New West End Ferry Terminal to Accommodate 200,000 Passengers Annually

Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer, recently announced that the new West End Ferry Terminal in the Virgin Islands will be designed to accommodate up to 200 passengers per hour, or 200,000 passengers per year.

The completion of this terminal will more than double the size of the previous facility, with the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) overseeing its design and construction.

During his statement at the House of Assembly, Minister Rymer emphasized the collaborative effort between key stakeholders involved in the project. These stakeholders include the BVI Ports Authority, the Immigration Department, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, His Majesty’s Customs, the BVI Tourist Board, ferry operators, and taxi drivers.

Minister Rymer expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the project, highlighting key milestones achieved so far. He commended the success of three local firms in the pre-qualification procurement process, emphasizing their ability to compete in bidding processes. These firms, one standalone applicant and two joint-venture firms, will be invited to participate in the full tender process.

However, Minister Rymer noted that there are still several processes that need to be completed before the construction phase can commence. The expected completion date for the project is mid-2026.

The new West End Ferry Terminal will serve various types of water transportation, including private and charter yachts, private boats, water taxis, and ferry passengers traveling between the neighboring US Virgin Islands and Jost Van Dyke and Tortola. Minister Rymer emphasized that while the airport and the ferry terminal cater to different markets, both aim to improve transportation and access to the islands, enhance the tourism product, and contribute to the overall socioeconomic advancement of the Virgin Islands.

Minister Rymer extended his gratitude to the RDA for their dedication to excellence in managing this major project and for their collaboration with the Ministry to advance the works.