At the port of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, a new cruise terminal—described as the largest of its kind in Europe—has been inaugurated, marking a significant development in the region’s maritime infrastructure and reinforcing the island’s role within international cruise itineraries. The facility is operated by the Global Ports Holding in partnership with the local firm SEPCAN.
The terminal building extends across approximately 14,000 square meters arranged over two levels. Equipped with three boarding bridges and designed for both transit calls and homeport operations, the facility can accommodate up to 4 cruise ships simultaneously. The layout has been planned to support efficient passenger handling while presenting a modern point of arrival for visitors to the island.
This installation forms part of a wider investment program valued at around EUR 40 million aimed at modernizing cruise infrastructure throughout the Canary Islands, including the ports of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. The construction was carried out by Satocán and followed contemporary environmental and technological standards, incorporating recycled materials, solar-energy solutions, energy-efficient systems and responsible waste-management practices. These measures have been intended to establish the facility as a reference point for sustainable port development in Europe.
Since Global Ports Holding assumed operational responsibilities in the Canary Islands in 2022, cruise activity across the ports of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura has expanded steadily. Passenger numbers across the three locations have grown from roughly 1.4 million to more than two million by 2025, reflecting the strengthening position of the archipelago within Atlantic cruise routes. The completion of the new terminal infrastructure is regarded as a foundation for further expansion in the years ahead.
The project has also involved close cooperation with the Port Authority of Las Palmas, particularly in the adaptation and improvement of surrounding port areas to ensure efficient access and passenger circulation. Enhancements to the adjacent spaces, including landscaped walkways and a large exterior esplanade, were designed to link the terminal more directly with the city and create a coherent arrival experience for visitors.
The formal inauguration brought together representatives of regional and municipal administrations, members of the port community, security services and local business leaders. During the ceremony, speakers emphasized the strategic importance of the new infrastructure and its anticipated economic benefits for the city, noting that increased cruise traffic would support sectors such as retail, hospitality, catering and other local services.
Beatriz Calzada, president of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, indicated during the event that the new terminal represented more than the completion of a building. She explained that the facility demonstrated the port’s readiness to continue expanding its operations while providing high-quality services to the international cruise lines that regularly call in the Canary Islands.
From the operator’s perspective, Francesc Grau, regional director for the Western Mediterranean at Global Ports Holding, noted that the opening constituted a significant milestone for Las Palmas and reinforced its position as a principal cruise hub in the Atlantic. He stated that the project illustrated the cooperation between the port authority, the local partner SEPCAN and Global Ports Holding in delivering a modern and environmentally conscious terminal designed to improve the experience for both cruise lines and their passengers.
Global Ports Holding’s chairman, Mehmet Kutman, likewise referred to the long-term potential of the Canary Islands as a major cruise destination. He indicated that Las Palmas occupies a strategic position within global itineraries and that the new facility would strengthen the role of the port within the international cruise market. Kutman further observed that the collaboration between the port authority and local partners reflected a shared intention to develop modern infrastructure capable of supporting cruise operations, improving passenger handling and contributing to the sustainable development of the destination.
Looking ahead, the terminal is scheduled to host the Seatrade Cruise Med conference later this year, an event expected to bring representatives of the global cruise sector to Gran Canaria. The gathering will provide an opportunity to present the island’s port facilities and reinforce its standing within the wider cruise industry.