The government-owned, Blue Ocean Dredging Company, is to acquire additional equipment to enable it to undertake critical dredging assignments at the Deep Water Harbour and the Crabbes Harbour.
This as the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a strategic partnership between the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, the Ministry of Works, and the Blue Ocean Dredging Company to invest in specialized dredging equipment for the completion of critical projects at St. John’s Harbour and Crabbs Harbour.
This initiative addresses long-standing challenges at both harbours, where significant volumes of material remain unremoved:
- John’s Harbour: Approximately20,000 m³ of rock and 120,000 m³ of maintenance dredging, totaling 140,000 m³.
- Crabbs Harbour: Approximately150,000 m³
A delegation comprising the Port Manager, the Manager of Blue Ocean, an engineer from the Ministry of Works, and Cabinet Minister Hon. Rawdon Turner will travel to Holland to engage potential equipment suppliers. This mission will support the modernization of Blue Ocean Dredging Company, now fully owned by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
Challenges with International Contractors
Previous efforts with international dredging firms have proven costly and uncertain:
- Boskalis (Holland):~USD 2M mobilization/demobilization.
- Van Oord (Holland):USD 430K/day for one week, no completion guarantee.
- Jan De Nul (Holland):USD 9M (~USD 32/m³).
- Dutch Dredging (Belgium):USD 57–120/m³.
- Van Tunen (Holland):USD 715K mobilization + USD 67K/week.
- Seaward Marine Corp. (USA):USD 3–4M mobilization, USD 62.50/m³.
- Gallega (Santo Domingo):USD 380/m³.
By comparison, Blue Ocean Marine (Antigua) currently dredges at USD 21.50/m³, well below international rates. However, the company lacks the specialized equipment needed to complete large-scale projects.
Current Assessment
- International contractors remain reluctant, citing uncertainty over rock hardness and preferringcharter agreements instead of fixed cubic-meter pricing.
- Local capacity offerscompetitive and sustainable rates, but requires equipment upgrades.
- A negotiated rate ofUSD 32/m³ is considered acceptable for completing the Crabbs and St. John’s projects.
Strategic Actions Endorsed by Cabinet
1. Investment in Equipment
- Purchase of a Caterpillar 6015 Excavator with attachments (Xcentric Ripper XR80, Hydraulic Breaker HB7000, Quick Coupler).
- Lease, with option to purchase, of a Pontoon Barge.
- Recruitment of experienced dredge operators and mechanics.
2. Expansion of Operations
- Maintenance dredging at St. John’s Harbour (cruise terminal, cargo terminal, fisheries complex).
- Beach replenishment projects across Antigua and Barbuda.
- Sand mining for the construction industry.
- Extension of dredging services to regional markets.
3. Hopper Dredger – M.B. Amaru
- Operating cost projections for three months estimated at USD 600,500.00
The delegation will evaluate equipment options and negotiate arrangements in the best interest of Antigua and Barbuda. Their findings will be presented to Cabinet for a final decision.
