The growth potential of the Virgin Islands’ commercial recreational marine sector is being held back by a shortage of safe, hurricane‑resilient marina space, limited airlift and hotel capacity, and a licensing framework that risks crowding out local operators, according to John M. Samuel, Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry. Photo: GIS

Speaking at the Marine Industry Forum held at The Moorings Yacht Club in Wickhams Cay II, John Samuel, Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, warned that the territory’s commercial recreational space cannot expand sustainably without additional anchorage destinations, more airlift and hotel rooms, and, critically, more marina berths, especially hurricane‑safe marina space. Photo: Internet Source

The Marine Industry Forum organised by the Jr Minister responsible for Financial Services and Economic Development, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE, and held at The Moorings Yacht Club in Wickhams Cay II on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Photo: GIS

Safer harbours & marinas

Mr Samuel was speaking at the Marine Industry Forum organised by the Jr Minister responsible for Financial Services and Economic Development, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE, and held at The Moorings Yacht Club in Wickhams Cay II on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

The Shipping Registry boss warned that the territory’s commercial recreational space cannot expand sustainably without additional anchorage destinations, more airlift and hotel rooms, and, critically, more marina berths, especially hurricane‑safe marina space. He noted that every summer, many boat owners are forced to depart for foreign waters to keep their vessels safe and remain compliant with insurance requirements, a pattern that shortens the local operating season and raises costs for owners and maritime businesses.

Mr Samuel argued that expanding safe harbour capacity would lower owner operating costs, lengthen the season and potentially boost summer demand, with positive spill‑over effects across the wider economy.

“Growth of our industry requires us to begin thinking about safer harbours, safe marinas,” he said, adding that the story is not only about growing the space, but about how that growth is planned and delivered. The goal, he stressed, is to ensure that VI boats and maritime businesses can remain viable without having to go foreign. 

Strong policy frameworks

While infrastructure is a priority, Samuel said the long‑term sustainability of the service area will depend on strong policy frameworks, particularly around business licenses for day trips and water taxis. He framed the licensing debate as a question of who should be allowed to operate in this lowest‑buying‑level segment of the marine industry, and whether access should be reserved for VIslanders.

Key issues he highlighted for discussion include whether there should be restrictions on fleet sizes, whether hotels and charter companies should be permitted to hold licenses, and whether the total number of licenses operating in the market should be capped.

Mr Samuel warned that without clear rules, the sector could drift toward monopoly control, distorted pricing, and unequal access to a shared public resource, undermining opportunities for VIslanders to participate meaningfully in the industry.