For the first time in maritime history the old naval pier at Morgan’s Point welcomed a commercial shipment this week.

The Oleander came alongside on Tuesday morning at about 9am to deliver five pieces of equipment as part of the Caroline Bay resort development on the Southampton peninsula.

“The Oleander arrived at the pier at Morgan’s Point after offloading their shipment in Hamilton on the morning of May 31,” said a spokeswoman for Morgan’s Point Limited.

“This historic undertaking is the first commercial shipment to ever come alongside the old naval pier. The only ships to ever flank this 520ft pier built by the US Navy in 1941 were navy ships and the famous U505 submarine captured and hidden on the naval base.

“The first shipment included heavy equipment for the contractors to continue construction of the multifaceted development, heralding the start of the first luxury resort in Bermuda known as Caroline Bay, Bermuda. The Morgan’s Point development is looking to be designated as a port of entry for future shipments for supplies and equipment for the first phase of the development. Another historic first for this development which promises to be a large part of the renaissance and resurgence of Bermuda.”

The arrival of the Oleander follows an extensive upgrade of the old naval pier. The container ship is expected to make a series of calls to Morgan’s Point in the coming months to deliver equipment and construction material for the luxury hotel resort project.