MSC Cruises has recently attained final approval by the Port of Barcelona’s Board of Directors to build and operate an exclusive cruise terminal.

The cruise line will construct an innovative terminal of 11,670 square metres over the next few years, that once complete, MSC Cruises will operate and manage for a 31-year period.

The project is estimated to represent an investment of €33 million by MSC Cruises. With constructions to about to start soon, the new terminal is expected to begin operations in 2024.

 “We are particularly pleased with the award of this multi-year new terminal concession,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises executive chairman.

He continued: “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.”

This venture will help MSC Cruises consolidate its presence in Barcelona and expand its homeporting operations beyond the city. This is a great opportunity for the cruise line since Barcelona is one of its most important ports in the western Mediterranean.

The move is expected to gain added direct and indirect economic benefit for the city and region by bringing in more international guests who will transit through Barcelona. Travellers are likely to spend additional days in the city either before or after their cruise.

The new terminal will feature shore power facilities and be prepared for LNG bunkering operations. It will also allow MSC Cruises to deploy more next-generation, environmentally friendly ships in Barcelona, which includes MSC World Europa, the brand’s first LNG-powered cruise ship, currently under construction and due to enter service in 2022.

MSC Cruises will partner with the globally renowned Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill and his studio for this project. Together, they plan to build a state-of-the-art terminal is hoped to become another landmark for the city.

Barcelona is an important port, not only for the MSC group but for the entire MSC Group. Both MSC’s cargo operator MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and ferry operator GNV have a large presence in Barcelona. Hence, a new terminal is a added proof of MSC Group’s longstanding commitment to Barcelona, Catalonia and the whole of Spain.