The Port of Liverpool and GPH: the new partnership
Global Ports Holding Plc (“GPH”), the world’s largest independent cruise port operator, has officially integrated the Liverpool Cruise Port into its network during a special event held on April 10, 2024, at Seatrade Cruise Global.
The event, which took place at the Global Ports Holding stand, attracted the attention of many industry stakeholders, highlighting the collaborative spirit that characterizes this new partnership.
During the ceremony, Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, along with Angie Redhead, Head of City Assets at Liverpool City Council, and David Huck (via video participation), COO of Peel Ports Group, expressed their enthusiasm for the future of the Liverpool Cruise Port. Kutman and Redhead then symbolically added Liverpool to the Global Ports Holding map, representing the integration of the English port into GPH’s global network.
GPH e Porto di Liverpool
GPH e Porto di Liverpool (2)
The event celebrated the collaboration between the various parties involved, emphasizing their shared commitment to enhancing the cruise experience in Liverpool. The inclusion of Global Ports Holding in Liverpool marks a significant moment for the company, marking its first venture into the British Isles.
This strategic expansion aligns with GPH’s goal to expand towards Northern Europe, following successes at the ports of Kalundborg (Denmark) and Bremerhaven (Germany). As a UK-listed company, this move has particular significance, strengthening GPH’s presence in Northern Europe and offering promising future growth opportunities.
Liverpool has been recognized as an exceptional cruise destination, thanks to its rich maritime history and vibrant culture, offering numerous exciting opportunities for its travelers. GPH has expressed its intention to collaborate with local stakeholders to increase the port’s success while respecting Liverpool’s cultural and architectural heritage.
GPH e Porto di Liverpool (3)
GPH e Porto di Liverpool (4)
Global Ports Holding has announced an investment plan of up to £25 million to improve the infrastructure of the Liverpool Cruise Port, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the facilities and passenger experiences, pending necessary approvals. These investments will allow the port to welcome an increasing number of tourists, with estimates exceeding 400,000 annually following infrastructure development.
Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, stated he is honored to welcome the Liverpool Cruise Port into their large family. Kutman believes this partnership represents a fundamental milestone for GPH, expressing excitement to work closely with Liverpool City Council, Peel Ports Group, and the local community. Together, they will strive to further elevate Liverpool as a premier cruise destination, creating unique cruise experiences that showcase the city’s charm and heritage.
GPH e Porto di Liverpool (5)
David Huck, COO of Peel Ports Group, delighted to welcome Global Ports Holding to Liverpool through this new partnership, said he looks forward to a new cruise season for the Liverpool Cruise Port, with visitors from around the world ready to discover the city’s unique cultural heritage. Huck is confident that with the terminal now managed by GPH, they will surely be able to take the city’s tourism and commercial ambitions to the next level.
Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council, stated that the Liverpool City Council is pleased to have facilitated this historic agreement between Peel Ports Group and Global Ports Holdings Plc. He added that, in his opinion, this partnership will last for decades and that, under GPH’s management, it will herald a new era for passenger transportation in this extraordinary maritime city. Lewis emphasized that, as a leading global operator, GPH has the right ambition and experience to develop an exciting new future for Liverpool as a cruise destination. He concluded by saying they look forward to working closely with GPH and warmly welcoming many more visitors to the beautiful city of Liverpool.
Stay tuned for further updates on Global Ports Holding and Liverpool Cruise Port on Cruising Journal.