Global Ports Holding takes majority shareholding in Valletta Cruise Port

VCP took over the cruise and ferry terminal operations in Valletta in 2002 in connection with a 65-year concession agreement which was awarded as a result of an international tender issued by the Government of Malta.

The concession also includes lease of 48,000sq mtr of land and buildings adjacent to the quays. VCP, through its 90% subsidiary Travel Shopping Ltd. also runs duty-free operations in the port.

Valletta registered a record breaking 668,277 passenger movements on 306 cruise vessels last year representing an increase of 150,683 passengers or 29.1% hike on 2014.

Total passengers predicted in 2016 are 750,000 with various cruise brands such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean Cruises, MSC, Celebrity, TUI Cruises, and Costa, calling at the island. Valletta is aiming to increase home porting activities up from around 20% currently.

Additionally there are plans to develop larger area office and retail areas, totaling 12,000 sqm within the concession territory.

Saygın Narin, ceo GPH stated: 'The addition of VCP to our growing portfolio excites us, as Malta’s strategic location further enhances GPH’s strong position in the Mediterranean.'  

GPH is also expected to finalise the addition of Dubrovnik's cruise operations to its growing portfolio resulting in it operating 10 ports in seven different countries with a total passenger throughput of 5m a year.