KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, Jun 15, CMC – Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator and management company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government to enter into exclusive negotiations regarding the management, development and operation of the island’s cruise port (SVG Cruise Port).
Under the MOU, the parties intend to negotiate and execute a concession agreement under which GPH would manage the cruise port on behalf of the government.
The port will remain under government ownership, with GPH bringing its global cruise port management expertise, operational capabilities, and cruise line relationships to support the destination’s continued development.
A government statement said St. Vincent and the Grenadines occupies a strategic location in the South-Eastern Caribbean near major cruise destinations such as Barbados, St. Lucia, and Grenada. SVG Cruise Port currently welcomes over 200,000 passengers annually and is considered to have significant growth potential.
Subject to the execution of definitive agreements and the award of the concession rights, GPH plans to implement a two-phase investment programme designed to modernize the port’s infrastructure and operations, expand berthing capacity, serve larger cruise vessels, and enhance the passenger experience.
This programme is intended to help position the country’s cruise tourism industry for the future, supporting sustainable growth, improving the destination’s competitiveness within the Southern Caribbean cruise market, and ensuring that future development is guided by environmental sustainability.
GPH also intends to support the development of shore excursion opportunities in collaboration with the government and local stakeholders, with the goal of enhancing the country’s broader tourism product oQering and creating additional opportunities for local businesses and communities.
“We are delighted to have signed this memorandum of understanding with the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to have the opportunity to explore a long-term partnership in support of the country’s cruise tourism development,” said Mehmet Kutman, chairman and chief executive officer of Global Ports Holding.
“St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a beautiful and strategically located destination with tremendous potential. We look forward to working closely with the Government and local stakeholders to support national development, strengthen the destination’s cruise oQering, and help create lasting value for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Kutman added.
GPH Americas regional director, Mike Maura, Jr, said this MOU reflects our continued strategy of partnering with governments in high-potential cruise destinations where our global reach, operational expertise and industry partnerships can help unlock long-term growth.
“St. Vincent and the Grenadines is well positioned within the Southern Caribbean cruise itinerary, and we believe that with the right investment, modernized port infrastructure and operations, an environmentally responsible approach, and a destination-focused management strategy, the port can become an even more attractive call for cruise lines and guests,” Maura added.
The statement said that this partnership represents an important opportunity to support the continued growth and modernization of cruise tourism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “Through its experience in managing cruise ports around the world, GPH intends to work closely with the government and local stakeholders to enhance the port’s infrastructure, improve operational eQiciency, elevate the guest experience, support the development of shore excursion opportunities, and create broader economic opportunities for the destination.
“ GPH is committed to ensuring that this work is conducted sustainably, with environmental responsibility and long-term destination stewardship in mind,” the statement added.
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