DP World opens new cruise passenger terminal in Limassol
A new modern terminal designed to accommodate the largest operating cruise vessels, is scheduled to open in the summer at DP World Limassol port. DP World says the new terminal consists of seven pods with an internal area of 7,000 square meters. Along with 24-hour availability the terminal offers integrated services including Home Call and Day Call handling capability, ensuring an improved customer experience.
DP World Limassol has a draft of up to 11 metres (tide free) and three 400 metre berths that can accommodate cruise vessels. It is the third addition to the cruise terminal portfolio that DP World operates globally, after cruise terminal operations in Mina Rashid, Dubai and Quinquela Martin, Argentina.
Limassol is one of the major destinations in the Mediterranean for the cruise industry with the opportunity to be the first port of call for cruise lines after transiting the Suez Canal. The terminal offers fast turnaround times for connections to both Larnaca and Paphos international airports. With favourable weather conditions, cultural heritage, excursions and events throughout the year, Cyprus and Limassol present the opportunity for a memorable experience.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, said: “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.”
Charles Meaby, General Manager, DP World Limassol commented: “With the opening of this new terminal, all our visitors will enjoy an even more impressive welcome. DP World Limassol continues to promote the development of tourism in Cyprus and driving economic benefits for the local and national economy.”
Mr. Meaby continued, “This is an exciting time for Limassol and Cyprus and DP World Limassol is focused on delivering a long-term legacy creating employment opportunities and helping Limassol reach its potential of becoming a fully-serviced home port for cruise ships.”
DP World is a leading international operator of marine terminals and provider of logistics and related services. DP World has a portfolio of more than 65 marine terminals across six continents, including new developments underway in India, Africa and the Middle East. Container handling is the company’s core business and generates more than three quarters of its revenue. In 2013, DP World handled more than 55 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units). With its committed pipeline of developments and expansions, capacity is expected to rise to more than 100 million TEU by 2020, in line with market demand.