According to a press release, the government has decided on conditions to allow cruise ships to conduct short-term berthing at the Cruise Pier and Port Purcell dock at the BVI Ports Authority, under strict health and safety regulations.

"It is important for the BVIPA to stay in line with the Government’s decision to suspend cruise liner visits to the Territory during the current COVID-19 Pandemic. But the cruise business can be continued via what is known as a technical call or warm layup. This is not a cruise call, the vessel does not have any passengers on board, and it will be berthing exclusively to take on bunkers, provisions, spare parts and other services. No crew members will be allowed to disembark from the vessel, and no attendance on board the vessel from shore based staff will be permitted during its stay in the BVI," the port authority announced.

According to the BVI Ports Authority, the economic benefits of extending technical calls or warm layups include ships doing refueling, repairing and start-up activities in the territory until they can set sail again.

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