Turkiye's Global Ports Holding Signed 15-Year Management Contract For Cuba's Passenger Ship Operations. Company Has Removed Almost All References From Its Internet Site.

Istanbul, Turkey-based Global Ports Holding (2023 revenues approximately US$213 million) has a registered office in London, United Kingdom, and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). 

Link To Company Global Presence Presentation In PDF Format

Global Ports Holding has “a management agreement in Cuba to advise and consult on cruise port management best practice. The cruise terminal is in the Sierra Maestra complex, in San Francisco pier, with a current capacity for two ships.” 

http://www.globalportsholding.com/news-details/113/awarded-agreement-for-operation-of-havana-cruise-port-cuba 

Global Ports Holding Plc ("GPH Plc" or "Group"), the world's largest independent cruise port operator, is pleased to announce that it has signed a 15-year management agreement (“the Agreement”) with the Cuban company Aries S.A., for the operation of the cruise port in Havana, Cuba.

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Group will from 21st June 2018, use its global expertise and operating model to manage all of the cruise port operations over the life of the Agreement. As consideration, the Group will be paid a management fee that is based on a number of factors including passenger numbers, with growth based incentives. In addition to operating the cruise port operations, the Group will continue to work with our Cuban partners on the design and technical specification of the cruise port investment program, including proposed new terminals. Once these have been completed GPH will take responsibility for the marketing and commercialisation of these new facilities.

The Agreement is part of significant investment by Cuba into the port area and the tourism infrastructure in Havana. The port currently has capacity of two berths and in 2017 welcomed c328,000 cruise passengers, a growth rate of 156% compared to 2016, with over 500,000 cruise passengers forecast for 2018. As part of Cuba’s significant investment program into the port and surrounding area the number of berths will increase to six by 2024, significantly increasing the passenger capacity of the Havana port.

Cuba, located in the northern Caribbean, is the largest island in the Caribbean. Havana, the capital city of Cuba, is its major port and commercial centre and offers visitors a truly unique experience. The port itself is situated at the heart of Havana and only a 30-minute drive from Jose Marti International Airport, making it an ideal home porting destination.   

Global Ports Holding, Chairman and Co-Founder Mehmet Kutman said: “I am very happy that we have signed an agreement for Havana Cruise Port, the first step in the Group’s growth strategy for the Americas. This spectacular city and country is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, with visitors attracted by world famous architecture, a vibrant music scene and the famous local hospitality. We very much look forward to working with our Cuban partners to deliver a fantastic cruise port experience.” Global Ports Holding, CEO Emre Sayin said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the management contract for the Havana cruise port and look forward to playing our role in developing the cruise port and the wider visitor experience in Havana, as well as Cuba more broadly.

This represents our first Agreement in the Caribbean, in line with our strategy of expansion into the Americas cruise port market and therefore marks an important step in the development of Global Ports Holding. The GPH team looks forward to working with our local partners and local staff to drive continued growth in cruise passenger volumes at Havana Port and deliver both world class cruise port facilities and a great cruise experience for all passengers visiting Havana.” 

According to Global Ports Holding: “In May 2018 Global Ports Holding signed a management agreement in Cuba to advise and consult on cruise port management best practice. The cruise terminal is in the Sierra Maestra complex, in San Francisco pier, with a current capacity for two ships. The building itself is a designed architectural landmark of the city. Located at the historic heart of the city, in the waterfront promenade, in front of San Francisco square and near to other important attractions such as the “Plaza Vieja”, the “Plaza de las Armas” and the Cathedral, it enjoys the unique atmosphere of both the Havana Bay and the old town.” 

“Cuba is located in the main cruise destination, the Caribbean, and its capital Havana very near to the Floridian ports. Thanks to its strategic location in the region, Havana can be included in all kind of itineraries: the longest ones deployed in the West and East Caribbean but also the 3- 4 days itineraries sailing out from Florida. Besides, the cultural richness of the island and its capital is unparalleled anywhere in the Caribbean.”  Link: http://www.globalportsholding.com/ports/17/la-habana-cruise-port

LINKS To Related Analyses 

Why Has Turkiye’s Karadeniz Holding “Karpowership” Removed References To Cuba Where Company Has Been Providing Electricity Since 2019? Political Decision, Financial Decision? March 05, 2024 

Turkiye’s Karadeniz Holdings Now Eight “Karpowerships” In Cuba Providing Approximately 25% Of Island’s Electricity. Company Has 22.2% Of Its 36-Vessel Fleet In Cuba. Already Payment Issues. February 02, 2023 

President of Cuba Visiting President Of Turkiye. Number One Agenda Item: Paying Istanbul's Karpowership For Providing Nearing 20% Of Cuba's Electricity. What Will He Trade Away? November 22, 2022 

From Turkiye: Additional Karpowerships Would Help With Cuba's Electrical Issues. Problem: Who Will Pay? Turkiye Government To Provide Support? That's A Challenge. August 31, 2022 

Istanbul Is Home To First La Bodeguita del Medio Franchise From Cuba. Here Is What Franchisees Must Provide- Monthly Royalty Payment And Spend 2% Of Gross Revenues For Advertising/Promotion September 27, 2021 

Karadeniz Holding Of Turkey Update On "Karpowership" Operations In Cuba March 09, 2020

Karadeniz Of Turkey Delivering Floating Power Plant To Cuba For 51-Month Contract April 23, 2019 

Turkey's Karadeniz Holding Reports Electricity Contract With Cuba In October 2018; But, No Contract Signed Five Months Later April 01, 2019 

France, Russia, Spain, Turkey Selected By Cuba For Airport Contracts August 07, 2016