VIPA Revises Marine Tariff Rate Increases Considering Stakeholder Feedback
- Virgin Islands Port Authority
- Oct 29
- 3 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2025
Media Contact:
Monifa Brathwaite, Public Information Officer
Office: (340) 714-6640
Email: info@viport.com
Website: www.viport.com
U.S. Virgin Islands — The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) announced today that it has revised its proposed marine tariff rate increases following extensive public and stakeholder engagement. The revised proposal reflects the concerns, recommendations, and feedback received during a series of public meetings held territory-wide on October 6–8, 2025. The new rates are anticipated to generate $2 million, down from the original proposal of $5 million.
The public meetings took place on St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix and provided marine industry partners, vessel operators, business owners, and residents with the opportunity to review and comment on the Authority’s initial proposal. The discussions focused on ensuring the marine tariff structure remains fair and competitive, covers capital needs, and aligns with the economic realities of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the broader Caribbean region.
“The VI Port Authority values the perspectives of our maritime community and the public we serve,” said Carlton Dowe, VIPA Executive Director. “The revisions to the proposed marine tariff rates directly reflect our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and responsible economic stewardship. We seek to balance the financial sustainability required to maintain and enhance VIPA’s marine infrastructure, services, and capital needs while minimizing the economic impact on maritime users. We appreciate the participation of all who contributed to this process.”
VIPA’s Board voted not to implement the proposed new barge ramp per passenger fee that would be charged to users of the Noel E. Boynes Car Ferry Dock in Red Hook. They also voted not to convert the parking lot at the Victor Sewer Marine Facility in Cruz Bay (The Creek) to a paid parking facility, although signage and enforcement will be ramped up. The Board approved the following amendments to VIPA’s marine tariff:
Red Hook Barge Ramp (Noel E. Boynes Car Ferry Dock) will increase.
Measurement | Current Rate | New Rate |
Car, small-medium SUVs & motorcycles | $3 | $5 |
Pick-up trucks and vans, large SUVs & personal vans | $4 | $5 |
Heavy trucks and equipment | $20 | $30 |
Commercial vans, hearse, safari taxis, and other vehicles | $6 | $10 |
Containers 20 feet and less | $20 | $30 |
Containers over 20 feet (large trucks, trucks with chassis, fuel trucks) | $30 | $40 |
BVI Inter-Island Ship Dues and Wharfage will increase from $8 to $12 ($4 ship dues, $4 inbound wharfage, $4 outbound wharfage).
The docking fee is currently $1 and will increase incrementally. The first increase of $0.50 will be implemented on April 6, 2026, and the second increase of $0.50 will be implemented on April 6, 2029.
Urman V. Fredericks Parking Garage Rates will be as follows:
Time | Current Rate | New Rate |
0-15 minutes | $0 | $0 |
16 minutes - 1 hour | $4 | $4 |
1-2 hours | $6 | $6 |
2-3 hours | $8 | $8 |
3-4 hours | $12 | $12 |
4-5 hours | $12 | $15 |
5-24 hours | $15 | $20 |
Daily Rate | $15 | $20 |
Lost Ticket | $15 | $20 |
Monthly (Public) | $175 | $250 |
Monthly (Tenant/Employee) | $100 | $125 |
Daily (Tenant/Employee) | $5 | $10 |
Pilotage rates will increase as follows:
Tariff Fee | Current Rate | New Rate |
Charge per draft foot (minimum 15 feet) | $20 | $25 |
Plus per gross registered ton (minimum $100) | $0.01 | --- |
|
| $200 |
|
| $400 |
|
| $600 |
Shifting within the harbor | $300 | $400 |
Plus per gross registered ton (minimum $100) | $0.01 | --- |
Harbor use fee per entry | $100 | $150 |
Waiting time due to the unreadiness of the vessel after the VIPA pilot reports | $150 | $200 |
Cargo Overflow Staging Fee, which is a new fee, will be implemented as follows:
Description | Port | Fee | Fee Assessment |
Vehicles under 4,000 lbs. | STT and STX | $20 | Per day |
Vehicles 4,000 lbs. and over | STT and STX | $50 | Per day |
Heavy equipment hourly | STJ | $15 | Per hour |
Heavy equipment daily | STT, STX and STJ | $100 | Per day |
20 containers of chassis hourly | STJ | $15 | Per hour |
20ft containers of chassis daily | STT, STX and STJ | $100 | Per day |
40 ft containers or chassis hourly | STJ | $25 | Per hour |
40 ft containers or chassis daily | STT, STX and STJ | $150 | Per day |
Fuel tankers under 3,000 gallons | STT, STX and STJ | $200 | Per day |
Fuel tankers 3,000 gallons and over | STT, STX and STJ | $300 | Per day |
VIPA’s new marine tariff rate increases will be implemented on April 6, 2026, to allow stakeholders time to budget accordingly, and rates will be reviewed every five years. The amended tariff will be posted on VIPA’s website at www.viport.com by April 1, 2026.
For more information, including the updated proposed tariff rates, please visit www.viport.com or contact VIPA’s Public Relations Office at 340-714-6640 or info@viport.com. Additional actions taken at VIPA’s meeting today are posted on its website at www.viport.com/boardactions.
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