Cabinet Approves €1.1M Dredging Equipment Purchase
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has given the green light for the purchase of specialized dredging equipment to complete outstanding works at both St. John’s Harbour and Crabbs Harbour.
Last weekend, Minister Rawdon Turner led a delegation to Holland to meet suppliers. He was accompanied by other officials.
On Wednesday, the delegation briefed the Cabinet on the equipment: a Caterpillar 6015 Excavator fitted with attachments, including an Xcentric Ripper XR80, Hydraulic Breaker HB7000, and Quick Coupler valued at €1.1 million.
Last week, the government also unveiled a strategic partnership involving the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, the Ministry of Works, and Blue Ocean Dredging Company. The arrangement is expected to allow for a resumption of dredging activities that have been stalled for several years.
Blue Ocean Dredging had previously constructed the country’s fifth cruise berth and began dredging operations at St. John’s Harbour to prepare it for Oasis Class cruise ships. However, work was suspended after equipment was severely damaged by hard rock formations on the seabed. Plans to hire international firms to complete the task were later abandoned due to prohibitive costs.
According to government estimates, approximately 20,000 cubic meters of rock and 120,000 cubic meters of maintenance dredging remain at St. John’s Harbour, while Crabbs Harbour still requires about 150,000 cubic meters of dredging.
Officials anticipate that with the newly approved purchase, dredging will resume in the coming months, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda’s key harbours are fully equipped to accommodate larger vessels and future maritime expansion.
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