WILLEMSTAD - In a close collaboration between Aqualectra and NuCapital, Curaçao will receive a total of five new wind turbines on July 29. These turbines will form the foundation for the three wind farms located at Koraal Tabak. Prior to the arrival of these turbines, NuCapital has coordinated with Vestas (the company that designed the turbines) and Ter Linden (the company responsible for transport) to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses all necessary aspects for the safe and smooth transportation of the turbines from their arrival to their final destination at Koraal Tabak. The Public Works Service (UOOW) and the Police Corps have agreed to these transport plans and will make the necessary adjustments to the roads and coordinate traffic during the transport process.
The new wind turbines will arrive by ship at Brion Wharf, and due to their quantity and size, it will take approximately one month to transport them completely to Koraal Tabak. During this process, special attention will be given to transporting the largest parts of the turbines (such as the long pipes and blades) and making the necessary adjustments to the roads for the transport. Importantly, the Police Corps will be present throughout the entire transportation process to guide traffic and ensure everything proceeds smoothly with minimal disruption.
The initial transportation will begin on the evening of July 29 from the Brion Wharf (the Curaçao Ports Services (CPS) area) to the lower terrain where Amstel used to be located at Nieuwehaven. After a week, the final transport to Koraal Tabak will start on Tuesday, August 6. Before the official transport to Koraal Tabak begins, preparation work will be carried out by UOOW along the route, including raising telephone and power lines and trimming some trees along the way. On Saturday, August 3, starting at 6 a.m., the transport trucks will conduct a complete route test together with UOOW and the Police Corps.
To transport the various parts of the wind turbines, two types of trucks will be used. The first type is equivalent to a regular cargo truck and will be used to transport the smaller parts of the turbines. The second type is a longer truck that will transport the turbine pipes and the larger parts. For the longer trucks transporting the largest parts of the turbines, certain traffic adjustments will be necessary at key points along the route; both from Brion Wharf to the Amstel site and from Amstel to Koraal Tabak.
It has been decided to carry out most of the transport with the longer trucks on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 to 8 AM and from 2 to 4 PM to minimize disruption to regular traffic. Transports that need to take place during the week will be done as much as possible with the regular cargo trucks between 9 and 11 AM and between 2 and 4:30 PM.
During the initial transport from CPS to the Amstel site on July 29, part of the guardrail on the road at Nieuwe Haven near the Coca Cola factory will be temporarily removed to facilitate the passage of the trucks. When transport is not taking place, the open space in the guardrail will be closed with barriers until this part of the transport is completed.
On Tuesday, August 6, when the official transport from the Amstel site to Koraal Tabak begins, the trucks will temporarily drive on the opposite side of the road from the Amstel site to Schottegatweg Zuid in the direction of Sta Rosa. Additionally, at the sharp turn near ‘Tap Maar In,’ part of the guardrail will be temporarily removed during the transport of the turbines. For a moment in this part of the transport, the trucks will need to drive on the opposite side to safely navigate the turn.
One of the most significant adjustments during the wind turbine transport period will occur at the Sta Rosa roundabout. To facilitate the passage of the long trucks, the height in the middle of the roundabout will need to be lowered, and the traffic signs will be temporarily removed. The roundabout will function normally for the general public during the day, and during the times when the trucks need to cross with the wind turbines, police will close the area and direct traffic.
At Toko Seru Pretu on Kaya Hensley Meulens, the final point along the route will also see temporary traffic adjustments during the day and transport hours. Here, the trucks will need to drive on the opposite side of the road for a short time to navigate the sharp descent. By the evening of August 26, the transport work should be complete, and efforts will begin to restore any changes made to public roads at various points along the route.
The arrival and installation of these wind turbines mark a significant step towards future energy for Curaçao. This will provide much more reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy for every home and business in our community. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work tirelessly to achieve this.
Please drive carefully during the period from July 4 to July 24 if you are using the mentioned routes. Rest assured, we will keep you informed of any important developments during the transport and installation of our new wind turbines.
