The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) has awarded a $41.9 million USD contract to Orion Marine Construction, Inc. for dredging works at Charlotte Amalie Harbor, including Yacht Haven Grande Marina in St. Thomas. The decision was made during a board of governors meeting on 18 March 2026, with the contract set to run for 365 days.
First planned in 2008, the work will focus on improving navigation and allowing larger vessels to access berths more easily at the West Indian Company Dock in Havensight.
VIPA led the bid evaluation, while representatives from the West Indian Company Limited and Yacht Haven Grande participated in the discussions.
The Virgin Islands Legislature has allocated $1,434,950 under Act 8861 for pre-construction soft costs. Additional funding includes $17 million under Act 8787 and six million under Act 9068 for dredging activities. Further financing will come through VIPA marine bonds, to be repaid through increased port dues collected from cruise lines.
Pre-construction activities are expected to begin immediately, with construction anticipated within the next 180 days.
Located within the harbour, Yacht Haven Grande Marina accommodates superyachts, sailing vessels, sport fishing boats and leisure craft. The marina has 46 berths and can handle vessels up to 200 metres in length. It offers customs and immigration services, fuelling, provisioning, waste disposal and a business centre, with access to nearby shops and restaurants in downtown Charlotte Amalie.
Images courtesy of Yacht Haven Grande.
