Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, has appointed Francesc Grau i Comellas (pictured) as GPH Regional Director of West Med and General Manager of Barcelona Cruise Port, effective 25th July, 2025.
This follows the departure of Javier Rodríguez Sánchez.
Grau i Comellas has been a key member of the Creuers del Port de Barcelona team since 1999, most recently serving as Operations Manager.
With over two decades of experience overseeing daily port operations, leading infrastructure improvements, and supporting international growth initiatives, he brings deep operational knowledge and proven leadership to his expanded role, GPH said.
“Francesc’s deep knowledge of our operations and long-standing commitment to excellence make him the ideal person to take on this important regional role,” said Mehmet Kutman, GPH Chairman and CEO.
“His leadership has earned the trust of both our internal teams and key stakeholders across the region. I am confident that under his direction, our ports in the West Med and Asia will continue to thrive and contribute meaningfully to GPH’s broader success.
“I would also like to personally thank Javier Rodríguez Sánchez for his tremendous contributions since 2017. His leadership in Barcelona and across the region has been instrumental to our growth, and he leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, dedication, and impact. We wish him every success in the future,” he said.
In another move, GPH’s Catania Cruise Port has expanded gaining a third berth to accommodate large ships.
Catania Cruise Port saw the completion of Pier 25’s renovation, significantly enhancing its capacity and positioning within the Mediterranean cruise sector.
Thanks to the breakwater restoration project, the port now features three operational cruise berths, including a newly upgraded 405 m quay with a water depth of 9 m, capable of handling the world’s largest cruise vessels.
The new quay is supported by a 7,000 sq m parking area for tour buses and logistics, making Catania increasingly competitive and efficient,, as it prepares for anticipated growth in passenger traffic under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Sicilian Sea Port System Authority, led by President Francesco Di Sarcina.
“This was a fundamental intervention to bring the dock in line with today’s operational standards,” said Engineer Di Sarcina.
“We’ve restored the quay edge, recertified the bollards, upgraded the fenders, and—most critically—leveled the seabed, which had become uneven due to sediment shifts. Maintaining this depth through routine monitoring will be essential as cruise activity increases.”
This new cruise berth joins the central pier – currently the port’s longest and the future site of a new terminal – and the quay adjacent to the breakwater, where further work is set for completion by early 2026.
“This pier offers exceptional technical specifications,” added Raffaella Del Prete, General Manager of GPH Italian Cruise Port.
“The addition of a third operational berth represents a major leap in our ability to manage larger passenger volumes and welcome next-generation ships. It also allows for the simultaneous berthing of multiple vessels, supported by dedicated land-side logistics that streamline co-ordination with local transportation providers.”
Del Prete also emphasised that the new infrastructure is already delivering operational results and will play a central role in achieving traffic targets set through 2027.
“This project is a tangible example of successful collaboration between GPH and the Port System Authority and reflects our shared vision of transforming Catania Cruise Port into a leading Mediterranean destination,” he said.
Strategically located on the eastern coast of Sicily at the foot of Mount Etna, Catania is an increasingly popular call on Mediterranean cruise itineraries, offering a blend of cultural heritage, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant city life.
Its proximity to destinations like Taormina, Syracuse, and the UNESCO-listed Mount Etna makes it a compelling stop for cruise lines seeking both scenic and historical richness.
As cruise traffic grows in the Eastern Mediterranean, Catania Cruise Port is emerging as a key gateway to authentic Sicilian experiences.
With this expansion, Catania is well-positioned to serve as both a key gateway to Sicily and a growing hub for Eastern Mediterranean cruise itineraries, GPH said.
