The port is currently configured for cargo, but with the increasing number of cruise ships coming to the island, there are queues for ships to dock. The quay is only 360 metres long, which means that two large vessels cannot berth at the same time, resulting in ships having to drop anchor offshore and wait.
In addition, the port currently has no passenger facilities such as customs and immigration.
The project envisages the addition of two berthing dolphins with access bridges, increasing total quay length to 420 metres, and adding a single-storey 900-square-metre passenger terminal that would have a duty free store, toilets, an Immigration, Customs and Quarantine area, restaurants and shops.
The plan also includes improvement of the road into the port, enlargement of the car park to accommodate 45 cars and 40 buses, and dredging to deepen the water around the dolphins.
A public hearing to listen to the views of local people was held recently at the Katina Hotel.
Points aired included worries about dust during the construction phase, traffic jams caused by trucks coming in and out of the site, and sedimentation from the dredging damaging local fisheries.
Consultants on the project agreed to come up with responses to these concerns, which they will present in a report expected to be completed next month.