Virgin Islands Port Authority Makes Room for Bigger Ships

Recently completed dredging of the Crown Bay in St. Thomas, allowed for the first time a Solstice-class cruise ship to berth along the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal.

On Wednesday, the Celebrity Silhouette was berthed along the northern side of the pier, thanks to dredging work that increased the depth of the terminal.

This was announced by the Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director, Carlton Dowe, who said that the completion of the dredging in East Gregorie channel has made room for both Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, which is an Oasis-class vessel, and the Celebrity Silhouette to bring their passengers to Crown Bay.

“This was never possible in the past because Solstice-class vessels could not safely berth along the north pier,” said VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe.

The contract for the $2.5 million project was awarded to the Orion Marine Construction, Inc. back in 2015.

Under the deal, Orion Marine dredged the Crown Bay East Gregerie Channel and the northern section of the dock at the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal to a depth of 10 meters or 32.8 feet.

The dredging which was completed later that year was funded by the Port Authority through bonds issued in 2014.