Modern design for Carnival's new Barcelona terminal for LNG ships

As part of an agreement signed in July 2015, Carnival Corp. will construct and operate the 12,500-square-meter terminal. Paired with its existing terminal at the port, this represents the company's largest combined terminal investment in Europe.

Designed by Catalán architecture firm Battle I Roig, the terminal has a modern style with straight lines and a minimalist concept to create a contemporary environment.

'Our goal is to make travel for our guests as convenient, pleasant and easy as possible, and this new terminal is designed to meet and exceed guest expectations,' said Giora Israel, svp global port and destination development for Carnival Corp. 'The local architecture firm has done great work in designing a beautiful facility that will make Europe’s largest cruise port even better.'

'This terminal marks the culmination of years of partnership,' according to Sixte Cambra, president of the Barcelona Port Authority. 'Since the beginning of our relationship, Carnival Corporation has shown strong success in our port and city, and 10 years after the opening of the first terminal, this has materialized in a new facility for their cruise brands.'

Cambra called the company a loyal partner, bringing passengers of different nationalities and generating a strong financial impact for the local economy.

Construction officially began in July 2016, and once complete the terminal on the Adossat Wharf will enhance the embarkation and disembarkation process for passengers visiting Catalonia and its surrounding areas.

The facility will increase Carnival Corp.’s passenger capacity at the port, which is used by eight of the company’s 10 brands as both a destination and homeport. Carnival Corp. is expecting to accommodate more than 1m passengers there once the second terminal opens.

AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn and P&O Cruises visit throughout the year.

Beginning in April 2018, the terminal facilities will host inaugural sailings of Carnival Horizon, the newest Fun Ship, and the newly delivered AIDAperla. AIDAperla is one of the world's first cruise ships equipped with dual-fuel engines, which, depending on availability at the port, can also operate with LNG when alongside.

Carnival Corp. now has agreements in place to build seven fully LNG-powered cruise ships across four brands in coming years.

The second Barcelona terminal will secure employment for up to 150 people through its work with local contractor companies Vopi 4, Elecnor, Project Facilities Management and their subcontractors as well as gangway manufacturer Adelte and the existing team of local architect and engineering firms Battle I Roig, Static Engineering and PGI Engineering.

According to a study by the University of Barcelona, passengers who begin or end their cruise in the city stay 2.6 days there on average and spend around €202 per day.

The 2016 study found cruise activity at the port generates an annual turnover of €875m, contributing €457m to Barcelona's GDP. The study also said cruising generates 7,518 jobs and has other positive effects on the local economy such as increased airport activity.