On Wednesday, December 4, 2019, Disney Cruise Line announced the hiring of ENCO International (Bahamas) Limited following a competitive bidding process, to preform important geotechnical investigations at their recent acquired Lighthouse Point property on the southern tip of Eleuthera.
According to a report by Eyewitness News, ENCO’s geotechnical investigation will help determine the most appropriate building techniques to use pending the acceptance of the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan.
“We are committed to maximizing Bahamian participation in this project, and our selection of ENCO for this significant work through a competitive bid process is the result of our ongoing efforts to build relationships with Bahamian companies. To date, we have met with more than 70 companies that have expressed interest in assisting with our construction needs and we will continue to build relationships with them,”
“We look forward to working with ENCO to move this important work forward in a way that is consistent with our longstanding commitment to the environment.”
Jeff Vahle, President Disney Signature Experiences
Disney Cruise Line’s island development team has been working with the BEST Commission to outline the means and methods that will be used for the geotechnical investigations, and has also created an Environmental Protection Plan for the work. In accordance with the plan, the geotechnical investigations will involve taking small core samples of sand and rock in places where structures will be built on land and over the water. The work planned has already been reviewed without objections by The Bahamas Environment, Science & Technology (BEST) Commission.
“Our team has worked on many complex projects over the years with a number of global companies, and we are particularly excited to be working with Disney, a brand we’ve grown up to know and love, that also loves the environment.
“They are extremely focused on the details and, above all, dedicated to approaching the Lighthouse Point project with the best intentions and the utmost respect for preserving the environment and celebrating the natural beauty of the site.”
Carlos Palacious, managing principal of ENCO
ENCO’s geotechnical work is scheduled to begin within the next two weeks, and the company plans to hire approximately half of its work crew from Eleuthera.
Disney Cruise Line completed the purchase of the privately owned parcel known as Lighthouse Point in March of this year, and signed a Heads of Agreement with The Bahamas Government which stipulates how Disney will responsibly develop the property.
Construction at Lighthouse Point can only begin after the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the The Bahamian Government.
During the D23 Expo over the summer, Disney officially announced the purchase of Lighthouse Point. indicating a potential opening of the island to cruise passengers in late 2022 or 2023.