MSC Cruises has announced a new infrastructure development program for its private island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.

Enhancements will include additional amenities for MSC Cruises’ guests who visit the destination, accommodation for staff as well as operational and technical improvements and environmental infrastructure.

A heads of agreement was signed by Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper along with other government officials.

Guest-facing enhancements will include the introduction of an excursion center to support watersport activities and island tours, a sea dive and snorkel center, additional food and beverage outlets and other facilities, MSC said in a release.

An MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Centre will also be built as a base for biologists, coral reef experts and students, housing interactive pavilions, a lecture hall and coral exhibition tanks.

The Centre will also provide MSC Cruises’ passengers visiting the island with educational opportunities about the importance of the marine ecosystem.

The island is already home to the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Program, which is considered a critical contribution to research on coral reef resilience throughout the region.

MSC Foundation is supporting graduate student program designed to address and mitigate changes in thermal resilience of coral reefs throughout the tropical Western Atlantic. 

The coral nurseries at Ocean Cay are thriving with young and healthy, yet critically endangered species of endemic, reef building corals, representing hope in restoring these fragile ecosystems.

A third solar farm will also be installed as part MSC Cruises’ aim to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions for Ocean Cay, along with an advanced wastewater treatment plant.

A landscaping plan is also being implemented, further diversify and developing the sustainable environment on the island with native and adaptive trees, grasses, and shrubs to provide erosion control, improve vegetation and support ecosystem health.

New accommodation buildings will see an increase in staff numbers from 150 to 280 to support these initiatives.

MSC Cruises has separately announced that it will support the LJM Maritime Academy and the University of The Bahamas to enhance the training of Bahamians seeking to enter the maritime sector.