Following on from a feasibility study conducted by Mott MacDonald on behalf of the Port Authority, a decision has been made to go ahead with its expansion. The plans include building new expansive berthing facilities to accommodate Ultra Voyager Class vessels, as well as the construction of a new passenger terminal building which will enable the transfer of up to 3,500 passengers within a two hour period. Mott MacDonald will undertake site investigations, development planning and preliminary design; final designs and contract documentation; assistance with procurement of construction contracts; and supervision of the construction on behalf of the Port Authority.

The project team also includes local architects, engineers and scientists who will all play a major part in the estimated US$40 million project. The port expansion works and new passenger terminal are required to be complete within 27 months which will be in time for the 2007/2008 cruising season.

Mott MacDonald's director for the project, Richard Stephens, said there were particular challenges associated with the project, including the need to minimise the environmental impact on nearby coral reefs and neighbouring residential and tourist hotel communities. The port and existing cruise facilities must also remain fully operational at all times during the redevelopment works.