UK Global Ports Holding, Preferred Bidder for Management of Casablanca Cruise Terminal

A consortium led by UK’s Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest independent cruise port operator, has been awarded by Moroccan authorities “preferred bidder status” to operate the Casablanca new cruise terminal.
Besides GPH, which owns 51% of the consortium, the selected group includes local shareholder, Steya (40%) and Spanish Ocean Infrastructures Management (9%).
After becoming the preferred bidder, the consortium and Morocco’s Ports agency will now start talks on terms of a 15-year concession agreement.
Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, offers cruise passengers a wonderful blend of traditional Moroccan culture and contemporary experiences. It is also the cruise gateway to Rabat and the enchanting Red City of Marrakech, which will soon be within 1.2hrs reach with the new High Speed train project, set to be completed before the 2030 FIFA World Cup to be hosted jointly by Morocco, Spain and Portugal.
Located on the Northwest coast of Africa, Casablanca is a key stopover port for Canary Islands and West Mediterranean cruises, as well as crossing sailings between Europe and the Caribbean.
The port is now capable of handling ships up to 350m long and has the cruise port infrastructure to welcome 400 000 per annum. Casablanca Cruise Port is expected to welcome 150 000 transit passengers in 2024, rising to 180 000 passengers in 2025