Contract signed for new cruise pier at Port Zante

A contract has been signed for the construction of a second cruise pier at Port Zante in St Kitts.

St Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority and the Canadian Commercial Corporation came together on Wednesday to formalise the project.

Ian “Patches” Liburd, minister of public infrastructure, said the plan was “one of vision,” and necessary for the truism industry to grow.

Planning for a second cruise pier project began in 2012. Work is now expected to begin by the end of the first quarter of 2018 with the aim of getting completed in time for the 2019 cruise season.

The pier will be designed to accommodate two Oasis-sized cruise ships, the world’s largest and longest passenger vessel.

The ability to withstand the effects of climate change and adverse weather has also been considered, said Liburd.

Bond with Canada

The US$48 million construction of a second pier will be funded through “the joint efforts of local business establishments”, according to a government press release.

The St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank has pledged support of US$34 million, the St Kitts and Nevis Social Security Board has assured US$7 million, the St Kitts and Nevis Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation has offered US$5 million, and the St Kitts and Nevis Trading and Development Company has guaranteed US$2 million.

“This is a testament to the commitment of the Canadian government to this project and the improvement of our government to government relationships, which we hope will bear many more fruits in the future,” said Liburd.