Gibraltar Cruise Terminal

The Gibraltar Cruise Terminal is located at the northern end of the Western Arm of the North Mole at Gibraltar Harbour. Construction of the facility in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar was completed in 1997. In the fifteen years since its opening, the terminal handled approximately three million cruise passengers. In May 2011, the explosion of a sullage tank on the Western Arm, while a cruise ship was berthed nearby, ultimately resulted in the loss of life of a dock worker. In October 2011, the Government of Gibraltar announced plans for expansion and renovation of the cruise terminal.DesignIn 1995, the Government of Gibraltar solicited bids for the design and construction of a new cruise terminal in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. Eleven companies submitted bids for the project. Gibraltarian architect Dennis Mosquera was selected to design the terminal, and the company Profield Contractors was chosen to build it. The architect and builders worked within a limited budget of £600,000. The cruise terminal building was originally a warehouse on the Western Arm of the North Mole of Gibraltar Harbour. While unused, the walls of the former warehouse were deemed to be structurally sound. The building was gutted, and given a new floor and insulated roof. Walls of white, chipped stone were installed. The overall effect was one of airiness and a neoclassical appearance. The colour scheme utilised shades of blue and yellow, sunny Mediterranean colours. The terminal was further decorated with plants, art with a nautical motif, and lighting.