The removal of the some 200 derelict and abandoned boats across the Virgin Islands will commence early September 2019, according to the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) on July 9, 2019. Photo: RDA

Director of Procurement of the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) Mr John Primo, standing, left, announces the commercial packages in the tenders for the removal of derelict boats in the Virgin Islands. Photo: RDA/Colene A. Penn

The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) announced on June 27, 2019 that Nanny Cay had partnered with the Agency on a pilot programme for the proper recovery and removal of the remaining 200 derelict and abandoned boats throughout the VI left after Hurricane Irma. Photo: Nanny Cay

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Sunken vessels in waters and damaged and abandoned boats on land throughout the Virgin Islands are grim reminders of the destruction of Hurricane Irma that hit the territory on September 6, 2019. They also give the impression the territory has been struggling in its recovery efforts.

However, the removal of the some 200 derelict and abandoned boats will commence early September 2019.

According to the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) on July 9, 2019, twelve (12) companies submitted bids during the tender process and a contract will be awarded next month.

“We are encouraged by the response from 12 companies, the largest number to date, on the tender for the removal, processing and disposal of the hundreds of derelict boats destroyed by Hurricane Irma.”

The RDA said the evaluation process will now begin and its hopes to award a contract in August and start removing boats by early September.

“This project will positively impact the Territory’s tourism offering and play a major role in the beautification and clean-up of our environment,” the RDA stated on its Facebook page.

Tender was also open to international participation

The RDA on March 8, 2019 had said the vessels to be removed have no remaining value and are to be treated as waste.

“They will be removed from their current locations to a Staging Area, for further processing and eventual disposal/recycling. This is the act of stripping all metals, batteries, woods, hazardous material, fuels and oil, and fibreglass and separating into waste streams for appropriate disposal/recycling. Works will be undertaken in adherence to an Environmental Management Plan.”

Meanwhile, a formal invitation to tender (ITT) was issued by the RDA inviting both local and international interested parties to submit tenders for the works.

“Due to the size, complexity and estimated budget for this activity, it is a requirement of the RDA’s Procurement Policy and General Procurement Procedures to open this business opportunity to local as well as international participation.”

Interested parties were able to bid on one, many or all the “work packages”.

Tender submission deadline was June 24, 2019 at 4:00PM.

RDA teams up with Nanny Cay

And the RDA had announced on June 27, 2019 that Nanny Cay had partnered with the Recovery and Development Agency on a pilot programme for the proper recovery and removal of the remaining 200 derelict and abandoned boats throughout the VI left after Irma.

The main aim of the pilot programme, it had said, is to develop the ¨best practice¨ for the processing of the wrecks after they have been recovered.

“This will include stripping the boats down into three main categories – wood, metal and fibreglass. Once stripped down, crushed and sorted, the RDA will establish the best method for final disposal.”

The removal of derelict boats in the Virgin Islands is a project under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration.