Private operator of Liverpool Cruise Terminal, Global Ports Holding, opens first Liverpool office. Tony McDonough reports

Global Ports Holding (GPH) opens its first office in Liverpool as it gears up to invest £25m into Liverpool Cruise Terminal.

It has been a year since it was announced that GPH would take over the running of the terminal from Liverpool City Council in a 50-year deal. This meant that £88m plans for a completely new terminal would be shelved.

Instead, GPH has pledged to spend £25m on the existing facility – now called Liverpool Cruise Port. This investment would increase capacity and allow for the simultaneous berthing of two 300-metre ships and up to 7,000 passengers a day.

It will also oversee the construction of a new terminal building that will provide waterfront retail and hospitality offerings for both cruise passengers and local visitors.

GPH’s new Liverpool base will be at No 12 Princes Dock in Liverpool Waters, a building that overlooks the cruise terminal. It will be the company’s first UK office outside of London.

In 2025 the terminal will handle 115 cruise vessels. Passenger numbers exceeded 200,000 in 2024, and these upgrades are expected to see annual passenger numbers surpass 300,000.

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John Mawer, general manager – UK at GPH, said: “Princes Dock is an ideal base for our Liverpool operations due to its strategic location close to the Liverpool Cruise Port and its vibrant, growing community.

“The area offers excellent opportunities for the team to grow, and we look forward to being a part of the neighbourhood as we work to enhance the Liverpool Cruise Port and attract more visitors to the city.”

GPH joins a business community at Princes Dock employing more than 2,000 people. It is also home to the UK’s first public floating sauna opened earlier this year and plans for the country’s first floating Padel tennis courts and clubhouse have also been unveiled.

Liza Marco, senior asset manager at Liverpool Waters, added: “GPH’s decision to establish their operational headquarters here is a testament to the strength of Liverpool Waters as a world-class business location.

“Their investment in the Liverpool Cruise Port will not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to the continued revitalisation of the area.”