Marine Dredging Services for Charlotte Amalie Harbor and Yacht Haven Grande Marina, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for qualified and licensed firms specializing in general construction, marine construction, and dredging services to undertake marine dredging activities in Charlotte Amalie Harbor and the Yacht Haven Grande Marina on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The project’s primary objective is to dredge the harbor’s entrance channels, turning basin, and berth pocket to ensure safe navigation for large vessels, particularly cruise ships including Oasis Class vessels. There is an alternate bid provision for further dredging funded by Yacht Haven Grande Marina to expand marina slips and accommodate future development. The contract requires furnishing all labor, materials, services, and equipment necessary to complete the work in compliance with detailed technical specifications, environmental management plans, and water quality monitoring protocols designed to minimize ecological impacts, including protection plans for sea turtles and marine mammals. The dredging is estimated to remove over 216,000 cubic yards of material with disposal planned to support beneficial reuse initiatives such as beach nourishment and historic dredge hole filling. Proposals must be submitted electronically via VIPA’s eProcurement portal by January 9, 2026, with no physical or email submissions accepted. A non-mandatory virtual pre-bid meeting is scheduled for November 14, 2025. Vendors must demonstrate their qualifications through a contractor qualification statement addressing licensing, project experience, references, and compliance with applicable federal and local regulations, including environmental permitting and occupational safety standards. The contract will be administered under VIPA oversight, maintaining rigorous inspection and acceptance criteria, including surveys and quality control plans. Insurance requirements are comprehensive, covering general liability, pollution liability, and workers’ compensation, among others, to mitigate risk during marine operations. The VIPA reserves rights to waive informalities, reject any or all bids, or re-advertise if necessary. The contract emphasizes compliance with equal employment opportunity, disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) participation, wage laws, and includes provisions for liquidated damages for delays. Environmental assessments and monitoring plans are integral components of the project, ensuring that the dredging supports local economic sustainability by maintaining harbor accessibility for cruise ship traffic while protecting critical marine habitats.