Puerto Rico is looking to boost its superyacht credentials with plans for a new luxury yacht marina complex in San Juan.
The Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA), which is a government-owned corporation, has issued a request for proposals for the rehabilitation, improvement and operation of the Isla Grande Dry Dock. The proposal also covers the leasing, design, construction, financing and development of a superyacht marina complex.
It is hoped that the new development would allow Puerto Rico to take advantage of its location with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other.
Ingrid C Colberg-Rodríguez, executive director of the PRPA, said "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.
“The request for proposals seeks to obtain proposals to transform the Isla Grande Dry Dock into a leading maritime-industrial centre for yacht and superyacht maintenance, and develop a Marina Site to provide services and luxury shopping, dining and accommodations for the yachting community."
Isla Grande Dry Dock was created in the 1940s for use by the U.S. Navy during World War II. It has been unused for many years but the surrounding area has been redeveloped as the Convention Centre District.
Alberto Bacó-Bagué, secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce, said that the location is “an ideal spot for a first-class marina and a facility for maintenance, repair and overhaul of leisure vessels and superyachts".
The final date for the proponent registration form is 15 June and the due date for the proposal is 24 June.