The Shipping Association of the Dominican Republic announced that the first phase of the dredging of the Port of Santo Domingo was completed at a cost of RD$21.6 million. The completion of the dredging permitted a large cruise ship to dock for the first time over the weekend on the west bank of the Ozama River and its passengers able to walk over to the colonial city of Santo Domingo. In the past, cruise ships had to dock on the east side of the river, and visitors were then transported on busses to visit the colonial zone. The dredging was a project of the shipping association. Juan Periche Vidal, spokesman for the association, said that three cruise ships with over 5,000 tourists are expected this month.