Plans to replace the damaged customs dock at Ordnance Island in St George’s have been given approval to move forward.

The application, submitted on behalf of the Ministry of Public Works and Environment, proposed the demolition and reconstruction of the structure, which was considered to be at the end of its usable life.

A report by a technical officer said the design fitted the character of the area and a construction environmental management plan included in the application referenced measures to avoid disruption of the environment.

The report writer recommended the plan be approved, noting: “The replacement dock is necessary to support the continued operation of the established marine-related facility with no unacceptable impacts on the coastal, marine, historic or water resource environments.”

According to planning documents, the wooden dock at the site was constructed in 1993-94 and has since deteriorated significantly.

Because of the condition of the structure, the dock ceased use in April 2024 and the area was barricaded to deter access and use.

A government spokesman said in June 2025 that a series of consultations and assessments had taken place, including multiple site inspections and cost analyses, and that temporary safety measures were completed in May 2025.

In December, Michael Weeks, when he was the Minister of National Security, told the House of Assembly that the repairs were expected to cost $350,000 in response to questions from Robert King, the Leader of the Opposition at the time.

The planning application proposed the demolition of the remaining dock and building of a new structure largely within the same footprint on the northern shoreline of Ordnance Island.

It said the replacement dock is intended improve berthing arrangements at the site by aligning the berth face with adjacent structures while retaining the existing stone wall.

The project also includes the creation of a new dinghy dock area, which would allow mariners to access the customs facility without taking up space at the main berthing area.

While the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce raised concerns about a lack of consultation with the Marine Resources Board, the MRB subsequently reviewed the proposal and confirmed no corals or seagrass would be affected.

The application was approved by the Director of Planning on August 17.