Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise terminal operator, is exploring investment opportunities in Puerto Vallarta’s maritime terminal. Senior executives from GPH, including President and CEO Mehmet Kutman, met last week with officials from the National Port System Administration (Asipona) to discuss potential projects aimed at modernizing and expanding the port’s infrastructure.
The GPH delegation, led by company President and CEO Mehmet Kutman, included board member Andrew Stuart, legal director Ece Gursoy, and port engineering head David Corbella. During their visit, ASIPONA Director General Retired Admiral Juan Ortiz Guarneros and his team presented current and future infrastructure projects. The group also toured the terminal, though no ships were docked at the time.
According to ASIPONA, the meeting was productive and showed strong interest from the international firm in becoming involved in future development. The agency stated that its goals align with the National Development Plan, which emphasizes modernizing port infrastructure, improving maritime mobility, increasing competitiveness, and supporting environmental sustainability.
Among the key development proposals is the planned expansion of all three docks to accommodate the next generation of mega-cruise ships. Dock One would be extended by 70 meters, Dock Two by 20 meters, and Dock Three by 7 meters. This would enable the terminal to receive ships up to 362 meters long – an increase from the current limit of 334 meters.
ASIPONA noted that the upgrade is necessary to keep up with the cruise industry’s growing ship sizes. However, the project still requires public funding, and the timeline for construction has not yet been announced.
Additional plans include launching a cruise route focused solely on Mexican ports, with Puerto Vallarta serving as a home port for mid-sized cruise ships. Though a similar effort in the past was unsuccessful, ASIPONA believes the concept still holds potential.
In the coastal shipping sector, ASIPONA aims to introduce ferry service between Puerto Vallarta and Islas Marías. The agency views this new route as a promising opportunity for both tourism and commerce.
Other proposed projects funded by private investment include:
- A 112,300-square-meter gastronomic corridor and beach club with five restaurants highlighting regional Mexican cuisine
- A Botanical Garden and Spirits Pavilion featuring a museum and commercial spaces centered on agave and its distillation
- A new passenger terminal near Marina Los Peines and Dársena Las Piedras
Puerto Vallarta currently has six marinas, four of which are privately operated. Marina Vallarta and Marina Muelle Los Peines are the largest public-use facilities. In 2024, operations at sites including Opequimar, Puerto Mágico, the Handicraft Market, and Marina Vallarta generated over 25 million pesos in revenue for ASIPONA.
As Puerto Vallarta continues to grow as a tourist and cruise destination, these investments and upgrades aim to ensure the port remains competitive and well-equipped for future demand.
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