MSC Cruises announced it will provide funding for the construction of a new cruise berthing facility in the Cayman Islands’ George Town Harbour. The announcement was made from Premier Alden McLaughlin after the Cayman Islands Government had received a formal financial commitment from the cruise company.
MSC Cruises is the 4th company to financially commit to the cruise berthing project, following Royal Caribbean, Carnival Corporation and Disney Cruise Line.
Mr Alden McLaughlin noted
These agreements, coupled with the finance to be provided by whichever entity is eventually selected as the preferred bidder on the project, ensure that no public funding will be required to build the cruise berths and enhanced cargo facility.
Moreover, the project is in the sixth year of operation, aiming to build the berthing facility within a design, build, finance and maintain framework.
The Port Authority of the Cayman Islands will continue to own, operate and manage the facility as it does today.
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Mr MLaughlin added that cruise companies’ investment reflects their commitment in boosting the islands.
The project is estimated to be conducted at 30 to 36 months; It will include a dredged berthing area and piers providing berths for four large cruise ships, with additional reclaimed land for landside facilities.
After the completion of the project, cruise ships will no longer have to transfer cruise passengers between ship and shore using small vessels.
