USVI, BVI continue talks on charter vessel fees

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley met on April 15, 2025, to continue discussions that began on March 7, 2025, over the BVI’s proposed fee structure for Commercial Recreational Vessel Licenses.

According to Government House, the BVI had outlined licensing fees in March for foreign-based term charters at $7,500 annually for up to seven entries and $24,000 annually for unlimited entries. Proposed fees for day charters were $12,500 a year, and water taxi licenses were set at $2,500 a year.

At the April 15 meeting, Wheatley presented revised rates. Under the updated structure, foreign-based term charters would pay $7,500 a year for up to seven entries, with each additional entry costing $2,100, or $24,000 annually for unlimited entries. The proposed annual fee for day trips was reduced to $8,500, while the water taxi fee remained $2,500.

Government House said Bryan also raised concerns about the process for vessel entry and exit into the BVI and offered U.S. Virgin Islands support for development of an automated clearance system. The BVI said it was developing such a system and expected to launch it by summer 2025.

The two leaders also discussed broader maritime cooperation in the Virgin Islands, according to the statement.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/usvi-and-bvi-continue-dialogue-on-charter-vessel-fees-and-regional-maritime-collaboration/