The Port Authority of Las Palmas, together with Global Ports Canary Islands, concessionaire of the three cruise terminals in the province of Las Palmas, officially inaugurated this Tuesday the Naos Cruise Terminal and the Los Mármoles Cruise Terminal, both in the Port of Arrecife, in Lanzarote.
Ports of Las Palmas has indicated that "the new terminals are expected to receive more than one million passengers per year, generating a direct economic impact for local businesses", almost doubling the number of passengers received in 2024, around 600,000.
These inaugurations are part of the Global Ports investment plan valued at more than 40 million euros for the terminals in the province: two in Lanzarote (3.5 million), one in Fuerteventura and one in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the latter scheduled for the next cruise season.
The event was attended by the president of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, Beatriz Calzada, the director of Operations of Puertos del Estado, Pedro García, the president and CEO of Global Ports Holding, Mehmet Kutman, the general director of the Mediterranean, West and Asia of Global Ports Holding, Javier Rodríguez, the island director of the Government of Spain in Lanzarote, Pedro Viera, the general director of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands, Fernando Figuero, the Minister of Environment of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Samuel Martín, and the mayor of Arrecife, Yonathan de León.
Beatriz Calzada thanked Global Ports Canary Island, a joint venture between Global Ports Holding and Sepcan, for its close collaboration with the Port Authority of Las Palmas and its willingness to undertake the works “in a timely manner, which has meant that the new cruise terminals of Naos and Los Mármoles are already a reality for cruise passengers. It should be remembered that this island manages more than 250 cruise calls per year and receives about 600,000 passengers annually.
According to a statement from Puertos de Las Palmas, "with this new terminal we will improve the experience of these passengers, but also, the project of all the terminals in the province as a whole will help boost tourism and economic development of the islands and consolidate the Canary Islands as an international cruise destination."
The director of Operations of Puertos del Estado, Pedro García, stressed that projects such as this terminal demonstrate the commitment and work "with shipping companies, port community and local institutions to ensure a state-owned port system that is increasingly sustainable, betting on the electrification of the docks, the supply of cleaner fuels, energy efficiency and innovation." "Here in Arrecife it is clear that the port is much more than an infrastructure, it is a public service and a lever for development at the service of the people and Puertos del Estado will always be present supporting the model of responsible progress," he added.
Finally, the president and CEO of Global Ports, Mehmet Kutman, pointed out that the total investment in infrastructure in Lanzarote amounts to 3.5 million euros. “Our action plan does not end here. In the Port of Las Palmas we are building the largest cruise terminal in Europe, with an area of 14,400 m2. In total we will invest about 40 million euros in the three islands. Our commitment to the Canary Islands is firm. This milestone also represents a source of pride within Global Ports Holding's journey to expand and improve cruise infrastructure in Spain, supporting the long-term growth of the sector in the country.”
Kutman also added: “I would like to thank the Port Authority of Las Palmas for its trust and collaboration, our partner SEPCAN and all the agents involved whose support has been fundamental throughout this journey. Global Ports Holding is proud to contribute to the continued success of the Canary Islands as a premier cruise destination and as an important part of the expansion of our global network.”
Naos and Los Mármoles Terminals, in Lanzarote
Two modern terminals have been inaugurated in the Port of Arrecife:
On the one hand, the Naos terminal, with an area of 1,106 m2 distributed in a single-story building, which is designed to handle operations both in transit and as a home port. Its design prioritizes the improvement of safety, functionality, passenger flow and operational efficiency, also integrating elements inspired by the artistic legacy of César Manrique. The white facade, the volcanic stone walls and a small cactus garden in the entrance courtyard pay homage to the characteristic landscape of Lanzarote.
This terminal is an "eco-efficient building equipped with solar panels and built under criteria of sustainability, energy efficiency and functionality." Recycled materials, cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices have been used to minimize the carbon footprint and maximize the use of renewable resources, thus ensuring responsible management of the environment.
On the other hand, the Los Mármoles terminal has 556 m2 and can serve up to three cruise ships simultaneously. It also has a satellite terminal of 426 m2 that offers auxiliary services for passengers and crews.
. "Businesses, restaurants and tour operators will benefit from the increase in visitors, while new employment and investment opportunities will arise." "The Global Ports Canary Islands model integrates port development with local economic growth, betting on a balanced relationship between tourism, sustainability and community prosperity."
About Global Ports Holding
Global Ports Holding is the world's largest independent cruise terminal operator, with a network of 33 ports in 21 countries spread across the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the Asia-Pacific region. It serves more than 22 million passengers per year and continues its expansion with a firm commitment to excellence, sustainability and innovation.
