Antigua Slipway Ltd has entered the second phase of its Marine Railway Redevelopment Project, signing a construction agreement with Meridian Construction to modernise the historic shipyard at English Harbour, according to Antigua News Room.
The company has paid the initial project deposit and expects construction to begin in the last week of July. Work will start with the removal of the original piling structure installed in the 1960s, after which new steel piles and a modern marine railway will be constructed.
Once complete, the upgraded facility will be capable of hauling vessels of up to 250 tons, 200 feet in overall length and 40 feet in beam — positioning Antigua Slipway as the largest single-vessel shipyard in the Eastern Caribbean.
Phase One of the redevelopment, which involves dismantling the existing shore-based railway, is already underway.
The company said the project is expected to generate employment for local contractors and skilled tradespeople during construction, while expanding Antigua and Barbuda's capacity to service commercial vessels, tugboats and other marine traffic upon completion.
Antigua Slipway said the redevelopment is intended to strengthen the country's marine sector and reinforce English Harbour's standing as a regional maritime centre.
The company acknowledged the contributions of Meridian Construction's Percy Rhode and Richard Starkey, and expressed gratitude for the support of Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority General Manager Darwin Telemaque and the National Parks Authority.
Antigua Slipway added that the project will also help preserve the shipwright trade at Nelson's Dockyard — a maritime tradition practised at the site for more than 300 years — while supporting the continued development of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
