The groundbreaking ceremony was held on the island south of Bimini and marked the start of work to turn a former industrial sand extraction site back to its original condition by November 2018.

It will then be named Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and will be kept for the exclusive use of MSC guests.

The development is part of a €9 billion investment plan by the cruise operator which will see it build 11 next-generation smart ships due to come into service between 2017 and 2026.

MSC Cruises executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, who attended the ceremony, said: “Working in partnership with the government of the Bahamas, our aim is to turn an industrial wasteland into a thriving environment for man and nature alike, bringing the island and its surrounding waters back to their original state.

“In so doing, we will substantially grow our Group’s already strong investment in the Bahamian economy, offering long-term employment opportunities to the local population.

“Bearing testament to our ability to innovate, a purpose-built berth and pier will allow our cruise ships to dock directly at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Thus the island will de facto become an extension of the ship.”