Global Ports Holding (GPH), one of the world’s largest cruise port operators, has signed a 50-year lease agreement with Clydeport Operations, a subsidiary of Peel Ports Group, to manage operations at Greenock Cruise Port.
According to the statement, this milestone marks another success for Greenock, which has seen record-breaking cruise calls and rising passenger numbers. In 2024 alone, the terminal welcomed over 80 cruise ships, with even more expected in 2025 and beyond.
In recent years, Greenock has hosted some of the world’s largest cruise ships, including the Anthem of the Seas, which carries over 5,000 passengers, and the Disney Dream, featuring 18 decks and an onboard water coaster. Under the Peel Ports Group, numerous vessels have navigated the Clyde, bringing thousands of tourists to Inverclyde and boosting the local economy.
In 2023, a US$26 million visitor center opened as part of the US$1.3 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal, funded by the Scottish and UK governments, with contributions from Peel Ports Group and the George Wyllie Foundation via Dunard Fund.
Now, GPH aims to build on this momentum, strengthening Greenock’s appeal as a premier cruise destination. Following its acquisition of Liverpool Cruise Port in April 2024, Greenock’s inclusion further expands GPH’s presence in Northern Europe.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, stated: “The fact that this is their first venture into Scotland is a ringing endorsement for Greenock, Inverclyde and the terminal building. They are the world’s largest cruise port operator with a huge amount of experience and expertise to build on the excellent work done by our partners at Peel Ports Group to grow and develop the cruise ship market in Inverclyde even further.”
