09/05/2026
PREMIER WASHINGTON MISICK SAYS $177MILLION MSC-BACKED GRAND TURK PORT DEVELOPMENT TO TRANSFORM THE CAPITAL’S ECONOMY, CREATE THOUSANDS OF JOBS
(TCISUN) The capital of Grand Turk is poised for a major economic transformation under a proposed US$177.3 million cruise port development which Premier Charles Washington Misick says will generate thousands of jobs, while modernising the island’s maritime infrastructure and strengthening cargo operations.
Speaking during the Government’s budget debate in Parliament two weeks ago, Misick said the investment, involving MSC Cruises through CTL Maritime in partnership with ITM Group, is expected to convert the existing cargo pier area into a multi-functional cruise terminal supported by commercial and tourism infrastructure.
Premier Misick said the project represents a significant upgrade to the island’s maritime infrastructure and a key part of the country’s economic strategy.
“We are now at the Memorandum of Understanding stage on a major initiative that will see the upgrade and redevelopment of the existing commercial port in Grand Turk into a modern, dual-purpose facility, serving both cruise passengers and commercial cargo. This is not a routine upgrade… it represents a significant step change in our maritime infrastructure and, by extension, in our economic capacity,” Misick said.
The initiative is linked to a wider US$177.3 million cruise port investment involving MSC Cruises through CTL Maritime, in partnership with ITM Group, which is expected to transform the existing cargo pier area into a multi-functional cruise terminal.
“That project will transform the existing cargo pier area into a multi-functional cruise terminal, supported by commercial amenities and tourism infrastructure across approximately 63 acres of Crown and private land,” Misick said.
The project is also expected to have a significant employment impact, particularly for Grand Turk.
“This project is expected to generate approximately 1,051 direct jobs and a further 1,718 indirect jobs; creating opportunity, stimulating economic activity, and revitalising the capital,” Misick said.
He described the development as part of a strategy to strengthen the country’s economic resilience.
“This is what strategic investment looks like. This is what forward planning delivers. It is not merely infrastructure for today… it is the foundation for a more resilient, more competitive, and more inclusive economy for tomorrow,” Misick added.
The development is expected to expand the port’s ability to handle larger vessels and increase operational efficiency, positioning Grand Turk as a stronger regional hub.
“These enhancements are designed to ensure that the port can accommodate at least two large vessels simultaneously, including cruise ships. This will strengthen Grand Turk’s position as a maritime hub and improve both efficiency and resilience in port operations,” he said.
Under the proposed arrangement, Turks and Caicos Port Investments Ltd. would be responsible for upgrading, managing and operating the facility, including commercialising berthing space for both cargo and cruise traffic.
“Turks and Caicos Port Investments Ltd. will have both the right and the obligation to enhance the Grand Turk pier and port facilities… including the construction of a larger pier, installation of dolphins, improvements to infrastructure, and the reinforcement and maintenance of existing structures,” Misick said.
He added that the operator would oversee vessel services and long-term maintenance of the port.
Despite the scale of the tourism investment, Misick emphasised that the project is designed to balance growth in cruise arrivals with the country’s cargo needs.
“This is not simply about cruise tourism. It is about integration… ensuring that as we expand our tourism capacity, we do not compromise, but rather strengthen, our cargo operations,” he said.
Misick said the Ports Authority has assessed the viability of maintaining the port as a dual-use facility to support both sectors.
“The port remains viable as a dual-use facility, supporting both the growth of cruise tourism and the essential flow of goods into our Islands,” Misick added.
He pointed to the involvement of the wider MSC Group as a strategic advantage, noting its global presence in shipping and logistics.
“MSC Cruises is part of the wider MSC Group, one of the world’s largest transport and logistics operators… this dual capability presents a unique opportunity for the Turks and Caicos Islands. It opens the door to improved cargo logistics, including the potential for cargo splitting and transshipment to other islands,” Misick said.
He added that improved logistics could have direct benefits for residents.
“Greater efficiency in the movement of goods can contribute to reducing the cost of imports and, ultimately, the cost of living across these islands,” he said.
