in the Caribbean, in line with our strategy of expansion into the Americas cruise port market and therefore marks an important step in the development of Global Ports Holding. The GPH team looks forward to working with our local partners and local staff to drive continued growth in cruise passenger volumes at Havana Port and deliver both world-class cruise port facilities and a great cruise experience for all passengers visiting Havana,” Global Ports Holding CEO, Emre Sayin, said.