Temporary Pipeline Removed as GB Shipyard Completes Dredging

Freeport, Grand Bahama – The temporary pipeline, crossing Fishing Hole Road, has been removed as Grand Bahama Shipyard marks the completion of dredging and begins the next phase of its $600 million expansion. 

The dredging, which began in January, was deemed very successful by GB Shipyard VP of Environment, Quality, Facility Maintenance & Infrastructure Development Marvin Basden, who said the project is on track to complete facility preparations next year. 

“The removal of the temporary pipeline marks the achievement of a major milestone in our transformation project,” according to Basden. “It was critical to the project for us to increase the water depth at GB Shipyard where the 2 new floating docks will be installed. Removal of this pipeline signifies the successful completion of this major component of work. We now have the depth of water needed to safely operate the new dry-dock in Grand Bahama. The remainder of our work will now be focus primarily within the Shipyard. We’ll be focused on construction of the new pier, moorings to secure the new docks and other facility improvements.”

The expansion includes the construction and delivery of two new world-class floating docks that will increase the range of cruise vessels the facility is able to accommodate and allow the operation to service much of the world’s commercial shipping vessels. 

Despite plans to have the temporary pipeline removed eight weeks after installation in January, Basden explained that teams worked tirelessly to ensure the project continued safely and successfully. 

“The dredging campaign was very successful,” Basden added. “The pipeline was installed crossing Grand Bahamian Way or what’s commonly known as the Fishing Hole Road. We were particularly sensitive to this issue because this road is the primary access between Freeport and West Grand Bahama. This was a technically challenging project but all our service providers and their dedicated staff were very professional and very proficient. The many months of careful planning and preparation resulted in a very positive outcome. While the dredging was delayed later in the project than originally planned, we were able to shuffle the schedule to avoid impact to the overall project completion. We’re on track to finish up facility preparations late next year.”

Basden said GB Shipyard is particularly thankful to the community for its patience during the months of dredging and for any inconvenience the temporary pipeline may have caused. 

He also noted the many local companies involved in the work. “ The pipeline was part of the dredging contract with Jan De Nul, an international offshore, marine, civil, environment and project developer; however, we did have several local contractors supporting them: Bahamas Hot Mix, Executive Marine, Syngad Services & Bahama Industrial Technologies.”

Basden also thanked the many stakeholders who helped make the process run smoothly, “We are extremely grateful for the incredible cooperation and support from authorities such as GBPA and Ministry of Works; and our industry partners Freeport Harbour Company, GB Power, GB Utility and Bahama Rock and the Royal Bahamas Police Force. . Most of all we would like extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Grand Bahama Community for their patience, trust and support of the Grand Bahama Shipyard.”