VIPA Completes Waterfront Cleat Replacement Project

New cleats line the waterfront in Charlotte Amalie. (VIPA photo)
New cleats line the waterfront in Charlotte Amalie. (VIPA photo)

Mariners have brand new cleats to secure their boats while berthed at the Charlotte Amalie waterfront, the V.I. Port Authority said in announcing completion of it’s cleat replacement project.

VIPA replaced 77 rusty and broken cleats with brand new, weather- resistant ones with a 10-year life expectancy, the agency said in a news release issued Monday.

The new cleats have a maximum allowable line pull of 23 metric tons, or 50,700 pounds.

“These new cleats are an essential amenity to have available at our waterfront as we continue to improve our infrastructure to attract yacht and charter boat owners as well as inter-island ferry companies to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe.

The new cleats installed in Charlotte Amalie harbor are weather resistant and have a 10-year life span. (VIPA photo)
The new cleats installed in Charlotte Amalie harbor are weather resistant and have a 10-year life span. (VIPA photo)

“The picturesque Charlotte Amalie Harbor is in the heart of downtown Charlotte Amalie and the waterfront is an ideal location for yacht and boat owners,” the VIPA news release said. “It is adjacent to restaurants, the Main Street shopping district, a grocery store, banks, and other attractions. Fueling and water services are also provided for boats that berth at the waterfront.

VIPA’s contractor is now replacing the cleats at the ferry and cargo docks in Red Hook and the Crown Bay excursion dock on St. Thomas, and the ferry and cargo docks in Cruz Bay, St. John. VIPA will also replace cleats at its seaports on St. Croix.