Government is investigating ways in which narrow channels can be widened to enable mega-cruise ships to visit Bermuda.

According to a Public Works Ministry spokesman, a consultant has now been hired to carry out an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) to establish which of two channels are best suited to widening.

“Currently, in order for vessels to enter Bermuda, they must approach Five Fathom Hole on the North Eastern tip of the Island,” the spokesman said.

“From this point, vessels wishing to approach Dockyard, Great Sound and Hamilton must navigate a dredged channel, bordered by reef, to St. Catherine’s Point — known as ‘The Narrows’.

“Vessels then can either proceed down the South or North Channel. One of these two channels will need to be modified in order to accommodate the new generation of cruise ships such as Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum class of ships.

In order to allow bigger liners access, Government is considering realigning either the North or South Channel or upgrading the existing route of the South Channel.

“The engineering studies and the obtainment of associated costs of construction have already commenced. An EIS is also required as part of the feasibility study. The EIS will look at environmental considerations for each of the alternatives, including the impact on coral reefs and marine life, sustainability considerations, and impacts on business, tourism, transport etc.

“The initial phase of the EIS, Project Scoping, involves identifying which special interest groups, Government Ministries and general stakeholder groups have a vested interest in the project; what their concerns are; and what studies/reports for example may be required.”

Bermuda Environmental Consultants, which will be conducting the study, will soon be inviting expressions of interest from parties, in addition to holding town hall meetings and presentations. The ‘project scoping’ is scheduled to be completed by April, 2014.