DP World Opens New Limassol Cruise Terminal

Published Jul 6, 2017 1:58 PM by The Maritime Executive

Leading ports operator DP World will open a new cruise ship terminal in Limassol, Cyprus this summer. The 75,000 square foot facility will be DP World's third cruise terminal in its worldwide ports portfolio, following projects in Dubai and Argentina.

DP World says that Limassol is strategically placed to become a first port of call for cruise ships exiting the Suez Canal on the Mediterranean side. Its attractiveness is bolstered by easy access to two international airports and to Cyprus' tourism opportunities.

“Cyprus is a centre for tourism and trade across the Mediterranean Sea and beyond and we are delighted to help develop its cruise capability. The terminal is another example of how partnerships with government on infrastructure projects help boost economies, creating jobs and prosperity for the country and its people," said Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman and CEO of DP World.

DP World has a 25-year concession for the new terminal, which comes along with the controversial contract that the firm and subsidiary P&O Maritime won for the commercial operation of the Port of Limassol. This privatization agreement, signed last year, led to months of strikes and protests by pilots, tugboat captains and dockers. The handover to private operators was completed this February.