Construction of the breakwater for Nanny Cay’s new south marina in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, has reached its full 1,430ft (435-metre) length as dredging begins for a new entrance channel. Both works are part of a $30 million USD development to increase marina capacity and accommodate larger vessels.
Work on the breakwater will continue through the installation of four flushing culverts and the placement of armour rock along the existing access road. Dredging has also started on a new entrance channel that will run parallel to Tortola’s shoreline, at almost a 90-degree angle to the current entrance. A temporary causeway provides access for a large excavator to dredge the channel to a depth of 14ft (4.3 metres), and the material removed will be reused to reclaim land for the new marina and boatyard.
Throughout the estimated two-month channel works, a temporary navigation channel will remain open for boats entering the marina. Launched in February, the development’s first phase also covers expansion of the existing boatyard and construction of a new 150-ton haul-out facility on the outer peninsula.
The second phase is expected to take approximately 28 months and will add landside facilities such as a concierge building providing showers and bathrooms, a marine hub for the Royal BVI Yacht Club and HLSCC Marine Centre, and a village for regattas and other events. Plans also provide for food and retail outlets, a beach, restaurant, additional parking, service roads, boardwalks and landscaped gardens.
Once completed, the south marina will offer 112 slips to meet growing demand for marina and boatyard space in the Caribbean and create opportunities for businesses serving the marine sector. Nanny Cay is targeting April 2027 for completion of the new boatyard and Travelift facilities, followed by the south marina docks in November 2027.
