The multi-purpose crane is expected to arrive within two weeks.
SABA–The Public Entity Saba has purchased a crane for multi-purpose use on the island. The most important function of the crane is to lift boats and other materials from the basin at Fort Bay harbour during major storms or hurricane threats. No other facilities are in place at Saba’s harbour to keep boats and equipment safe during extreme weather conditions. Therefore, boats and equipment have to be taken on land and stored at a more secure location. The only crane available on the island had recently been involved in an accident at Well’s Bay and is currently no longer functional. As the hurricane season had already started there was a great urgency to find a solution.
Commissioner of Harbour Affairs Bruce Zagers saw the extreme need for a crane to aid the boat owners and immediately reached out to the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment for a solution. Thanks to the Ministry’s quick response and support Saba was able to purchase a crane suitable for the island’s conditions within a month after the old crane broke down.
A quick solution was needed to help with the considerable sized boat fleet on Saba which belongs primarily to fishermen and dive shops and contribute significantly to the island’s economy.
In the United States a 2005 Terex Rough-Terrain Crane type RT335-1 was found and ultimately purchased. This 35-ton crane can lift almost all boats at Fort Bay harbour and has more than enough power to drive up Fort Bay Road. The crane has three steering modes which enable it to manoeuver through narrow roads and sharp turns.
Despite some superficial corrosion the crane is in excellent condition and once on Saba ready to be used when weather conditions get rough. The crane is expected to arrive within the next two weeks.
Funding to purchase the crane came from the Harbour Project which will be used to create a harbour master plan and execute several quick-win projects which are currently being discussed with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/68160-saba-purchases-a-new-multi-functional-crane
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