Announcement on project expected at GB Business Outlook
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Carnival Cruise Lines is expected to launch a $200 million port development on Grand Bahama.
The project was announced by the cruise line’s president, Christine Duffy, following the cruise line’s celebration of its 50th anniversary with a ceremony and Junkanoo rushout in Pompey Square.
“We are moving towards an opportunity to develop a project in Grand Bahama, which we will staff with Bahamian employees as well as businesses that will be able to be part of that destination that we create in partnership with Grand Bahama,” she told reporters.
“In Half Moon Cay, the opportunity to build a pier…will allow us to bring our newest larger ships, which carry more guests, to The Bahamas on more regular itineraries.
“Part of this investment and partnership is looking towards the future, where we will be able to bring more ships to more places in The Bahamas and that will mean the benefit for jobs and economic impact to the Bahamians.”
Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper said the project is in the advanced stages and the minister for Grand Bahama is expected to make an announcement on it at the Grand Bahama Business Outlook on March 17.
The cruise line’s president also addressed concerns regarding the company’s expansion and environmental impact on The Bahamas.
“Carnival Corporation is committed — our number one priority is compliance and care for the environment,” she said.
“The work that we are doing, the investments we are making, are to ensure we can operate sustainably.”
She said the company has made a significant investment in its newest ships with LNG (liquefied natural gas) technology and added: “Any lessons that we have learned, we have incorporated into our commitments as we move forward to ensure that we keep everyone healthy [and] safe in the destinations we bring our ships to.
“That’s the number-one priority for our entire corporation.”
