The United States Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA) are considering the creation of a shipyard in the South Shore Trade Zone (SSTZ) on the island of St. Croix.

First Marine International (FMI), a company of Royal HaskoningDHV (RHDHV), and supported by Tractus, have been commissioned to carry out a pre-feasibility study.

The pre-feasibility study scope is designed to provide USVIEDA with the information needed to decide whether there is a market opportunity for a new ship repair yard, and to provide an initial view on where financial viability may lie.

Should the opportunity look attractive based on estimated revenues and costs, a decision can then be made by USVIEDA to invest in a subsequent study phase.

Additional information relating to external drivers, including opportunities and threats, have been included in Volume Two. These relate specifically to military opportunities, the Jones Act, funding schemes, tax incentives, training workforce, economy impact and shipyard operation environmental considerations.