Charlotte Amalie Harbor Dredging to Start as Cruise Calls Rebound
WICO projects more than three hundred sixty cruise calls and about one point two million passengers in fiscal year 2027, with technology work due by November 1.
The West Indian Company Limited has recorded 314 cruise ship calls so far this year as passenger traffic in Charlotte Amalie approaches pre-pandemic levels. Harbor dredging is expected to begin within 60 to 90 days, deepening entrance channels and the turning basin to accommodate larger cruise ships.
WICO projects more than 360 calls and approximately 1.2 million cruise passengers in fiscal year 2027. The company plans to measure future performance against fiscal 2026.
WICO prepares the harbor for larger ships
President and CEO Joseph Boschulte presented the traffic and infrastructure updates during WICO’s Aug. 28 board meeting. Once dredging begins, the project is expected to take about a year to complete.
Charlotte Amalie Harbor’s two main cruise facilities are WICO’s Havensight dock on the east side and Crown Bay Cruise Port on the west side. Havensight can berth as many as three large cruise ships and is adjacent to shopping and passenger services near downtown Charlotte Amalie.
WICO is also replacing or improving water lines and pumps to increase the speed and reliability of water sales to cruise lines. Security procedures are in place for the service, and the company does not expect to add staff for the operation.
Passenger fees lift quarterly revenue
Chief Financial Officer Charlene Turnbull reported that third-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue exceeded projections. The result followed increased cruise activity, expense controls, collection of outstanding receivables and efforts to lease vacant properties.
Passenger fee revenue rose by $1.84 million from the same period a year earlier. WICO also reported stable cash reserves. Three ships were in port on some days.
WICO weighs proposals for its upland site and Pier 22
WICO, which is owned by the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority on behalf of the territorial government, is considering development of more than 13 acres of upland property near Liverpool. Five companies have expressed interest and were asked to provide detailed proposals before an upcoming request-for-proposals process.
Boschulte called the potential development a “significant partnership opportunity.”
The company is separately reviewing new uses for Pier 22, its only remaining large rentable space. Proposals under consideration would convert the facility into an entertainment center with multiple operators serving cruise passengers and local residents.
Booking systems scheduled for upgrade
The board also reviewed spending from a Cybersecurity Grant Fund for software licensing and professional services. WICO is updating its booking and cruise management systems and will train employees on the new platforms.
Boschulte said the company is prepared for tropical weather during the current hurricane season. The grant-funded technology work is scheduled for completion by Nov. 1.
