Modifications to Heritage Wharf will cost taxpayers more than $22 million, the Ministry of Public Works has revealed.The work is required to allow the wharf to handle larger cruise ships like the Norwegian Breakaway. Planning documents revealed that the work included the construction of two mooring dolphins, two berthing dolphins, a length of catwalk and the removal of a $4.1 million thruster wall.Dolphins are stand-alone structures, not connected to the shore, which are used to tie up ships.“A contract valued at $22,369,961.93 has been awarded to SunRise Construction Limited who are partnered under the contract with Crisson Construction Limited and Onsite Engineering,” said the Ministry in a statement.“The contract is scheduled for completion before the arrival of the Norwegian Breakaway on May 15.“Materials have been purchased for construction which should expedite the project. At present, the contractors and the Ministry of Public Works engineers are undertaking preparatory works to ensure the smooth running of the project once materials arrive in Bermuda.”The Department of Marine and Ports will continue to liaise with cruise ship operators to manage cruise ship arrivals while the construction work is ongoing, the statement added.The Ministry of Public Works will undertake “passenger movement analysis” over the coming months to provide a transportation plan for visitors during the cruise season.Heritage Wharf was first opened in 2010 at a cost of $60 million, far greater than the budgeted price of $35 million. One element of the swelling costs was a $4.1 million thruster wall, intended to limit the environmental impact of visiting cruise ships.The thruster wall was damaged in September of 2010 by Hurricane Igor. Government later announced that the thruster wall was not necessary, and would be removed with $2 million of materials being recovered.The planning application for the project, along with an environmental impact assessment, are available for public viewing at the Department of Planning, in the Dame Lois Browne Evans Building.