Charlotte Amalie Harbor, St. Thomas USVI. Photo Credit: ERNICE GILBERT, V.I. CONSORTIUM
The V.I. Port Authority has issued an invitation for contractors to bid on the dredging project in the Charlotte Amalie Harbor, St. Thomas. The dredging work aims to improve access and safety for vessels navigating the harbor and docking at the West Indian Company Limited (WICO) facility in Havensight.
The project encompasses dredging the entrance channels, turning basin, and berth pocket to facilitate safe and efficient navigation for large vessels. Additionally, the plan includes an expansion at Yacht Haven Grande Marina (YHG), funded by YHG, to enhance the existing slips and accommodate further marina development.
Contractors interested in participating can access bid documents on VIPA’s e-procurement website, with submissions due by February 14, 2025, at 3 p.m. AST. All responses must be submitted through the same platform.
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe stressed the importance of the initiative, noting its role in maintaining the cruise industry's competitiveness—an essential component of the Virgin Islands’ tourism-driven economy. "The release of this bid package is a culmination of years of work and collaboration with key stakeholders, including WICO, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources Coastal Zone Management Commission, GERS, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers," Dowe stated.
Expressing gratitude for the collective effort, Dowe acknowledged support from VIPA’s Board of Governors, consultants BioImpact and Moffatt & Nichol, the Bryan-Roach Administration, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Legislature. "While the dredging has not yet started, this is a major milestone for this critical development," he added.
VIPA said it is committed to minimizing disruption during the dredging process. Measures will be implemented to reduce noise pollution for nearby residents and to avoid significant interruptions to vessel traffic. Mr. Dowe also reassured that efforts would be made to limit disturbances to Havensight Mall merchants and businesses.
Originally envisioned in 2008, the project aims to bolster the competitiveness of the WICO dock by enabling it to accommodate the world’s largest cruise vessels. Construction is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2025, with completion targeted before the peak cruise season in 2026.
This critical development is poised to strengthen the Virgin Islands’ position as a premier destination for cruise tourism, driving economic growth and sustaining the territory’s development.
