Nineteen (19) derelict vessels have been removed so far under the Derelict Vessels Removal and Disposal Project. Photo: RDA

A total of 28 vessels will be removed from the Sea Cows Bay Harbour under the Derelict Vessels Removal and Disposal Project. Photo: RDA

Work to remove twenty-eight (28) derelict vessels from the Sea Cows Bay Harbour first began in early December 2025. The project is estimated to take four months. 

“Of the 28 derelict vessels originally identified for removal, to date, 19 derelict vessels have been successfully removed,” the RDA informed in an update on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

Major improvements in the marine space 

The RDA statement added that the project, now in its third week, is improving navigational safety, reducing environmental risks, and restoring this important harbour space.

“This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment to protecting our marine environment while creating safer, more functional public harbours for the Virgin Islands,” it continued. 

The removal process involves extracting the vessels from the harbour, transporting them to the loading site in Sea Cows Bay, and breaking them down into distinct waste streams at a designated staging site at Pockwood Pond. The materials are being separated into metal, plastics, wood, and fibreglass. 

The Derelict Vessels Removal and Disposal Project is a joint venture of Sandwise Ltd. and Commercial Dive Services Ltd., who were awarded the contract valued at US$854,633.43. 

See link to related article

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/derelict-vessels-removal-project-begins-in-scb-harbour