The _government of**[Antigua and Barbuda](https://antiguanewsroom.com/minister-melford-nicholas-announces-pilot-study-for-electronic-e-d-cards/?swcfpc=1)**_ has engaged a _Dutch dredging firm_ to assist _Blue Ocean_ in accelerating the St. John’s Harbour dredging project.

The _**[Antigua](https://antiguanewsroom.com/4-men-charged-for-stealing-goats/?swcfpc=1)** Port Authority_ will finance the harbour dredging, while the _Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA)_ is responsible for funding similar work at _North Sound_.

At the Post-Cabinet Press Briefing, _Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst_ confirmed the partnership, stating that _Dutch dredging equipment is being transported to Antigua_ to begin work.

“The firm is moving machinery, possibly from _St. Maarten or Guadeloupe_ , rather than from the Netherlands,” he said.

The dredging at _St. John’s Harbour_ is essential for accommodating larger vessels, while the work at _North Sound_ is linked to APUA’s *liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant, which requires deeper waters to allow for *_safe docking of supply ships_.

Hurst explained that while Blue Ocean holds the primary contract, the _Dutch firm will act as a subcontractor_. “Payments will be made to Blue Ocean, which will, in turn, compensate the Dutch dredging company,” he clarified.

The government expects the project to be completed *within the planned timeframe, ensuring that both _commercial and energy-related shipping operations_ benefit from the improvements.