The Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA) is soliciting proposals to revitalize the Isla Grande Dry Dock. Isla Grande was created in the 1940s for use by the U.S. Navy during World War II. It measures 672 feet long by 273 feet wide, according to newspaper accounts at the time. While the Isla Grande Dry Dock has been unused for many years, the surrounding area has been redeveloped as the Convention Center District.
The PRPA believes the Isla Grande Dry Dock is ideally suited for not just a megayacht marina, but also refit and repair services. It further envisions other attractions rising alongside the marina. “Puerto Rico is going to be the premier destination in the Caribbean for maintenance, repair, and overhaul services of luxury vessels, while further fostering the growth of the service and tourism industries on the island,” says Ingrid C. Colberg-Rodriguez, executive director of the PRPA.
Puerto Rico does hold some advantages as a home for a megayacht marina and service center. The Atlantic Ocean is on one side, while the Caribbean Sea is on the other. Its infrastructure is well established. the Port of San Juan, upon which the Isla Grande Dry Dock sits, is reportedly the busiest ocean terminal in the Caribbean. The Convention Center District itself includes a significant-size convention center and a jet airport, plus a Sheraton hotel.
The PRPA anticipates revealing its megayacht marina location decision by the end of July, with a binding agreement in place by the end of August……
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