Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
POINTE BLANCHE--A long-awaited extension of Dock Maarten is underway, currently in the initial phase of expanding a breakwater, originally built in 1984. The project will entail creating a deeper basin for the facility that services ultra- or giga-yachts, which require deeper waters than that of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, and cannot always fit through the bridge width-wise.
The project will result in additional protection of boat slips belonging to the company as well as Bobby's Marina, said Dock Maarten Managing Director Brian Deher, who is heading the project with his father, Dock Maarten owner Michel Deher. The boats will be in a calmer environment, especially important during swells and other rough weather conditions.
Although it depends somewhat on the surrounding developments, the intention is to connect to the Boardwalk Boulevard on the waterside, leading more passengers to walk along the water's edge, rather than on the street.
Brian added that the project, with variations, has been included in the master plans for Philipsburg over the past 10 years. The family has wanted the expansion for 15 years, but faced major bottlenecks, mainly because of the island government having to buy back land that had been sold. Final rights were transferred in 2013, and permits issued this past June or July.
The initial plan had been to accommodate mega-yachts, but in the meantime, developments such as Princess Port de Plaisance North Harbour and Isle de Sol Yacht Club have created a sufficient supply for these yachts, which measure less than 200 feet. For the past 10 years, Dock Maarten has targeted the larger ultra- or giga-yachts.
The original marina dock and building, which includes Chesterfield's restaurant, opened in 1979.
Addressing possible environmental concerns, Deher assured that the project's environmental impact has been assessed, and that considering the commercial area, the project is a minor addition.
He said that being environmentally friendly is on the forefront at Dock Maarten, as it is at Isle de Sol, where he serves as general manager, and which has earned the Blue Flag certification. The project's rocky surface can also serve as a habitat for small fish, as opposed to sheet pile.
Environmental impact studies including the project's effect on water quality, as well as water flow and wave studies, were done by Delft University in the Netherlands, and St. Maarten Nature Foundation.
