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VI to offer duty-free fuel to mega yachts

- Premier Andrew A. Fahie says measure will establish territory as popular 'home port'
In order to boost mega-yachts sailing and remaining in Virgin Islands' waters, Customs Regulations will be amended to allow them to purchase duty-free fuel, once they remain in the territory three days or more. Photo: VINO
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has announced that mega yachts staying in the VI for three or more days will receive duty-free fuel. Photo: VINO/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has announced that mega yachts staying in the VI for three or more days will receive duty-free fuel. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Mega yachts that sail the pristine waters of the Virgin Islands (VI) will soon benefit from a new duty-free fuel initiative under the condition that they remain in the territory for three days and more.

This was announced by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) during his Budget Address when the Second Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) convened at the House of Assembly (HoA) chambers on November 19, 2019, in Road Town, Tortola. 

Customs regulations amended 

Premier Fahie said the plans come as part of measures to boost more water and cruise based tourism, starting with the reclaiming of lands outside of the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex to be immediately transferred back to the BVI Ports Authority.

"At this point, it is important to point out that in order to boost mega-yachts sailing and remaining in our waters, the Customs Regulations will be amended immediately to allow them to purchase duty-free fuel, once they remain in our Territory three days or more," he said.

According to the Premier, this will be a step in the right direction towards encouraging mega-yachts to make the VI their home port while underscoring that growth also requires the expansion of current networks and relationships.

Operators confident in VI 

Further, the Leader of Government Business said the territory continues to receive high interest from tourists and tour operators for the Virgin Islands as a destination and that opportunity must be capitalised upon.

"The recent visit to the Territory by officials of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association and executives from major cruise lines affirmed their confidence," he said.

15 Responses to “VI to offer duty-free fuel to mega yachts”

  • foxy (20/11/2019, 06:16) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    Another great move
  • NICK (20/11/2019, 07:49) Like (22) Dislike (4) Reply
    It doesn't matter if you gave them free fuel. With the current Customs charges and Port taxes they will not come here. Even the daytrip boats from the USVI are avoiding the BVI because of cost and attitude.
  • question (20/11/2019, 08:11) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where are the high speed fuel pumps? A regular fuel pump tops put at around 10 gallons per minute. If you carry 5,000 gallons, that’s a whole day lost at the fuel dock. Many mega yachts fill up in St. Martin because (besides the duty free cost) there is access to fuel pumps that deliver 60 GPM, so now just a couple of hours to fuel instead. But even with high speed refueling facilities, unless govt finds a work around the myriad of fees for arrival, departure, environment, now visas, people are likely to go where it’s easier to do business. Leadership here needs to realize BVIs does not have a monopoly on sandy beaches and clear water (when there is no run iff from rains). Duty free is a start, but better to do away with all the penny ante fees, especially for day visitors.
    • Pump truck (20/11/2019, 10:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Think about a gas truck off loading gas in the ship. That’s a 20mins job if so long for 4000 gal
  • True (20/11/2019, 08:33) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    so people who can afford to pay are not having to pay? This makes no sense as these yachts are fully inclusive and their guests hardly come ashore to spend any money
    • @True (20/11/2019, 20:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is exactly what I was thinking...while the little man who here working hard as ever getting taxed on everything. Prime example of why the rich will always be rich.
  • any bets? (20/11/2019, 08:53) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    That fuel must come from the blah blah blah
  • add more days (20/11/2019, 09:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    3 days is not enough, possibly reduce the tax charges in stages such as a percentage off for 3 days another for 7 and tax free for 2 weeks stays.
  • Confucious (20/11/2019, 13:37) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    So this Government is giving the 'MEGA RICH' a break, and taxing the poor man that's sending a few dollars abroad and even building a budget around the money transfer fees. The maths don't add up.
  • Lily Ann (20/11/2019, 15:44) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So we offering duty free fuel to outsiders, while residents have to deal with RTW exorbitant prices
  • too late (20/11/2019, 18:25) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sorry! For decades now large yachts buy fuel from reputable clean sources in PR, St. Thomas and St. Martin at prices below 'duty free' fuel in the BVI. These islands have the clean storage tanks, high volume pumps and fueling berths for fast delivery of large quantities of fuel. Experienced yacht captains and managers rarely buy fuel from tanker trucks near a dock because of poor fuel quality and the pollution liability.
  • move (21/11/2019, 13:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    So let the rich become richer and the poor become poorer. Why don't you give your BVI businesses tax free gas so that we can run effective charters , we are are promoted as the boating capital of the world. Meanwhile the smaller boats are getting crucified on crusinong permits coming in and out of the BVI. Help us small local businesses to succeed and not give the people that have the money to spend a break. Makes no sense !


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