Global Ports Holding Welcomes Queen Anne: A New Milestone at Liverpool Port

Cunard’s latest addition, the Queen Anne, made its inaugural arrival at Liverpool, a significant moment orchestrated under the new partnership between Global Ports Holding and Peel Ports Group at Liverpool Cruise Port, as stated in recent announcements.

This was the first major cruise ship to dock since the 50-year collaboration was initiated in April with The Mersey Docks And Harbour Company Ltd, a subsidiary of Peel Ports Group, aimed at overseeing operations at the Liverpool Cruise Port.

Stephen Xuereb, the COO of GPH, expressed enthusiasm about this milestone, noting Liverpool as the vessel’s ‘spiritual home’. He highlighted the company’s ambition to enhance the cruising experience in Liverpool, marking GPH’s first cruise port venture in the UK.

David Huck, COO of Peel Ports Group, reflected pride in initiating their partnership with a significant event like the arrival of the Queen Anne. He emphasized the port’s competency in safely managing such a grand vessel and its role in attracting global attention as a premier cruising destination.

The event also celebrated the onset of the cruise season, with hopes pinned on the Queen Anne’s successful voyage and the anticipation of welcoming numerous prominent ships in the future.

In a tribute to maritime tradition, Liverpool Port Director Phil Hall, along with officials from GPH and Liverpool City Council, presented commemorative plaques to the ship’s Captain during the ceremony.

The celebration included performances by tenor Andrea Bocelli, The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and the ceremonial smashing of a champagne bottle against the ship’s hull, marking its official naming.

With pending approvals, GPH intends to invest up to £25 million to bolster the port’s infrastructure. This includes plans for a new floating pontoon, intended to enhance passenger capacity and facilitate the docking of two 300-metre ships simultaneously, managing up to 7,000 passengers daily.

The cruise port, which saw 102 ships and over 186,000 passengers last year, anticipates hosting over 200,000 passengers this year and aims to exceed 400,000 annually in the future.