The official groundbreaking ceremony brought together government officials, tourism stakeholders, industry partners and members of the media. The project forms part of the wider tourism development strategy of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Port Zante has received millions of cruise visitors over recent years, supporting local businesses, employment and national economic activity. The new terminal is intended to support additional visitor spending, overnight stays, increased air connectivity and broader economic benefits for the Federation.
The facility is a central component of the Government’s strategy to strengthen resilience within the cruise tourism sector. St. Kitts is scheduled to begin turnaround operations for two P&O Cruises vessels in November 2027.
When completed, the Port Zante cruise terminal will include security screening and immigration systems for passengers embarking and disembarking in St. Kitts. The destination has already welcomed more than 950,000 cruise passengers during the current season.
The development follows several months of planning and coordination led by the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority, the Urban Development Corporation and the Homeporting Steering Committee.
The committee is chaired by Melnecia Marshall, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. It has worked with Baley Project Management and Construction Inc., technical advisers, architects, government agencies, financial advisers and industry partners to advance the project from the planning stage to construction.
Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, said the development supports the Government’s Sustainable Island State Agenda. “This investment in the cruise terminal will drive economic impact felt across every corner of our tourism industry; regardless of your job,” Dr. Drew said. “It also advances our vision for a Sustainable Island State: a nation resilient enough, and diversified enough, to not just survive whatever comes our way, but to thrive.”
Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism, highlighted the planning and collaboration behind the development. “This groundbreaking represents months of dedication, finally taking physical shape. This project did not begin with the turning of the sod. It began with dialogue, trust, and relationships that have been carefully cultivated over many years. It reflects the collective efforts of the Government, our public sector agencies, technical experts, financial advisors, and private sector partners, all working toward a common goal: advancing the future of St. Kitts and Nevis. The ceremony represents our determination to invest in infrastructure that strengthens our economy, creates new opportunities for our people, and enhances the competitiveness of St. Kitts and Nevis within the global cruise industry.”
Once operational, the terminal is expected to improve passenger processing and operational efficiency while supporting the development of St. Kitts and Nevis as a cruise turnaround and homeport destination in the Caribbean.
