South Dock modernisation will be a “game changer” for TCI — opines Premier Misick

Premier Hon Washington Misick said the redevelopment of the South Dock port in Providenciales will be a “game changer” for the Turks and Caicos Islands’ economy.

It is widely acknowledged that South Dock is currently operating beyond its capacity and in need of improvements to keep pace with economic developments taking place in the TCI.

In this regard, Misick said his government is spending millions to rebuild, rehabilitate, and expand ports across the territory, and the South Dock port which is the territory’s main international port through which more than 90 per cent of imports and exports take place, is high on the government’s list of priorities.

“Our ports are critical to domestic and international trade and growth of the TCI economy, their modernisation and expansion are a critical component of VISION2040 plans”, Misick said during his State of the State address on Monday, February 27, 2023.

To this end, he revealed that a contract for the construction of Phases One and Two of the South Dock Port Redevelopment has been signed with a local company.

“Vessels with larger loads will be able to berth, this will reduce the shipping costs, the cost of doing business and the cost of goods”, he added.

The massive expansion project is expected to boost the port’s efficiency by upgrading its cargo handling capacity and equipping it with modern, reliable, and state-ofthe-art infrastructure.

The project is touted to be a climate-resilient and efficient economic asset for the territory.

Misick further disclosed that Phase Two of the modernisation will include the construction of a new general cargo terminal with two berths, to accommodate two vessels at the same time.

The scope of work to be carried out through five phases will also include the construction of a massive container yard for general cargo and bulk materials, the construction of internal roads and installation of a new scale, and the construction of a safe-water drainage system.