Above: work on the BVI cruise pier expansion

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Work is officially underway on the cruise pier expansion at the British Virgin Islands’ port in Tortola, the BVI Ports Authority said.

The project, which broke ground in May, includes the lengthening, strengthening and widening of the current pier. It will also include dredging in and around the cruise facility to allow for safer maneuvering of ships, remove existing rip rap or rock face to be replaced with a bulkhead.

Additionally, the pier will include a new 20-foot boardwalk along the southern coastline.

The pier is also being strengthened to allow for the accommodation of ships with over 170,000 gross registered tons.

The project is being undertaken by the government of the Virgin Islands and the BVI Ports Authority.