Monday, October 18– The BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) is announcing the completion of the construction of the new tender dock and renovations to the existing cruise pier.
Managing Director of the BVIPA, Mr. V. Victor O’Neal shared with the Department of Information and Public Relations that, “The BVIPA is very happy to have completed this project, which is sure to be a lucrative opportunity for the cruise tourism industry.”
The BVIPA will dedicate the newly constructed dock tomorrow, Tuesday, October 19, officially opening the facility for usage in the upcoming tourist season. The ceremony will take place in the afternoon at the Cruise Ship Dock at 3 o’clock.
In explaining the background of the tender dock project, Mr. O’Neal said that it began in late 2008 after Dawson Wells Consulting of Tortola was contracted to conduct the initial bathymetric surveys to determine the feasibility of the tender dock. Preparation of the designated area began immediately thereafter.
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The Managing Director also said that Dawson Wells Consulting and St. Jean Engineering were retained for engineering consultancy. Odyssey Venture Group, another local organisation, was responsible for the construction of the tender dock, cruise pier and breakwater. The Project Manager was CH2MHILL, an engineering and project management organisation from the United States of America.
“Special efforts were made to engage local contractors for both projects,” said Mr. O’Neal. He added, “Together, these organisations worked tirelessly against bad weather and unusually high tides to finish these projects, for which the BVIPA is sincerely grateful.”
Repairs to the cruise pier began after the cruise ship season in 2009. Those works included the replacement of structural damage mainly below the pier and installation of new fenders.
The fenders installed by James Todman Construction were part of an upgrade project that will allow for larger cruise ships to berth at the existing pier facility. Maritime International, Inc. aided in the design efforts to achieve a fender system that was both economical and superior in design.
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Mr. O’Neal explained, “The Virgin Islands is the first Caribbean destination to use these fenders. The fender system utilises a ‘cone-type’ buckling fender capable of absorbing large amounts of energy while keeping the reaction on the pier to a minimum. These systems are durable and built to last through the rigors of a marine berthing facility.”
The Board of Directors, management and employees of the BVI Ports Authority are looking forward to members of the public supporting the opening ceremony. To obtain additional information about tomorrow’s ceremony, please contact the BVIPA via telephone at 494-3435.
The cruise ship tender pier project, which was completed at a combined cost of $5.3 million, is in line with Government’s plans to improve and expand present port facilities in the Territory, in order to be up-to-date with international security and operating standards and also to meet the growing needs of residents and visitors.
