By
Elizabeth Robinson |
Lisbon Cruise Port will open its new €24 million terminal on 10 November, following a two-year construction process.
The new terminal was designed by Portuguese architect João Luís Carrilho da Graça and will provide around 1,500 meters of pier to cater for a wide variety and size of ships. It will feature two fully-automated gangway systems, on-site equipment including cranes and forklift trucks, and be able to supply vessels with check-in facilities, water supplies and other provisions while in dock. Visitors passing through the terminal will be able to enjoy the shopping and catering services, as well as the terrace with a panoramic view.
According to Global Ports Holding (GPH), who built and operate Lisbon Cruise Port: “A key consideration of the terminal design was sustainability and ensuring the smooth onward flow of tourists, to avoid congestion elsewhere in the city. The terminal is built with the idea of creating a seamless extension of the cruise ship while it is in port, providing excellent facilities for embarking and disembarking.
“We are delighted at the opening of the cruise terminal after a long collaboration with GPH, with whom we enjoy a very good relationship, and who have been unwavering in their commitment to deliver the best possible terminal,” said Luís Miguel Sousa, CEO of Grupo Sousa and Chairman of Lisbon Cruise Port. “The new building and wider development will provide excellent facilities for ships, passengers and the residents of the vibrant city.”
The terminal inauguration ceremony will be attended by GPH CEO, Emre Sayin, and Luís Miguel Sousa, CEO of Grupo Sousa and Chairman of Lisbon Cruise Port. Portuguese Government representatives in attendance will include Fernando Medina, the Mayor of Lisbon, and Ana Paula Vitorino, Minister of the Sea.
“This opening showcases the ambitious plans we have to expand our operations and is a great example of GPH working closely with the Portuguese government at a local and national level, and with our Portuguese partners to deliver an outstanding cruise terminal,” said Emre Sayın, CEO of GPH. “We are proud to be investors in a project that will greatly benefit the local economy and boost the development of cruise tourism in the area.”