Global Ports Holding, cruise port operator, announced that Nassau Cruise Port has signed a 25-year port operation and lease agreement with the Government of the Bahamas for the Prince George Wharf and related areas at Nassau cruise port.
Nassau is considered as one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, attracting 3.7 million passengers per year. It is also located near to the US, with the largest cruise port in the world, Miami, being in easy cruising distance.
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According to the agreement, GPH will be managing Nassau Cruise Port. NCP will also invest up to $250m, in order to expand the capacity of the port, as well as taking several measures to transform the cruise port for both the passengers and the local population.
In addition, the Nassau Cruise Port project involves the regeneration of the port and local town of Nassau. Through a majority Bahamian-owned public-private partnership (PPP), Global Ports Holding will work to improve the cruise passenger experience and provide additional business opportunities for the local population.
Moreover, the project will see the building of a new terminal building; the creation of an event and entertainment area; investment into improving the current retail facilities; and the design and construction of new food and beverage facilities.
Once completed it will integrate the port into Bay Street and downtown Nassau, expecting to act as a catalyst for the wider development of the downtown area. NCP is expected to finish the construction in 24 months.
After the transformation of Nassau Cruise Port, the port will become a modern destination with large open spaces, along with sufficient shaded areas.
The project will feature improved transportation connections, traffic flow and signage, and will also include an intermodal area for bus stops, taxis and parking. The new terminal will include electric trams to transport passengers from ships to the terminal.
Furthermore, underpinning the whole development will be key environmental stewardship considerations.
Global Ports Holding CEO, Emre Sayin, stated on the occasion:
We are excited to apply our best practice model to develop the cruise offer in Nassau. Nassau will now become the biggest cruise port in our portfolio, increasing our passenger volumes by 50%. The GPH team very much looks forward to working with our partners, the cruise lines and the people of the Bahamas to reinvigorate the iconic cruise port and to make Nassau a great experience