Marine Log - May 2008 - (Page 40)

CARIBBEANPORTS González-Denton: “As the gateway to the Caribbean, PRTC is ensuring that its ports grow to create world-class facilities throughout the island, position the island as a leader in the maritime industry, and as the ideal vacation spot for cruise-enthusiasts.” and a brand new mega yacht marina. A $1.5 billion dollar initiative is transforming the San Juan waterfront with the construction of 900 new hotel rooms, 400,000 ft2 of retail space, and 1,850 new residencies. By the summer of 2009, the Port of San Juan will open a new mega yacht marina. As part of this, the PRTC is currently redeveloping piers 6-10, adding 60 slips for yachts. However, San Juan’s mega yacht marina won’t be the first on the island. The Yacht Club at Palmas del Mar, a beach resort located just southeast of San Juan, currently has a $40 million marina with 162 yacht slips. In addition to the changing waterfront, PRTC is currently waiting for approval of its Pier Operational Plan, which includes a staging area and new communication technology that will enhance the arrival experience for cruise customers. The success of San Juan’s port could perhaps be attributed to historic attractions like El Morro, or natural attractions like Isla Verde beach and El Yunque national rainforest. Whatever the case may be, one thing is sure, San Juan’s success doesn’t mean the remaining ports have nothing to offer. EXPLORING BORINQUEN Considered to be the “pearl of the south,” Ponce, the second most important city on the island, is famous for its cultural richness. Known for its small bright colored houses, its yearly Ponce Carnival (think Mardi Gras with a Spanish twist), its Museo de Arte de Ponce (museum of art), Museo de la Música Puertorriqueña (museum of Puerto Rican music) and Parque de Bombas (a historic, bright red fire station) Ponce is filled with 40 MARINE LOG MAY 2008 Port Facts PORT OF SAN JUAN 5th largest Cruise passenger port in the Western Hemisphere Received 1,523,071 passengers during FY 2007, a 5.8% increase from FY 2006 Implemented $10.7 million incentives program $400 million investment to update port Piers 6-10 will be converted to mega yacht marina with 60 slips PORT OF THE AMERICAS (PONCE) Expansion into international mega port $135 million investment Welcomed first cruise ship in 2007 at one of the completed piers PORT OF MAYAGUEZ First private port in Puerto Rico First cruise ship received in 2007 $400 million investment sites and sounds that keep visitors coming back. To match the vibe of the city, the Port of Ponce is getting a major face lift in the form of a megaport. The original idea behind Ponce’s Port of the Americas, was the want and need for a port on the island that could service the international community. Currently under construction, the port has several piers completed that allowed for its first cruise ship call in 2007. The port has an entrance measuring 2.8 miles long and 38 ft deep. Its access channel is 28 miles long, half a mile wide and its depth varies between 50 to 150 ft. Currently, mostly cargo ships call at the port’s facilities. The Port of Mayaguez, the first private port on the island, also welcomed its first cruise ship in 2007. After major renovations, Port Mayaguez now offers a large selection of tours for those on a cruise vacation and serves as an alternate port for ships cruising the Mona channel between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The port measures 32 ft deep (in 2008) and its pier length 1,200 linear ft. Futhermore, PRTC is currently working on adding, both the Port of the Americas and Port of Mayaguez to the $10.7 million incentive program. A BRIGHT FUTURE Even with the fear of a recession and strong European competition, González-Denton believes Puerto Rico will not only meet the industry’s expectations, but also exceed them. She projects that the Puerto Rico and its ports will welcome 2 million cruise passengers a year by 2011. ML Photo above: A typical mask worn by someone playing the part of a Vejigante during the Ponce Carnival www.marinelog.com http://www.marinelog.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Marine Log - May 2008

Marine Log - May 2008 Contents Editorial Second Thoughts Update Inside Washington Europe Plots Its Tech Strategy SDNV Container Ship Update Diesels Can Burn Anything: Even Clean Fuel Boost for Small Shipyards Gateway to the Caribbean Room to Grow Show Review Tech News Newsmakers Contracts Events Website Directory ML Buyer's Guide ML Marketplace Maritime Salvage Letters

Marine Log - May 2008

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