MSC Cruises has obtained final approval by the Port of Barcelona’s Board of Directors to build and operate an exclusive cruise terminal. The Italian cruise line will build an innovative terminal which it will operate and manage for a 31-year period.The new terminal is expected to enter service in 2024.
The build of a new dedicated cruise terminal in Barcelona will allow MSC Cruises to consolidate its presence in the city, which is one of the brand’s most important ports in the Western Med, and to expand its homeporting operations out of the city. This will result in added direct and indirect economic benefit for the city and region as more international guests will transit through Barcelona, likely spending additional days in the city either before or after their cruise.
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman, said: “We are particularly pleased with the award of this multi-year new terminal concession. Barcelona is not only an important homeport for the cruises division, but also for the entire Group and its shipping business. As such, the new terminal is a further proof of MSC Group’s longstanding commitment to the city of Barcelona and the entire Catalonia region.
The new terminal, which will feature shore power facilities and be ready for LNG-bunkering operations, will also allow MSC Cruises to deploy more next-generation, environmentally friendly ships in Barcelona. This includes MSC World Europa, the brand’s first LNG-powered cruise ship, which is currently under construction and due to enter service in 2022.
Also read: MSC Cruises introduces the future of cruising
For this project MSC Cruises is partnering with the globally renowned Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill and his studio. Together, they hope to build a state of the art terminal that becomes become another landmark for the city.
MSC Cruises will operate and manage the innovative terminal of 11,670 square metres for a 31-year period. The project is estimated to represent a EUR 33 million investment by MSC Cruises. With construction work set to start shortly, the new terminal is expected to enter service in 2024.