Cayman Islands Cruise Berthing Facility |

Case Study

Cayman Islands Cruise Berthing Facility

Overview

The Cayman Islands Government is considering the construction of a major cruise berthing facility in George Town Harbour, including two piers, dredging and land reclamation works. Baird was retained by the CIG to undertake a comprehensive environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) study for the proposed project.

Cayman Cruise

Project Highlights

Baird was the prime consultant for a concept design and ESIA study for a proposed cruise berthing facility in George Town. The concept design study included an assessment of alternative project layouts, structure concepts and procurement strategies. The ESIA study included the development of baseline conditions, an assessment of anticipated project impacts (positive and negative) and the identification of possible mitigation measures within 15 subject areas, focusing on the following key issues:

Damage to the marine environment, in particular water quality and coral reefs;
Impacts on waves and sediment transport, in particular the risk of flooding in George Town and erosion of Seven Mile Beach.

The ESIA study required the coordination and review of studies by numerous sub-consultants. The results were documented in a comprehensive Environmental Statement and a series of technical appendices, and were presented to Cabinet and at a public meeting attended by approximately 200 people.

Project Challenges:

Congested harbour area serving both cruise and cargo operations
Proximity to very deep water limits the area where development is practical
Presence of significant and healthy coral reefs
Variable geotechnical conditions (calcareous sediments)
Exposure to hurricane waves and earthquakes

Project Solutions:

Planning and execution of comprehensive stakeholder and public consultation process
Assessment of natural hazards, including hurricanes, earthquakes and climate change
Site investigations, modelling and analyses to define baseline conditions and to identify/quantify anticipated impacts of project construction and operation;
Development of refined project layout that significantly reduces dredging and associated adverse impacts on the marine environment while also providing improved functionality
Identification of mitigation measures to reduce other adverse impacts

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