Global Port Holding (“GPH”) and Bouygues Batiment International (“BBI”), the Shareholders of the Project Company: Dubrovnik International Cruise Port Investment d.o.o. (“DICPI”), are proud and happy to announce the execution of the preliminary Concession Contract for the development, financing, construction and operating of the mixed use infrastructure project within the maritime domain of the Dubrovnik Gruz Port.
Both sponsors have an extensive track record in developing and operating similar facilities around the world.
GPH is the world’s largest cruise port operator, with in excess of 5m passenger visitors to its ports and operates a portfolio of 9 cruise ports including Barcelona, the largest Cruise Port in the Mediterranean.
Construction of Lisbon Cruise Terminal which will be completed by the end of 2016 is the most recent terminal development project of GPH. Award winning, state of art terminal building will be a contemporary interpretation of Lisbon’s vibrant lifestyle.
Bouygues has developed and built the preeminent Asia’s cruise hub “KAI TAK” in Hong Kong and is currently building the New Airport of Zagreb which will be delivered in September of this year, 4 months ahead of the scheduled opening.
In Gruz Port, the Concessionnaire plans an outstanding project including a new Cruise Terminal, a modern and functional Shopping Mall, a multi story Garage and the main international City Bus station. Its ambition is to create a new and iconic address, a very modern replica of the historical city center, located at only few kilometers away. The investment will be secured by the 2 Sponsors and completed by a loan; due to its high potential and strategic location, as the only available plot of land in the central area of the city of Dubrovnik , the project’s development interests several major international and local banks.
“The works on site are planned to start on September/October 2016 and to be completed before the end 2018.
The best in class Croatian construction companies will be associated to its realization, such as Kamgrad, King ICT, KFK, etc.
More than 250 jobs will be created during the construction works.
We do believe that the partnership with the Dubrovnik Port Authority (“DPA”) representing the Republic of Croatia’s government and the local authorities of the city of Dubrovnik, will help us to launch the revitalization of this new part of the city, giving a strong impulse for the development of the “Pearl of Adriatic” , commented Victor Stefanescu – Bouygues’ Southern Europe Director.
Dubrovnik Gruz Port is located cca.3km away from the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination in the southern Croatia. Considered as a “Marquee Port” (a must-see port), the Gruz Port is the 10th largest in the world and 3rd largest in the Mediterranean in terms of cruise transit passengers, with an annual passenger number of c.1 million. Furthermore, the ongoing efforts to increase capacity of Cilipi (Dubrovnik) Airport, along with the planned direct highway connection to Dubrovnik, should support the growth of the cruise passengers’ number.
Dubrovnik region is one of the most exquisite tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, hosting in excess of 5m overnight stays annually, in addition to cruise passengers and daily tourists. The Gruz Port is located in the city center, and will cater to locals cruise and non cruise passengers visiting the city.
Saygin Narin CEO of GPH commented “Sponsors’ main goal is to support the sustainability of Dubrovnik by creating a second attraction center after the Old Town, and reduce congestion particularly during the high-season period. The project will also significantly contribute to the management of the traffic challenge in the City as it includes, multi-story garage, cruise bus park and international city bus station”.
“GPH has already strong relations with all stakeholders of the cruise industry and will implement an enhanced destination marketing program, targeting cruise lines and tour operators, which will not only contribute to increase in cruise traffic but also to endorse tourism in Dubrovnik & Croatia.”
