Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas says Antigua and Barbuda is weeks away from unlocking access to its long-idled LNG facility, with dredging at Crabbs Peninsula now nearing completion.
Speaking on ABS Television’s Monday Meeting with the Minister, Nicholas said only a small portion of work remains in the turning basin—the area used for vessel manoeuvring—which is expected to be cleared within five weeks. He indicated that LNG vessels should begin using the channel by June, allowing the US$50 million plant to finally come into operation.
The facility, developed through a partnership involving APUA, the Antigua Power Company and Eagle LNG, has been unable to function despite being ready, due to persistent access issues at the harbour.
Dredging has proven difficult because of the rocky seabed, requiring specialised equipment and additional support crews. Contractors have had to intensify efforts in recent months to break through the hard material that has slowed progress.
Once operational, the 40-megawatt plant is expected to significantly reduce fuel costs and emissions. Nicholas said projected savings of about 25 percent—roughly EC$60 million annually—are based on comparable outcomes from Barbuda’s hybrid energy system.
The project is also expected to expand beyond domestic energy production. Plans are in place for the facility to serve as a regional LNG distribution point, supplying neighbouring islands and potentially cruise vessels.
Improved access to the harbour is also expected to ease ongoing shortages in cement supplies by allowing larger ships to dock at Crabbs.
Nicholas said rising global oil prices have increased pressure to transition to LNG, noting that APUA is currently absorbing higher fuel costs to keep electricity prices stable. He warned, however, that the current approach cannot be sustained indefinitely.
He added that LNG, combined with a planned expansion of solar capacity over the next three to four years, will play a central role in the country’s push toward long-term energy independence.