GPH-Global Ports Holding Plc, the largest independent cruise port operator in the world, announced that it had signed a 10-year concession, with a 10-year extension option, with Prince Rupert Port Authority in order to manage cruise services at Prince Rupert Cruise Port, BC Canada.
Prince Rupert Cruise Port is the first cruise port of the Holding in North America, marking a major milestone in the continued development of the Group and extending global reach.
The Port is situated at the heart of British Columbia's cruise port market, ~40 mi from Alaska USA, one of the world's largest cruise markets, and ideally located for cruise itineraries to/from the key homeports in the region, such as Vancouver BC and Seattle WA.
Prince Rupert Cruise Port welcomed ~41,000 cruise passengers this current year. Expectations are that for the 2023 season cruise passenger volumes will rise to ~80,000 and continue growing.
The Port has the capability and infrastructure to handle larger ships and welcome an increase in passenger volumes. As part of the agreement, GPH will work with local stakeholders in order to develop and mindfully curate programs spotlighting local heritage, culture, gastronomy, and the highly diverse animal, plant, and marine life of the Great Bear Rainforest, thus making Prince Rupert a must-visit destination.
The pristine destination of Prince Rupert shelters unique Indigenous culture and traditions, abundant wildlife, and a vibrant art scene. From its parks and trails, scenic community views, and remote grizzly bear sanctuary, Prince Rupert is a destination on the North Coast of Canada, often referred to as the “City of Rainbows.”
A diverse community with a history of Coast Ts’msyen habitation, it is the only municipality situated in the Great Bear Rainforest, the world's largest coastal temperate rainforest.