The event took place at Fort Bay, at the current harbor location and was attended by several officials, including Commissioner Bruce Zagers, project representatives from Ballast Nedam and local stakeholders.
During the ceremony, the project board was unveiled, outlining various components of the hurricane proof and future proof development. These included updates on the history of the process, the outlined plan, preparation works such as the new access road and contractors camp, and expected next steps for coming year.
To open the event, Harbor Master Travis Johnson spoke about the importance of the project, highlighting the growing need for more space, improved safety, and better structure. “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor,” Johnson referenced, as he mentioned his years in the position. He then introduced Commissioner Zagers, who also once served as harbor master, and commended him for his strong leadership which helped catapult the project forward.
Commissioner Zagers reflected on pivotal moments, including the impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which made the need for a safer and stronger harbor unmistakably clear. This impact though helped build momentum to get the required funding from the ministries in the Netherlands. Zagers explained that various design options were studied, however, due to the topography at Fort Bay, constructing a truly hurricane-proof harbor there would be nearly impossible. This is where the vision for the Black Rocks Harbor location began.
“This project is bigger than myself, the project team, or the island government,” Zagers said, emphasizing the collective effort that has brought it to this stage. He extended heartfelt thanks to the Ministries of BZK and I&W, as well as all stakeholders and everyone involved.
“The harbor project is a symbol of what is possible when determination and vision come together,” Zagers added. “This harbor will be a source of pride for Sabans today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
PES Project Director Peter Biemond then shared updates on the harbor’s contractual and technical progress. Since signing with Ballast Nedam International Projects last year, extensive work has gone into design, modeling and testing. The 2D and 3D wave model allowed for crucial fine-tuning, resulting in a breakwater nearly twice the size of the current harbor, to ensure it will be hurricane-proof. An essential element of the preparations was the underwater coral rehabilitation, where live coral were moved out of the work area and implanted under exact similar conditions two kilometres to the East. With specialists from the Bahamas and Saba Conservation Foundation, this proved to be a great success. Biemond also provided updates on the self-supporting worksite camp, providing offices, dormitories and recreational facilities for the workforce of around 125 people at its peak, equipped with its own water system and canteen. By December, dredging will begin to prepare the site for the next phase of work, including the production of large concrete elements, which will be brought to Saba early next year.
A representative from Ballast Nedam, Mr. Sertan Yildiz, Director of international maritime projects, also expressed the great respect with which the team carries this project and affirmed their ambition to honor this commitment to Saba.
The Black Rocks Harbor is anticipated to be completed by December 2026. This major project will play a significant role in positioning Saba as a stronger tourism destination and supporting future economic growth.
