GPH to operate Liverpool Cruise Port, £25m investment planned

GPH plans to invest up to £25m in infrastructure enhancements – subject to the granting of the appropriate permits and licenses – which will include the addition of a new floating dock that will increase capacity and allow for the simultaneous berthing of two 300 mtr ships and over 7,000 passengers a day. This investment will also see the construction of a new terminal building featuring waterfront retail and hospitality catering to cruise passengers and the general public. 

Leaders from GPH, Peel Ports, and Liverpool City Council came together at the cruise terminal to mark the signing of the agreement.

First GPH port in the British Isles

‘The addition of Liverpool Cruise Port, our first cruise port in the British Isles, to our network marks another important milestone in GPH's ongoing development and growth,’ said Mehmet Kutman, chairman and CEO, Global Ports Holding. He thanked Liverpool City Council and Peel Ports for their support, adding, ‘Liverpool boasts a rich maritime heritage, and the GPH team looks forward to working with all stakeholders to further enhance the success of this remarkable destination.’ 

Peel Ports Group COO David Huck said ‘...Liverpool City Council’s stewardship of the terminal over the last two decades has truly transformed the city into a thriving cruise tourism destination. We see this new chapter as an opportunity for us to honour that legacy…’ 

Liverpool Cruise Port 

In 2023, Liverpool Cruise Port welcomed 102 cruise ships and over 186,000 passengers, with this number expected to increase to over 200,000 passengers this year. Upon completion of the infrastructure upgrades, annual passenger numbers are anticipated to surpass 300,000. 

According to GPH, Liverpool Cruise Port is well-positioned to participate in the growing Northern European and British and Irish cruise markets. There are two international airports within an hour's drive of the city.

‘...Responsibility for Liverpool’s cruise operations now passes to a world-leading operator, with ambitious plans to grow Liverpool’s position as an excellent cruise and tourism destination,’ said Andrew Lewis, chief executive of Liverpool City Council. ‘We look forward to working closely with GPH to support their ambitions, and to extending a welcome to many more visitors to Liverpool.’