THE BOTTOM – Last week marked one year since the Public Entity Saba signed the construction contract for the Black Rocks Harbor Project with Ballast Nedam International Projects on October 8, 2024. Since then, significant progress has been made toward the harbor’s completion, targeted for December 2026.
The construction site in Giles Quarter has transformed, with dormitories, a canteen, and other facilities now established for up to 125 project workers. All workers are on temporary permits issued under standard IND procedures, ensuring no lasting population impact once the project concludes.
The harbor’s future-proof design combines international engineering standards with local input from fishermen, yacht owners, and other stakeholders. It features hurricane-resistant elements and was refined using advanced 3D model testing in the United Kingdom to simulate local sea conditions.
Environmental measures have been integral to the project. More than 1,000 corals were relocated in collaboration with Coral Vita and the Saba Conservation Foundation, while historic underwater cannons will be safely moved before dredging starts in November 2025.
Real project
Commissioner Bruce Zagers said the progress demonstrates that “the harbor is no longer just an idea for the future, but a real project being built today.”
