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.

Gibraltarian architect Dennis Mosquera was selected to design the terminal, and the company Profield Contractors was chosen to build it.

The cruise terminal building was originally a warehouse on the Western Arm of the North Mole of Gibraltar Harbour.

[1] The public sections of the terminal have telephone and fax equipment, as well as counters for car rentals, taxis, and tourist information.

The lounge in the restricted zone features a fountain, and the walls of that area are complemented by the works of Gibraltar artists.

[5][6] Cruise ships berth along both sides of the terminal at the northern end of the Western Arm of the North Mole.

In addition, the passenger from the Sea Princess, accompanied by her husband, received numerous gifts from a variety of Gibraltar companies and organisations.

[4] On 31 May 2011, a dozen passengers aboard the MS Independence of the Seas received injuries, most minor, after the explosion of a sullage tank that contained water and used oil.

[13][14][15] The incident on the North Mole led to multiple investigations, primarily of procedures at Nature Port Reception Facilities Ltd, at whose plant the explosion occurred.

The investigations were conducted privately on behalf of Capita Symonds, a consultancy company based in the United Kingdom, whose study of the explosion was commissioned by the Government of Gibraltar.

"The concept of having a processing plant in the current location is potentially hazardous and high risk, made more so due to the presence of low flashpoint products."

Their stated goal is to permit The Rock to accommodate larger cruise ships at the commercial port, as well as an increase in the number of passengers.

The first phase of the expansion will entail demolition of an adjacent structure, the former Ice Box Building, which has recently been utilised by M H Bland & Co.

The portion of the terminal dedicated to security and immigration will be doubled in size, with separation of the areas serving the two sides of the Western Arm.