The world’s largest independent cruise port operator announced today that it has started cruise port operations in Antigua, following the signing of an agreement between Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH) and the government of Antigua and Barbuda on February 1, 2019.

“I am delighted that we are starting cruise port operations in Antigua,” said Emre Sayin, CEO of GPH in a statement. “This agreement marks a significant milestone for GPH and Antigua and Barbuda and is a further endorsement of our operating capabilities and the benefits we can bring to cruise destinations, for passengers and the local population in the Caribbean.”

GPH said that Antigua is a tourist destination with access to key cruise itineraries, having hosted some 800,000 cruise passengers in 2018.

According to GPH, it is committed to financing the completion of a new pier that will be capable of berthing the largest passenger vessels in the industry.

GPH also intends to invest in improving and adding to the port’s retail facilities, with an expected total initial investment of $45 to $50 million in the first 12 months of operation, while working with local authorities and stakeholders to improve the guest experience at the port.

The addition of Antigua Cruise Port to GPH’s portfolio is expected to increase GPH’s total passenger volumes for 2020 to close to 13 million.