By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

The British Virgin Island Ports Authority says it expects “substantial completion” in its Cruise Pier Development Project by Oct. 31.

The company announced the date in a release this week, citing cooperation and support from partner cruise lines and the Florida Caribbean Cruise Line Association.

By that date, BVIPA projects to will have completed 10 of the 11 leasable buildings of the landside development, Tortola Pier Park (TPP), a modern cruise pier facility that will offer world-class, environmentally-sustainable development.

There are 54 businesses are currently committed and approved for lease within TPP, including jewelry, footwear, clothing, souvenirs and leather goods stores, as well as food and beverage vendors, a post office, medical services, and more.

“The BVI Ports Authority looks forward to substantial and actual completion of this project when the substantial benefits under Berthing Agreements would mature and be derived,” said Claude Skelton Cline, Managing Director of the BVIPA.

The rate of progress is in line with objectives established for the commencement of cruise season on October 1, at which time Norwegian Cruise Line will be required an increased head charge of $15, as opposed to the current rate of seven dollars per person, the BVIPA said.

— CJ