Global Ports Holding Plc will operate the Northland Cruise Terminal at the Port of Prince Rupert for at least a decade and also operate the port’s shore excursion program, cruise scheduling and passenger services in 2023, the Prince Rupert Port Authority announced Nov. 14.
The port authority and Global Ports have inked a 10-year terminal operating agreement that GPH expects to take over operations in 2023. Officials said the move could bolster the port’s presence as a cruise destination, especially on the Canadian west coast and Alaska.
“This 10-year agreement signifies the wealth of opportunity that exists in the Alaskan cruise theater, and the key role the Port of Prince Rupert can serve in its future growth,” Prince Rupert Port Authority President and CEO Shaun Stevenson said. “Prince Rupert’s value proposition to cruise visitors is a strong one – a natural port of call on an Alaskan itinerary, a rich and diverse cultural history, and spectacular north coast scenery as a backdrop.”
He added that Global Ports has the expertise to elevate cruise tourism in the area and meet the port’s vision of “growing a thriving cruise sector as a world-class destination, with significant economic benefits for the local community and surrounding region.”
Global Ports brings its experience as a major independent cruise port operator managing 26 cruise ports in 14 countries. Prince Rupert would to be the first North American port in the company’s portfolio, and this is the company’s first time entering the Alaskan market, the port said.
Global Ports Holding Regional Director for Americas Mike Maura Jr. spoke of the port’s cruising potential and looks forward to the partnership with the port and the community.
“The Port of Prince Rupert has immense potential to meet the rising demand from the cruise industry and accommodate the increasing volume and size of cruise ships,” he said. “We believe that Prince Rupert has a realistic path to seeing weekly cruise calls and up to 250,000 passengers annually.”
