Gibraltar Cruise Terminal

Gibraltar Cruise Terminal
Island Cruises' MS Island Escape berthed alongside the Gibraltar Cruise Terminal at the Western Arm of the North Mole, Gibraltar Harbour
General information
Location	Western Arm of North Mole, Gibraltar Harbour, Gibraltar
Coordinates	36°08′51″N 5°21′57″W / 36.147591°N 5.365775°W / 36.147591; -5.365775
Opened	17 July 1997
Cost	£600,000
Owner	Government of Gibraltar
Technical details
Floor area	1,200 Square Metres
Design and construction
Architect	Dennis Mosquera
Main contractor	Profield Contractors

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.

In 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.

The public and restricted areas of the cruise terminal are separated by a security barrier. The public sections of the terminal have telephone and fax equipment, as well as counters for car rentals, taxis, and tourist information. This area of the terminal also has general seating, an arts and crafts store, and a cafeteria/bar. The lounge in the restricted zone features a fountain, and the walls of that area are complemented by the works of Gibraltar artists. Access to the restricted section of the cruise terminal is similar to that of an airport. There are x-ray machines and metal detectors, as well as Gibraltar Customs and other officials. The measures employed were based on recommendations made by Scotland Yard personnel. Security is not limited to the terminal; access to Gibraltar Harbour is restricted. In addition to security on the land side of the harbour, the waters are patrolled by a combination of Gibraltar Port Authority, Royal Gibraltar Police, and Ministry of Defence (Gibraltar Defence Police and Royal Navy) vessels.