West End Ferry Terminal Redeveloped Plan Scaled
The Government of the Virgin Islands has redesigned the West End Ferry Terminal after initial contractor bids far exceeded the approved budget; the revised plan, led by international consultants INROS Lackner SE and developed in consultation with the Caribbean Development Bank, reduces the building footprint and includes reclamation work to stabilise the site. Officials say renderings of the revised design are now on GOV.VG and the Government aims to open the construction tender process later this year, while acknowledging public frustration over delays and the limits of the temporary facility that has been in use since the terminal was destroyed in 2017.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has announced a redesigned plan for the West End Ferry Terminal after initial contractor bids significantly exceeded the approved budget, prompting officials to pause the procurement process and rework the project. The West End terminal on Tortola was destroyed by Category 5 Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
Since then a temporary facility has been used to host ferry operations, Immigration, Customs and the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA). Local reporting by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) has highlighted ongoing concerns from residents about the cramped and often overcrowded temporary space, and noted that the current ferry dock can only accommodate one boat at a time for Customs and Immigration clearance.
During the most recent procurement round, tender submissions from bidders far exceeded the project’s budget. According to the Ministry of Communications and Works, one local joint venture submitted a bid of approximately $64 million, and a Canadian firm submitted about $94 million.
In response, and in agreement with the Caribbean Development Bank, the Ministry paused the procurement to undertake a full redesign aimed at bringing costs back within approved limits. International consultants INROS Lackner SE were engaged to lead the redesign. The Ministry said the revised plans reduce the building footprint while retaining essential amenities needed for a functional, modern terminal.
The redesign also includes necessary reclamation works to ensure site stability and durability in coastal conditions — measures the Ministry says are vital to deliver a long-lasting facility that meets international standards. The Ministry of Communications and Works acknowledged the public’s frustration and disappointment over the project's delays.
In a press release quoted by VINO, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to advancing the project responsibly, saying the redesign balances fiscal discipline with the delivery of reliable public infrastructure. The Ministry further stated that its goal is to ensure public utilities remain "reliable and affordable, enhancing the quality of life for every resident and visitor in the Virgin Islands," language also carried in the VINO report.
New drawings and renderings of the revised design have been released for public viewing on the Government’s website at GOV.VG. The Government has targeted opening the construction tender process later this year, though a precise construction timetable and final contractor selection remain pending until that tender is launched.
Officials say the redesign is a critical step toward delivering a modern ferry terminal for West End without risking cost overruns that could jeopardise completion or divert funds from other public services. The Ministry has provided contact details through the Department of Information and Public Relations for media and public enquiries and has pledged to keep the community informed as the project moves into the next phase.
Primary source: BVI Government