Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, is expanding its Caribbean network with a 30-year concession agreement for the development and operation of St. Vincent Cruise Port, located in Kingstown, the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the country’s main port.
The agreement, signed with the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, marks another step in the group’s regional expansion strategy and represents a significant milestone in the development of local cruise tourism. It follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the parties in June 2026 and establishes the framework for a long-term partnership aimed at unlocking the destination’s potential.
The official signing ceremony took place on 26 October 2026 at Kingstown Cruise Ship Berth, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Godwin Friday, government ministers and other officials. GPH is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2027, subject to the fulfilment of the conditions precedent set out in the agreement.
With St. Vincent joining its network, GPH will bring to the port its expertise in managing cruise infrastructure, operational capabilities and established relationships with leading cruise lines. The aim is to support the port’s long-term development and strengthen the position of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines among cruise destinations in the Southern Caribbean.
The port’s growth prospects are underpinned by an already significant passenger base: St. Vincent Cruise Port is expected to welcome more than 250,000 passengers during the 2026/27 cruise season. This volume provides a solid foundation for the port’s future development under GPH’s management.
The investment programme will be implemented in phases, focusing on modernising port infrastructure, increasing berthing capacity to accommodate larger cruise ships and enhancing the overall passenger experience. The planned improvements are intended not only to strengthen the port’s operational capabilities but also to better meet the needs of cruise lines and travellers.
The project will also extend to the development of shore-side activities. GPH intends to work closely with the Government and local stakeholders to expand shore excursion opportunities, encourage greater involvement from local businesses and ensure that the benefits of cruise tourism reach a wider range of communities and economic activities.
The initiative forms part of a strategy to integrate port development with the wider destination, helping to translate growth in cruise passenger traffic into new opportunities for the local economy.
“The agreement marks a new chapter in our partnership with the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global Ports Holding, highlighting the importance of the trust placed in GPH and the group’s commitment to drawing on its international expertise and investment capabilities to unlock the destination’s distinctive strengths and potential. He added that the objective is to develop a modern, sustainable cruise port capable of generating lasting economic value, supporting local businesses and communities, and ensuring that the benefits of cruise tourism extend well beyond the port itself.
Mike Maura Jr., Regional Director of GPH Americas, highlighted the value of the group’s experience across the Caribbean, including its operations in San Juan and Nassau. GPH intends to bring its regional expertise and industry best practices to St. Vincent while respecting the destination’s unique identity. Its priorities include enhancing the passenger experience, strengthening the port’s appeal to cruise lines and working with local stakeholders to create new opportunities for businesses and communities.
The agreement for St. Vincent will further strengthen Global Ports Holding’s presence in the Caribbean and reaffirm the group’s commitment to long-term partnerships with governments and local communities. Through infrastructure investment, service development and engagement with local stakeholders, the company aims to help develop sustainable cruise destinations and create lasting economic value.
For Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the concession marks the beginning of a new phase in the development of Kingstown’s port and the country’s cruise tourism sector, with the aim of unlocking the destination’s potential and strengthening its position in the Southern Caribbean.
George White