Global Ports Holding (GPH) has signed a 30-year concession agreement with the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, committing to at least US$80 million in cruise port development. The investment will expand berthing capacity in Kingstown and support new cruise and mega-yacht facilities on Union Island.
The agreement was signed on October 26, 2026, at Kingstown Cruise Ship Berth, in the presence of Prime Minister Godwin Friday and representatives of Global Ports Holding. It follows a memorandum of understanding signed in June and gives the international port operator responsibility for developing and managing the country’s cruise port facilities.
According to GPH’s official announcement, the company expects to begin operations in the first quarter of 2027, subject to the conditions stipulated in the concession agreement.
$80 Million Investment to Expand Cruise Infrastructure
The concession requires a minimum investment of US$80 million, divided into two development phases. Attorney General Louise Mitchell outlined the financial commitments during the signing ceremony, as reported by iWitness News.
The programme includes:
- Phase One — At least US$20 million: Expansion of the existing cruise ship berth in Kingstown to improve berthing capacity.
- Phase Two — At least US$60 million: Construction of a new cruise pier west of Kingstown and development of a cruise ship and mega-yacht berthing facility at Clifton, Union Island.
These amounts represent minimum investment requirements rather than a ceiling on GPH’s expenditure. The projects are intended to accommodate larger cruise vessels and address limitations in the existing port infrastructure.
The government will retain ownership of the port infrastructure, while GPH assumes operational and development responsibilities under the concession.
Cruise Port Operations Expected to Begin in 2027
Global Ports Holding expects St. Vincent Cruise Port to welcome more than 250,000 passengers during the 2026–2027 cruise season. The company plans to modernise terminal facilities, improve passenger services and strengthen relationships with international cruise lines.
The planned expansion comes as cruise destinations across the Southern Caribbean compete to attract larger vessels and secure additional calls.
GPH has also committed to working with local stakeholders to develop shore excursions and visitor services. The objective is to connect port development with commercial opportunities for tourism operators and businesses beyond the terminal.
Although operations are expected to begin in early 2027, GPH has not announced a detailed construction timetable or completion dates for the two investment phases.
Global Ports Holding Expands Its Caribbean Network
The St. Vincent agreement adds another destination to GPH’s Caribbean portfolio, which includes cruise port operations in Nassau, Antigua and San Juan.
The concession also provides opportunities for local participation. According to One News SVG, qualifying Vincentian investors will be able to acquire up to 30% of the local operating company’s issued share capital through a special-purpose investment vehicle. This allocation represents a potential ownership stake, not a guaranteed level of participation.
Existing commercial tenants at the cruise terminal will also be allowed to maintain their current contractual terms for three years after operations commence, with additional protections for eligible local tenants.
The arrangement brings infrastructure investment and cruise port management under a long-term concession, while leaving the scale of future passenger growth and local economic benefits dependent on the programme’s implementation.
FAQ
How much will Global Ports Holding invest in St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
GPH is required to invest at least US$80 million under the concession agreement, including US$20 million for the first phase and US$60 million for the second phase of cruise port development.
When will Global Ports Holding begin operating St. Vincent Cruise Port?
The company expects to commence operations in the first quarter of 2027, subject to the fulfilment of the concession agreement’s conditions. Construction completion dates have not yet been announced.
