Nassau, Bahamas — Public Works and Transport Minister the Hon Neko C Grant officially presented the new Nassau Harbour Port to cruise ship partners, and colleague Ministers, Minister of Tourism Senator the Hon Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace and Environment Minister the Hon Earl Deveaux during a contract close-out ceremony on September 16 at the British Colonial Hilton.
On April 2, 2009, a $44 million contract was signed with Boskalis International BV to dredge the Nassau Harbour.
The general scope of work included dredging 1.9 million cubic yards of material from Nassau Harbour; and the installation of three mooring dolphins, causeways and ladders at Prince George Wharf and extension of the western end of Arawak Cay by 1,000 ft.
The harbour project was carried out to accommodate the new mega Royal Caribbean’s ‘Oasis of the Seas’, which made its maiden voyage to Nassau on December 11, 2009.
The ceremony also included a short presentation by Frans Thomassen, Project manager for Boskalis International, brief remarks by Senator Vanderpool-Wallace and a question and answer period.
Following the presentation, Ministry officials, representatives of the contractors and media personnel inspected Arawak Cay and the areas where the bollards where installed.
“The decision to dredge the harbour was based in part on the need to keep abreast of changes in the cruise industry where new Genesis class vessels have been introduced by the major cruise lines,” said Mr Grant.
“In response, the Government proceeded with the enhancement of the Harbour’s capacity by dredging to accommodate the new mega cruise ships.”
He also noted that the refurbishment and replacement of bollards at Prince George Dock, although separate and apart from the dredging contract, was undertaken at the same time. The refurbishment and replacement cost $2.3 million.
Mr Grant said the refurbishment of bollards and dredging works have been completed along with the installation of new bollards at pier 3. However, works on piers 1 and 2 are in the final stages of completion.
He thanked Boskalis, Cox and SHAL Consultants Group for their support in the design, tender and contract supervision of the dredging project.
He also acknowledged the staff of his Ministry including Colin Higgs, permanent secretary; John Canton, director of Public Works; former deputy director Gordon Major, Robert Garraway, project officer and staff of other Government agencies who contributed to the advancement and successful completion of the project.
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