BAHAMAS. Global Ports Holding (GPH) – the world’s largest cruise port operator – has been selected as the winning bidder for the redevelopment and operation of Prince George Wharf, the main cruise port in Nassau, Bahamas, according to a statement from the Government of the Bahamas.
Nassau Cruise Port Ltd is the management company that has been established by GPH to operate the business and turn the location into a state-of-the-art port and waterfront destination “to rival any, anywhere”. It will be 49% owned by GPH, 49% by the Bahamas Investment Fund (BIF) and 2% by a yet-to-be-established charitable fund, the YES Foundation, that will support youth, education and sports programmes.
The US$250 million proposal will include restaurants, retail stores and the development of a world-class entertainment venue, with support in place to improve the state of Nassau’s downtown core.
GPH Chairman Mehmet Kutman said: “This project marks the beginning of a new Bahamian success story. As the successful bidder for the project, we are honoured to have been selected as the government’s partners in this transformational process.”
Such a step-change is necessary as Nassau’s port area has been neglected and, as a result, cruise lines are developing multiple private locations in the Bahamas for their cruise passengers such as MSC Cruises’ island destination of Ocean Cay.
Kutman noted: “We have a shared mission – to turn the port and downtown Nassau into a popular, world-class waterfront destination for visitors and Bahamians to enjoy. The cruise industry is flourishing and Bahamians must be a part of it – not just sitting on the sidelines.”
The project start date is “subject to customary negotiations” and regulatory approvals before an agreement is signed. This is expected to take up to three months.
Chief Commercial Officer underlines commercial revenue goals
Just as GPH sets its sights on Nassau – having also sealed a 30-year cruise port concession in Antigua – the company is leveraging the skills of Mark Robinson, appointed as Chief Commercial Officer last year. Robinson, based in Barcelona, Spain, reports directly to GPH’s CEO Emre Sayin.
Sayin said: “Mark’s experience includes operations, infrastructure and management. I am working with him as we strive to continually improve the experience of the passengers and the cruise ships in our ports. He is helping to deliver the development of ancillary services as part of our core strategy.”
Robinson’s 30-year career spans senior roles including Chief Commercial Officer of Portaventura World Parks & Resorts, President of Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services and, previously, Vice President of Onboard Revenues & Ground Services at Festival Cruises.
Robinson commented: “It is exciting to work with the team to grow new and existing ports within the portfolio of Global Port Holdings with a focus on destination development and strategic opportunities. The needs of the cruise lines and their guests will be front of mind.”
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