Global Ports Holding's to open new offices in Liverpool Waters

The world’s largest private cruise port operator, Global Ports Holding Ltd (“GPH”), has announced the opening of its new Liverpool headquarters at No.12 Princes Dock, Liverpool Waters.

GPH’s new operational HQ will be the company’s first UK office outside of London and marks a significant milestone in their commitment to the growth and development of the Liverpool Cruise Port, which is also located within the emerging Liverpool Waters district.

GPH signed a 50-year agreement with Peel Waters, Peel Ports Group and Liverpool City Council to operate cruise services at Liverpool Cruise Port in 2024. Recognising Liverpool Cruise Port’s immense potential, GPH plans significant investment into infrastructure enhancements over the coming years.

The work will see the addition of a new floating dock to boost capacity, enabling the simultaneous berthing of two 300-metre ships and accommodating over 7,000 passengers per day. Alongside this, GPH will construct a new terminal building designed to improve the passenger experience, featuring a range of waterfront retail and hospitality offerings that will cater not only to cruise passengers but also to the local community and wider visitors and tourists to the area.

Liverpool Cruise Port has experienced substantial growth in recent years, with 115 cruise ships due to be welcomed in 2025. Passenger numbers exceeded 200,000 in 2024, and, with the completion of these infrastructure upgrades, annual passenger numbers are expected to surpass 300,000, signalling a promising future for the port.

To support their plans for growth, GPH have selected an office within the newly refurbished No. 12 Princes Dock at Liverpool Waters. As the company’s first UK office outside of London, Princes Dock offers unrivalled proximity to Liverpool Cruise Port, along with a waterside setting that celebrates Liverpool’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant maritime legacy.

Queen Anne at Princes Dock June 2024 Courtesy of Peel Waters

No.12 Princes Dock’s ability to cater for business growth with easy scale-up office options also aligns with GPH’s plans for expanding their team in the years ahead. Located between The Liver Building and Everton Football Club’s new 52,888 capacity stadium, Princes Dock is proving to be one of the most popular spots for development and amenity. Over 1,000 residents now live in Princes Dock and the neighbourhood has attracted in a growing amenity offering that now includes shops, hotels, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and cafes.

GPH have joined a thriving business community with over 2,000 people now working within Princes Dock. The waterside neighbourhood regularly hosts a variety of leisure activities such as open water swimming, canoeing and dragon boat racing; most recently the UK’s first public floating sauna opened to huge success and earlier this year plans for the country’s first floating Padel tennis courts and clubhouse were submitted to Liverpool City Council.

Since GPH took over operations of Liverpool Cruise Port, the group have hosted spectacular events that have captured international attention. The naming ceremony of Cunard’s Queen Anne ship brought in more than 50,000 visitors to Liverpool Waters whilst over 20,000 members of the public took part in a tour of the Royal Navy’s biggest ship, the HMS Prince of Wales whilst it was docked at Liverpool Cruise Port. GPH will be planning more standout events as the number of cruises and liners coming into the port continues to increase.

Liza Marco, Senior Asset Manager at Liverpool Waters, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Global Ports Holding to the Princes Dock community. GPH’s decision to establish their operational headquarters here is a testament to the strength of Liverpool Waters as a world-class business location. Their investment in the Liverpool Cruise Port will not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to the continued revitalisation of the area.”

John Mawer, General Manager – UK from Global Ports Holding commented:

“Princes Dock is an ideal base for our Liverpool operations due to its strategic location close to the Liverpool Cruise Port and its vibrant, growing community. The area offers excellent opportunities for the team to grow, and we look forward to being a part of the neighbourhood as we work to enhance the Liverpool Cruise Port and attract more visitors to the city.”

The establishment of GPH’s operational headquarters at Liverpool Waters, combined with the planned infrastructure investments, positions the Liverpool Cruise Port as a key player in the UK’s cruise industry and a vital hub for economic growth in the region.