Global Ports Holding Unveils Plans Worth More Than US$300 Million for San Juan

Global Ports Holding (GPH) unveiled its plans for the next phase of development at the cruise port of San Juan, Puerto Rico, which include a new terminal at Piers 11 and 12 and the demolition and reconstruction of the historic Pier 1 in Old San Juan. According to Splash Cruise, the combined value of both proposed projects exceeds US$314 million.

The new terminal at Piers 11 and 12 represents a construction investment of more than US$200 million and is expected to be funded with private capital. GPH noted that the project would boost San Juan's capacity as a homeport for cruise operations, provide modern passenger facilities, and streamline embarkation and disembarkation for cruise lines. The reconstruction of Pier 1 is estimated at US$114 million, with the bulk of that amount expected to come from federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) program and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with Puerto Rico government agencies.

In August, San Juan Cruise Port had launched the procurement process for Pier 1, requesting proposals for architecture and engineering services, design, environmental services and technical support, with a primary allocation identified at US$98.2 million in CDBG-MIT funds. Splash Cruise clarified that, for now, both projects remain proposals.

GPH framed these two projects as the continuation of an initial modernization program for existing facilities, valued at more than US$200 million, which includes structural repairs, berth upgrades, terminal renovations and operational improvements, with completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. As part of that program, a second passenger boarding bridge was recently installed at the Pan American piers, adding to the first unit installed in 2025.

Mike Maura Jr., GPH's Regional Director for the Americas, stated that San Juan Cruise Port is a key part of the company's growth strategy in the region and that ongoing investments and future plans aim to strengthen the port's infrastructure. Jan Fomferra, President of San Juan Cruise Port and CFO of GPH, said that San Juan represents what can be achieved by combining long-term private investment with public-sector collaboration, while Clarivette Diaz, the port's General Manager, highlighted that progress—from infrastructure rehabilitation to the new boarding bridges—is already visible in day-to-day operations.

GPH took over operation of the Port of San Juan in February 2024 under a 30-year public-private partnership agreement with the Government of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. According to Splash Cruise, the company presented its latest development plans during the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association conference.