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CPA: More yachts to come to Saipan
More yachts are expected to come to Saipan.
In a special board meeting yesterday, the Commonwealth Ports Authority board of directors approved a permit that will allow Phoenix Services Inc. to use Echo Dock for their incoming yachts.
“They are bringing in more yachts and we don’t have enough pier space,” CPA executive director MaryAnn Lizama said.
“When Echo Dock became available, they put in a request to utilize so they’ll be able to provide berthing and mooring capabilities for the extra yachts that are coming in,” she added.
Saipan Tribune learned that Phoenix Services handles Best Sunshine International, Ltd.’s Grand Mariana yacht.
Lizama said Phoenix Services will not be using entire dock but just a portion of it.
“They only put in their request for berthing and mooring,” Lizama said.
CPA said they don’t have the exact number of yachts that are coming but the area permitted can hold up to five yachts.
Phoenix Services will pay $7,000 per month for the use of Echo Dock.
CPA clarified that they cannot provide them lease at this point because it would need a request for proposals, however there was an “immediate” need for the dock’s use.
“We cannot provide them a lease because with the lease, we have to do a request for proposal. At its immediacy, we’re giving them a revocable permit which is a month-to-month permit,” Lizama said.
However, Lizama said she doesn’t know when the yachts are coming.
“All I have informed is that they are coming,” Lizama said.
While Phoenix Services will be using the Echo Dock, CPA will also look for bids for the dock.
“One of the conditions is that CPA will now go out and advertise for bids and within that process, they can still use it. They are welcome to put in their proposals for the RFP,” Lizama said.
“In the event that they don’t win the bid, the condition is they move out,” Lizama said.
