Global Ports Holding (GPH) highlighted the progress in modernizing San Juan Cruise Port and outlined its vision for the next phase of development.

“San Juan Cruise Port is a key part of our growth strategy across the Americas,” said Mike Maura Jr., regional director, Americas, GPH.

“Through ongoing investments and future development plans, we are strengthening its infrastructure, enhancing its capabilities and creating new opportunities for cruise lines,” added Maura Jr.

“This reflects our broader commitment to developing competitive cruise destinations and supporting sustainable growth across the region.”

“San Juan represents the scale of what can be achieved when long-term private investment is combined with a shared vision and strong public-sector collaboration,” said Jan Fomferra, president, San Juan Cruise Port and CFO, GPH.

“The progress we are making at San Juan Cruise Port is becoming increasingly visible,” said Clarivette Diaz, general manager, San Juan Cruise Port.

“From infrastructure rehabilitation to new passenger boarding bridges, these improvements are making a real difference in how we operate and serve cruise lines and their guests.”

GPH said in a press release that it has worked alongside its government partners to advance a comprehensive infrastructure modernization program since assuming operations of San Juan Cruise Port in February 2024.

It assumed operations under a 30-year Public-Private Partnership Agreement with the Government of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority.

The initial program, expected to exceed US$200 million, includes:

• Structural rehabilitation
• Berthing infrastructure improvements
• Terminal upgrades, and
• Operational enhancements across the port’s facilities, with anticipated completion in the fourth quarter of 2026.

GPH also highlighted two significant proposed developments that will help shape the future of cruise operations in San Juan.

The first is a new cruise terminal at Piers 11 and 12, representing more than US$200 million in additional construction investment, envisioned to be financed through private capital.

The proposed development would expand San Juan’s homeport infrastructure, introduce modern passenger facilities, and improve embarkation and disembarkation capabilities to accommodate the evolving needs of cruise lines and their guests.

A second major initiative involves demolishing and reconstructing the historic Pier 1 in Old San Juan, with an estimated project cost of $114 million.

The project is expected to be funded primarily through federal CDBG-MIT and FEMA resources and developed in coordination with the relevant Puerto Rico government agencies.