Semi Submersible to Deliver Superyachts to Freeport
Dockwise Yacht Transport, a yacht transport carrier that specialises in the transport of super yachts is to make its first voyage from the USA to The Bahamas this weekend with some 6-8 yachts. She will discharge her cargo in Grand Bahama Island.
Clemens van der Werf company President said his ships would serve the Bahamas on a shuttle style service, assisting owners avoiding harsh North American winters to enjoy summer-like weather in The Bahamas returning them when the weather changes.
Services will operate from Newport, Rhode Island on the East and Long Beach on the West coast of mainland USA with the first expected to arrive in Freeport, Grand Bahama, between November 7th and 8th. Most of the carried yachts are expected to stay in The Bahamas for the winter.
Locals in The Bahamas, hope that with more boats arriving each year the Islands economy will get a boost as they generate revenue through use of Marinas – electricity, water, dockage fees, restaurants, hotels and everyday supplies. Government Officials are quoted as saying “In many cases, the owners will have family and friends joining them in The Bahamas periodically and therefore, we are glad that with the global recession proving a challenge to some of the most stable economies globally, Our aggressive efforts at finding means to diversify the way visitors arrive in our Islands, is truly paying off.
Dockwise additionally transport yachts to St. Thomas, in U.S. Virgin Islands and Martinique in the Windwards.
Yachts arriving in The Bahamas will be able to benefit from the assistance of Bradford Marine Bahamas, a local shipyard that has full services including haul-outs, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic as well as structural and coating.
Van Der Werf said at the Fort Lauderdale boat show that he was pleased that his company was finally able to transport yachts to the area. He said that over the years his company has received requests for transport but were unable to do so economically without help.
Donna Blom, Regional Manager of Dockwise said talks started as much as ten years ago, but did not get serious until about two years-ago, when they began discussions with the Bahamas Tourist Office.
Grand Bahama Island offers easy accessibility with Freeport offering the water depth necessary for docking down of the semi submersible ship,inside a sheltered cove where there are no currents or high waves to damage the sides of the yachts.
Dockwise Yacht Transport uses semi submersible yacht carriers to transport vessels throughout the world including, Spain, Italy, France, Turkey, Mexico, Costa Rica, Australia and New Zealand.