June 11, 2026
Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator and management company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to enter into exclusive negotiations regarding the management, development, and operation of the Cruise Port of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Cruise Port of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines).
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the parties intend to negotiate and sign a concession agreement under which GPH would manage the cruise port on behalf of the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The port will remain under government ownership, while GPH will bring its global expertise in cruise port management, operational capabilities, and relationships with cruise lines to support the continued development of the destination.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines benefits from a strategic location in the southeastern Caribbean, close to major cruise destinations such as Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. The Cruise Port of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines currently welcomes more than 200,000 passengers per year and is considered to have significant growth potential.
Subject to the signing of definitive agreements and the granting of concession rights, GPH plans to implement a two-phase investment program designed to modernize the port’s infrastructure and operations, expand berthing capacity, accommodate larger cruise vessels, and enhance the passenger experience. This program aims to position the country’s cruise tourism industry for the future, driving sustainable growth, improving the destination’s competitiveness within the Southern Caribbean cruise market, and ensuring that future development is guided by environmental sustainability.
GPH also intends to support the development of shore excursion opportunities in collaboration with the Government and local stakeholders, with the aim of enhancing the country’s overall tourism offering and creating additional opportunities for local businesses and communities.
Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global Ports Holding, stated: “We are pleased to have signed this Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and to have the opportunity to explore a long-term collaboration to drive the development of cruise tourism in the country. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a beautiful and strategically located destination with enormous potential. We look forward to working closely with the Government and local stakeholders to support national development, strengthen the destination’s cruise offering, and help create lasting value for the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”
Mike Maura Jr., Regional Director of GPH Americas, stated: “This memorandum of understanding reflects our ongoing strategy of partnering with governments in high-potential cruise destinations, where our global reach, operational expertise, and industry partnerships can help drive long-term growth. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is well positioned within the Southern Caribbean cruise itinerary, and we believe that with the right investment, modernized port infrastructure and operations, an environmentally responsible approach, and a destination-focused management strategy, the port can become an even more attractive port of call for cruise lines and passengers.”
This partnership represents a significant opportunity to drive growth and modernization of cruise tourism in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Leveraging its experience in managing cruise ports worldwide, GPH will work closely with the Government and local stakeholders to enhance port infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, enrich the passenger experience, promote shore excursion development, and generate greater economic opportunities for the destination. GPH is committed to ensuring that this work is carried out sustainably, with environmental responsibility and long-term destination stewardship.
Global Ports Holding is the world’s largest independent cruise port operator, with a portfolio of 35 ports across 20 countries in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Asia-Pacific regions. With more than 22 million passengers annually, GPH continues its global expansion with a strong commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and innovation.
