While the pandemic has impacted the tourism sector, Antigua and Barbuda officials said it was continuing to build a 5th cruise ship berth, which is due to be ready at the beginning of the upcoming winter tourist season.
The USD 80 million, 30-year agreement that Antigua signed with Global Ports Holdings Ltd (port managing company) includes financing a 5th cruise pier / dock to accommodate Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships (world's largest).
The agreement also covers investments to improve the shopping and other amenities at Saint John’s’ Heritage Quay.
According to Project Manager Joel Keeman, the project was making progress with 60% of the work on the cruise ship pier completed so far.
All pierside works are expected to be completed by mid-October 2020, according to Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher. The cruise ship berth will be officially commissioned in 2020-Q4.