The world’s largest cruise port operator has signed a 50-year lease agreement to operate Greenock Cruise Port, InverClyde, in southwest Scotland.
Global Ports Holding Ltd. (GPH) has reached an agreement with Clydeport Operations Ltd., a subsidiary of Peel Ports Group, to operate the cruise terminal facility on the Clyde downriver of Glasgow.
The deal is another landmark for Greenock Cruise Port, with record-breaking calls and growing numbers of passengers traveling to Inverclyde each year. In 2024 alone, the terminal welcomed over 80 cruise ships from across the world. As such, numbers are expected to rise further in 2025 and beyond.
Over recent years, Greenock has hosted some of the world’s largest cruise ships, including the giant ‘Anthem of the Seas,’ capable of carrying over 5,000 passengers, and the ‘Disney Dream,’ with 18 decks and an onboard water coaster.
Under the operation of Peel Ports Group, the UK’s second-largest port group, many more cruise ships have safely navigated through the Clyde, bringing thousands of tourists eager to explore the local region. In addition to providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.
As Afloat reported in 2023 saw the opening at Greenock Ocean Terminal of a £20m visitor centre as the project, led by Inverclyde Council, formed part of the £1bn Glasgow City Region City Deal funded by the Scottish and UK governments. Contributions also came from Peel Ports Group and the George Wyllie Foundation via the Dunard Fund.
Global Ports Holding (GPH) will now take over the operation of the cruise port to enhance opportunities and attract more passengers from across the world. The major announcement follows the Liverpool Cruise Port last year (where Cunard's newbuild Queen Anne was christened prior to making its maiden call to Cobh), and the inclusion of Greenock further expands the company’s growing footprint in Northern Europe.
