The new Tinian marina—officially known as Tinian’s Commercial and Recreational Vessel Marina—began construction earlier this year and is expected to provide the island with safer, more modern port facilities while serving as a potential catalyst for economic growth.
Tinian marina manager Ben Camacho said the more than $500,000 project is being implemented under Federal Emergency Management Agency Project Worksheet 104, with BlueWater serving as the primary contractor.
The project is supported by staff from the Tinian Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Boating Access Program.
“The marina structure consists primarily of an aluminum framework with composite decking and plastic flotation units filled with foam,” Camacho said. “Once fully operational, the marina will accommodate up to 20 vessels—19 boats under 20 feet and one vessel under 26 feet.”
Camacho said the completion of the marina will bring wide-ranging benefits to Tinian residents.
“It will strengthen safety for fishers and boaters, support economic growth and tourism, improve disaster resilience, and lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable marine use that benefits the entire community,” he said.
Tinian fisherman Richard Farrell said the project would not have been possible without assistance from DFW and support from Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, particularly following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018.
“First, I would like to thank DFW staff for all the work they’ve done to make this happen,” Farrell said. “I would also like to thank mayor Aldan for his continued support of fishermen and boaters. He inherited what Super Typhoon Yutu left behind during his first year as mayor. The marina is safe once again for all boaters.”
Tinian resident Matthew Masga echoed Farrell’s sentiments and said he was pleased to see the marina project completed.
“The marina was supposed to be included in Tinian’s list of FEMA-funded repair projects,” Masga said. “However, Saipan DNLR submitted the damage assessment since it fell under their jurisdiction. The Tinian mayor and his team continued to follow up on the project until its completion. We are happy to see our only marina restored to its original design.”
Masga added that the marina will also support the fishing derby scheduled during the 2026 Pika Festival on Feb. 13 and 14.
“The marina will also allow boaters to safely park their vessels overnight,” he said.
While the work on Tinian’s docking system is tied to Project Worksheet 104, similar FEMA-funded repairs have also been completed at the Smiling Cove Marina on Saipan, including the installation of new gangways and beacon light poles.
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