Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer has stated that the completed new West End Ferry Terminal will be designed to process up to 200 passengers per hour, or 200,000 passengers per year.

In his statement at the Fifth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, Minister Rymer said the new terminal will more than double the size of the previous facility, and Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency, (RDA) is ably managing its design and construction.

The Minister said that the work is being done in close partnership with key stakeholders including 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.

Honourable Rymer said that there are key milestones in the project thus far and that he is pleased with the local contractors who were successful in the pre-qualification procurement process.

He said, “I am particularly pleased to highlight that three local firms (one standalone applicant and two firms within a joint-venture application) were successful in the second-round of the prequalification process.”

Honourable Rymer added, “This underscores the ability of our local contractors to succeed in competitive bidding processes. The four successfully prequalified applicants will be invited to bid in the full tender process which will commence in the coming weeks, following approval of the full design set and compilation of required tender documentation.”

The Minister said that there are remaining processes that must be completed before the construction phase can begin, and that the expected completion date of the project is mid-2026.

Honourable Rymer said, “The West End Ferry Terminal will cater to private and charter yachts, private boats and water taxis as well as facilitating reliable access for ferry passengers from the neighbouring USVI and between Jost Van Dyke and Tortola.”

 He said while the airport and the Ferry Terminal cater to different markets and meet distinct needs, both aim at improving transportation and access to our islands, development of our tourism product, and our overall socioeconomic advancement.”

Minister Rymer thanked the RDA for its continued pursuit of excellence on this major project and for working with his Ministry to advance the works.

Honourable Rymer’s full statement can be viewed on the Government of the Virgin Islands website at www.bvi.gov.vg.

The Ministry of Communications and Works continues to ensure the continued development and maintenance of public infrastructure in keeping with international standards so that public utilities are reliable and affordable in support of an enhanced community life for every resident and visitor in the Virgin Islands.