Virgin Islands Port Authority            
ST. THOMAS | ST. CROIX | ST. JOHN                                   UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS
Gateways to America's Caribbean

About the Virgin Islands Port Authority
St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John - United States Virgin Islands

Management of the U.S. Virgin Islands' Ports
The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) is a semi-autonomous agency that owns and manages the two airports and the majority of the public seaports in the United States Virgin Islands.  We are also charged with controlling the harbors in the territory. However, the VI Port Authority does not control the mooring and anchoring of vessels (this is coordinated through the VI Government's Department of Planning and Natural Resources). The law stipulates that VIPA must make its properties available to the public so that the populace may reap the benefits of these facilities.

VIPA derives it operating revenues from user fees and rental fees charges to users of its airport and marine facilities on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.  The agency does not receive nor does it contribute any funds to the USVI government.  Federal and state government grants are given to the Authority to support its capital construction programs - provided that VIPA meets all eligibility requirements.  The federal government also offers Passenger Facility Charges (PFC's) to fund airport projects only.  These airport related improvements must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

VIPA is governed by a Board of Directors which sets policy. The executive director is responsible for implementing these policies, and overseeing the day-to-day operation of the agency.  Board meetings are held every third Wednesday of each month. 

 

Mission Statement
The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) owns and manages two airports – the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport on St. Croix.  The Port Authority also manages the majority of the pubic seaports in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Its mandate is to promote the wise use of these facilities for the betterment of the Virgin Islands and its people, and to assist the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands in fostering and sustaining sound economic development.  To this end, the Port Authority is committed to:

• Maintaining and developing the airports and seaports of the Virgin Islands to accommodate the current and future demands of its users;

• Making sure that the airports and seaports are accessible to all qualified users;

• Providing efficient and quality service to the public;

• Providing a safe and secure environment at all of its port facilities

• Working with the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands on initiatives to attract tourists and private investors to the territory

• Fostering commerce by providing incentives to airlines, cruise ships, cargo operators and other potential investors to entice them to do business in the Virgin Islands;

• Making sure that all of its facilities are in full compliance with local and federal regulations; and

• Improving port facilities to keep up with modern technology.

 

The Aviation Division The Virgin Islands Port Authority owns and operates the only two airports in the territory: the Cyril E. King Airport (CEKA) on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (HERA) on St. Croix. The international airport identifiers are: STT for the St. Thomas airport and STX for the St. Croix airport.  (There is no airport on St. John, V.I.)
The Marine Division The Port Authority owns and operates the majority of the public marine cargo and passenger facilities on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. On St. Thomas, our marine facilities include: The Austin "Babe" Monsanto Marine Terminal at Crown Bay The Crown Bay Cargo Port The Charlotte Amalie Waterfront The Edward Wilmoth Blyden, IV Marine Terminal The Seaplane Terminal in Charlotte Amalie The Urman Victor Fredericks Marine Terminal at Red Hook. On St. John, the marine facilities are: The Loredon Lorence Boynes, Sr. Dock in Cruz Bay The Victor William Sewer Marine Facility in Cruz Bay (commonly referred to as the "Creek")  The Theovald Eric Moorehead Marine Facility at Enighed Pond On St. Croix, the marine facilities include: The Gallows Bay Dock in Christiansted The Seaplane Terminal in Christiansted The Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in Frederiksted The Wilfred "Bomba" Allick Port and Transshipment Center at Krause Lagoon (also known as "The Containerport") The Gordon A. Finch Molasses Pier at Krause Lagoon