Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) met with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamison Greer in December 2025 and discussed concerns stemming from the Virgin Islands’ charter fee increase. Photo: Facebook/Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett

Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) met with representatives from Project Fair Waters on December 17, 2025, to discuss the Virgin Islands charter fee increase. Photo: Facebook/Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett

Since the new charter vessel fees took effect in the Virgin Islands, about 90 vessels, once registered in the United States Virgin Islands, have moved to the Virgin Islands. Photo: &Beyond Yacht Charter

The fight has made its way to Washington DC, as Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) recently met with key United States government officials and members of the coalition group Project Fair Waters. 

The government of the Virgin Islands had made its intention to increase charter vessel fees clear, and as of June 1, 2025, the new fees took effect. 

Annual multi-night charter licenses, previously around $800, were increased to $24,000 per vessel. Day-trip licenses have risen from $200 to $8,500 per vessel, in addition to customary customs and immigration charges that can add another $900 to $1,200 or more for each entry.

About 90 charter vessels, which once operated from the USVI, have relocated to the VI. 

USVI charter companies have raised serious concerns about these increases, which they deem unfair. Project Fair Waters is one of the leading voices in seeking to remedy these increases with the delegation travelling to Washington DC to hold briefings and initiate outreach with the US Department of State, the United States Trade Representative, the US Small Business Administration, and the US Department of Commerce in late 2025. 

Plasket on a mission to find a solution

On December 17, 2025, Congresswoman Plaskett met with representatives from Project Fair Waters, a coalition she described as “fighting against harmful charter vessel fee imposed by the BVI”.

According to the Congresswoman, the new fee structure is “detrimental to the economy and livelihoods” of the United States Virgin Islanders dependent on it. 

“A solution must be found to save USVI jobs and industry. I am working directly with Secretary of State Rubio, United States Trade Representative Greer, and other senior administration officials to prevent this burden on our territory.”

US Trade Representative makes commitment

Congresswoman Plaskett had met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamison Greer before her December 17, 2025, meeting during a Ways and Means Committee roundtable session. 

According to a December 4, 2025, press release, the charter fee increases, among other matters, were discussed at the meeting. 

These charter fee increases, she said, impact tourism and maritime commerce between the US Virgin Islands and neighbouring territories. 

She expressed gratitude to Ambassador Greer for his commitment to “supporting the needs” of United States Virgin Islanders, as well as Ambassador Greer and his team’s “commitment to understanding and addressing the unique challenges facing the Virgin Islands”. 

See links to related articles below: 

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/usvi-appeals-to-us-for-review-of-new-vi-licensing-entry-fees

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/3-usvi-charter-companies-relocate-to-vi-over-new-fee-structure

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/gov-bryan-urged-to-strike-back-vi-with-reciprocal-charter-licensing-fees

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/update-vi-usvi-agree-to-crunch-the-numbers-again-on-charter-fee-hike