The maximum loading capacity for international ferry passengers in and out of the territory has been increased to 75 percent or 100 persons per trip, following an adjustment to the United States Virgin Islands Public Health Order.
This was confirmed in a media release from the BVI Ports Authority on Tuesday November 2, 2021.
The release said, “There will be an additional daily international round-trip service, thus increasing it to three daily round-trip ferry services for this period. Based on the US Virgin Islands’ current public health order the maximum capacity has been increased to 75% of the rated vessel capacity or 100 persons per trip (including passengers and crew), whichever is less.”
“Ferry passengers arriving and departing the British Virgin Islands must reserve a ticket with the scheduled ferry operator through their booking portal,” The BVIPA added.
The BVIPA also released the new international ferry passenger schedule which will be valid until January 31, 2020.
It read as follows:
• Ferries will depart Road Town, Tortola for Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas at 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
• Ferries will depart Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas for Road Town, Tortola at 9:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The BVI Ports Authority said the increase in trips between the USVI and the BVI is due to an increase of bookings to the territory.
Meanwhile, the Ports Authority also revealed that the reopening for international trips to the West End Ferry Terminal has been deferred until December 2021.
They say an updated schedule will be provided prior to the reopening.