The Government of The Bahamas has finalized a public-private partnership to develop a new cruise port and cargo facility on the island of Mayaguana.

The project marks a significant expansion of cruise infrastructure in the southeastern Bahamas and will open one of the country’s least-developed islands to the global cruise market for the first time.

According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, the agreement establishes a partnership between the government and Global Lead Consultant Group Limited, along with a team that includes 77 Construction UK, to advance what is being described as a major maritime and logistics hub.

Mayaguana, the easternmost island in The Bahamas, is located near key Atlantic shipping routes used by vessels traveling between the Americas, Europe and the Panama Canal. Officials said the location positions the island for increased activity in both cruise tourism and cargo transshipment.

The development will be carried out in three phases. The first phase includes the construction of a temporary marine offloading facility and a deep-water port. The second phase will focus on building a cruise ship terminal, while the third phase calls for a deep-water transshipment port designed for larger vessels, along with adjacent landside development and cargo handling infrastructure.

Plans for the broader project also include excavation works, housing, utility upgrades and supporting facilities tied to port operations.

The project will be jointly owned by the Government of The Bahamas, the Mayaguana Island Development Fund and Global Lead Consultant Group Limited. The operating company will be Mayaguana Port Group Ltd., according to the government.

Officials said the inclusion of the Mayaguana Island Development Fund is intended to ensure direct economic benefits for the local community, with further engagement planned on how those funds will be used.

The project is expected to move into detailed planning in the coming months, including environmental and economic assessments, regulatory approvals and stakeholder consultations.

Preliminary estimates indicate the development could generate approximately 2,000 full-time jobs over the life of the project.