Global Ports Holding (GPH) has signed a 30-year concession agreement with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to exclusively operate the cruise port in Antigua.
Representing GPH’s second expansion into the Americas, the concession covers certain retail outlets within the port of Antigua.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The agreement is based on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the companies on 9 November.
Completion of the deal is subject to several final conditions, including GPH securing suitable financing.
GPH said in a statement: “Under the terms of the concession agreement, the group will use its global expertise and operating model to manage the cruise port operations in Antigua.
“GPH will finance the completion of the ongoing construction of a new pier, which will allow the port to handle Oasis-class ships.
“The group will also invest in improving the current retail facilities and designing and financing the construction of new purpose-built retail and food and beverage (F&B) facilities.”
GPH is dealing with local and international banks to secure long-term bank financing for the new concession. This is expected to start in the first quarter of this year.
GPH currently operates 17 ports in nine countries worldwide. It operates both cruise and commercial ports with a presence in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Asia-Pacific regions.
The company conducts commercial port operations in Turkey and Montenegro.
