Heritage Wharf is now “fully operational” for cruise ships — although additional work remains to bring the structure up to full strength.Norwegian Cruise Lines has approved the wharf for its vessels in the meantime, Public Works Minister Trevor Moniz announced.A southern mooring dolphin is to be reinforced after the end of the season, he said, in order to bring the wharf up to “the required long-term strength and capacity to secure cruise ships in 45 knots of wind”.Mooring dolphins are used to tie up ships at the pier.Mr Moniz said the last concrete on the northern mooring dolphin was put in place on Sunday. The structure will be ready for cruise ships once the concrete hardens, in seven to ten days. Bollards and fixings will be added to the dolphin during that time.According to a spokesman, the concreting work is being completed with local workers and equipment.Cranes and other overseas equipment were shipped out on June 25, he added.Extra work remains over the summer for safety equipment to be installed, and “interim maintenance works” are planned for Kings Wharf.The Minister thanked participants for getting the job done “as quickly and safely as possible and to ensure minimal disruption to our visiting cruise ships”.The news failed to appease Shadow Minister Derrick Burgess, who insisted that Mr Moniz reveal the cost of the project going over time.“When this contract was first given, they stated May 15 as the completion date,” he said. “Normally there’s a late fee for every day you’re late. I’ve asked what the fee is and I haven’t been told.”Mr Burgess added that he was also still waiting to get a breakdown of the hours of work done by Bermudian versus non-Bermudian staff at the site.The Minister branded the request a “silly question” in the House of Assembly last month, Mr Burgess said.“Obviously he didn’t understand the question. This isn’t rocket science. For example, down at the hospital they give regular reports on the number of hours worked by Bermudian workers and guest workers.“I also asked what it cost to bring in all that equipment. It’s all available here in Bermuda — cranes, easy lifts and welding equipment.”The Shadow Minister further questioned the basis of yesterday’s announcement.“It’s been fully operational all this time,” Mr Burgess said. “If it was not fully operational, they could not tie up there. The ships have been tying up to the old Heritage Wharf, and it’s completely safe.”Useful website: www.rccbermuda.bm.