The Port Authority of Ferrol-San Cibrao has awarded Global Ports Ferrol S.L. a 30-year concession for the development and operation of the new cruise terminal at the Port of Ferrol, marking a further step forward in the group’s growth strategy in the Atlantic region.
The agreement is part of the expansion path launched with the award, in November 2025, of the 30-year concession for the development of Ferrol Cruise Port and confirms GPH’s commitment to strengthening Spain’s cruise infrastructure through targeted investments, innovation and solutions designed to support the sustainable growth of destinations.
The agreement covers a total area of 960 square metres at the quay of the Muelle de la Dársena Exterior and will be developed in two phases. The first phase includes the construction of a 480-square-metre passenger terminal, while the second phase will be launched at a later stage, once the quay is fully operational to accommodate larger cruise ships. A mobile support facility will also be available to manage calls involving berthing away from the main terminal, allowing the port to accommodate multiple ships simultaneously.
Following the granting of the concession, Global Ports Holding will submit the detailed project for the first phase of the works within three months, while construction is expected to begin within six months, subject to the necessary approvals from the Port Authority.
The new terminal will be designed to provide a comprehensive and efficient service to cruise lines, shipping agents, passengers and port operators, including reception and assistance services, baggage handling, embarkation and disembarkation operations, and all the services required to manage cruise calls. The facility will be developed according to principles of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, in line with the most advanced standards in the cruise industry.
Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, highlighted how the Ferrol project represents a further step forward in the group’s growth in Spain and the Atlantic region. He stressed the importance of this new phase in the terminal’s development, which will create a modern infrastructure capable of enhancing the passenger experience and contributing to the consolidation of the destination’s international positioning.
Francesc Grau, GPH’s Regional Director West Med, highlighted Ferrol’s strong potential as a new cruise destination in northern Spain, thanks to its maritime heritage, cultural value and proximity to Galicia’s attractions. According to Grau, the new concession represents a strategic element in GPH’s commitment to developing modern, efficient and sustainable cruise infrastructure capable of supporting the port’s future growth. The investment in the new terminal will also help enhance the passenger experience, strengthen Ferrol’s presence on cruise itineraries and generate lasting benefits for the city, the Port Authority and the local community.
With the new cruise terminal, Global Ports Holding further consolidates its presence in Spain and the Atlantic region, enhancing the value of a high-potential destination such as Ferrol. Thanks to its strategic location along the main Atlantic cruise routes, GPH’s international operational expertise and its established relationships with cruise lines, the port aims to achieve significant growth in passenger volumes, increasing from the current approximately 23,000 expected passengers in 2026 to around 80,000 passengers by 2034.
This development represents an important opportunity not only for the cruise sector but also for the entire region, contributing to greater international visibility for Ferrol and Galicia. Through the creation of a modern, efficient and sustainable infrastructure, GPH and the Port Authority of Ferrol-San Cibrao aim to establish a balanced growth model capable of enhancing the passenger experience, strengthening the destination’s role within international cruise itineraries and generating new economic opportunities for the local community.
Giorgia Lombardo