The Port Authority of Seville The new cruise terminal at Muelle de las Delicias, spanning over 1.000 square meters, was unveiled. This space represented a true architectural innovation at the time, as its construction utilized repurposed shipping containers. This commitment to modular and sustainable architecture has made the facility a benchmark among inland ports seeking to combine functionality, design, and environmental responsibility.
This new terminal supports the policy of supporting the cruise tourism which the city is continuously investing in. At one point, they arrived at the Port of Seville. more than 17.600 cruise passengers, a figure that was set as a target to surpass until reaching 20.000 passengers in later seasons, with forecasts of receiving dozens of ships during the months of greatest influx, usually between spring and autumn.
The push for this sector is not limited to improving facilities, but is also aimed at attracting higher value-added scalesto strengthen passenger services and consolidate Seville as a cruise destination mid-to-high range and premium, taking advantage of its unique river location and immediate proximity to the city's historic center.
Innovative and sustainable architectural project
The project for the new terminal, the second phase of which has been inaugurated, was designed by the architectural studios Stone man y Bureau4and carried out by the joint venture Eiffage Infraestructuras y Construcciones and Contratas Cabello. This stage had a budget of 1,2 million euros, 80% of which was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (Feder), which reflects the strategic relevance of the project at the European level.
Reusing shipping containers allows for a modular structure that is easily expandable and adaptable to future needs. This solution promotes a lower environmental impactIt reduces construction and maintenance costs and offers a contemporary image aligned with the new concepts of passenger terminals in leading ports.
Inside, the terminal is designed to facilitate a passenger flow Comfortable and safe, with separate boarding and disembarking areas, climate-controlled waiting areas, baggage handling facilities, and security checkpoints. All of this is integrated into an urban plan that seeks to strengthen the connection between the port and the city, making it easier for cruise passengers to... walkable to the main tourist attractions.
Specialized management and expansion of the cruise terminal
In parallel with the commissioning of this modular terminal, the Port Authority of Seville has promoted a clear specialization strategy by awarding the management of the cruise and megayacht terminal to the business alliance Global Ports and Ocean Platform Marinas SevilleThis union is made up of Global Ports Holding Limited, considered the world's largest operator of cruise terminals, with a consolidated presence in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Europe, and Ocean Platform Marinas (OPM), one of the main managers of marinas for large vessels in Spain, whose majority shareholder is Ocean Capital Partners.
During a long concession period, Global Ports and OPM Sevilla will combine their operational experienceSpecialization and industry knowledge to position the Port of Seville as a high-level destination for cruise ships and megayachts. The goal is to attract premium cruise stopsOptimize all services associated with each stop, improve passenger service and experience, and strengthen the urban integration of the maritime-port front with the city.
The concession area covers 5.100 square meters, distributed between the existing cruise terminal at Muelle de las Delicias, adjacent esplanades, and the berthing line. It also includes the occupation of 1.548 square meters in the Tablada Pier for the new cruise terminal that will be located in one of the port's historic sheds, within the so-called Port Urban District.
Once the cruise ship docking has been moved to Tablada, the Muelle de las Delicias will reinforce its role as marina for large yachts, boosting a high-spending nautical tourism segment and promoting the diversification of Seville's port offerings.
Investment and services plan for cruise ships and megayachts
Throughout the various phases of the project, Global Ports and OPM Sevilla plan to invest more than five million euros, primarily for the development of the new terminal and the improvement of services for cruise ships and megayachts. The investment program includes actions in the docking areas, the optimization of passenger flow, specialized support for large yachts and the incorporation of technical facilities for winter storage and repairs afloat.
In the short term, part of this investment is earmarked for improvements to the existing cruise terminal and the Muelle de las Delicias (Delicias Wharf), with actions aimed at modernize infrastructureTo streamline boarding and disembarkation processes and raise the quality standards perceived by shipping companies and passengers.
In addition to cruise operations, the concession includes the provision of specialized services for megayachtsServices such as concierge assistance, personalized provisioning, and advanced technical support position Seville as an attractive homeport and wintering destination for large vessels, which can combine extended stays with the opportunity to enjoy a unique urban experience.
Seville as a strategic destination for cruises and nautical tourism
The terminal will open with the arrival of ships such as the Braemarwhose crew and passengers have been able to enjoy major events on Seville's festive calendar on several occasions, such as Holy Week and the April Fair. These types of port calls demonstrate Seville's potential as a destination where the cruise experience is enriched by a first-rate cultural, gastronomic, and heritage environment.
The authorities gathered at the various presentation events have confirmed that, with the construction and expansion of the new terminal, the aim is to achieve new cruise segments and to boost nautical and river tourism in the Port of Seville and its surrounding area. The city's mayor emphasized that the terminal's location in the heart of the city will strengthen local businesses, the hospitality sector, and tourist services, generating wealth and employment throughout the metropolitan area.
The Port of Seville occupies a unique position in the cruise industry. As inland seaport Accessible via the Guadalquivir Waterway, it is ideal for embarkation and transit operations, especially for cruises that combine river and sea itineraries. This unique feature allows ships to navigate the Guadalquivir River and dock practically in the heart of the city, just meters from the historic center and monuments such as the Torre del Oro, the Royal Alcázar, and the Cathedral.
Currently, the volume of cruise passengers in Seville is around 20.000 per year, a figure that the Global Ports and OPM Seville alliance expects to increase by leveraging its strong position in the sector, its relationships with major shipping lines, and its extensive global business network. The aim is to consolidate Seville as benchmark for high-end maritime tourism in southern Europe.
Institutional cooperation and the Guadalquivir Territory project
On the other hand, the president of the Provincial Council recalled the recent agreement signed at the fair FITUR called Guadalquivir Territory between the Cajasol bank, the Seville Confederation of Business Owners, the Andalusian Regional Government, and the provincial institution, with the aim of promoting the river and its banks and showcasing the richness of the province's towns. This project aligns with the expansion and modernization of the cruise terminal, as both seek to reinforce the Guadalquivir's role as backbone of tourism, culture and the economy of the region.
Thanks to this institutional cooperation and the commitment of the private sector, Seville is moving towards a model of port-city integration where the waterfront opens up to the public, connects with new urban spaces, and becomes an engine of sustainable development. The Port of Seville is thus consolidating its position as “the sea at the heart of Andalusia,” offering cruise passengers a unique experience and the city an exceptional opportunity to continue growing in the nautical and cruise tourism sector.
The combination of an innovative terminal built with repurposed containers, specialized management with international reach, and strong institutional involvement helps explain why the expansion of the Seville cruise terminal It is considered today one of the most important projects for the future tourism and economy of the city and its river environment.