The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

The Billy Cay cruise ship terminal proposed by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) could face flooding under extreme hurricane conditions, it was revealed last night.

The public consultation on the Freeport Harbour project revealed environmental modelling showed water levels at the Grand Bahama development site could rise to 6.1 metres above sea level under a future climate scenario.

The project’s environmental consultant said Billy Cay and surrounding areas could flood under exceptionally severe conditions. “Based on this modelling, the cay and surrounding areas can flood, but this is only under very extreme conditions,” they said.

Wave modelling estimated an extreme one-in-100-year water level of 5.1 metres above sea level under present-day conditions. This is projected to increase to around 6.1 metres under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s RCP 4.5 scenario.

The consultant noted that the project site is within the harbour, which is sheltered and typically experiences very low water-energy levels.

During the consultation, a participant raised concerns about the long-term effects of hurricanes and flooding on Grand Bahama, questioning whether sufficient measures were being taken to mitigate future risks.

The environmental assessment outlines several proposed safeguards, including elevated buildings, stormwater drainage systems and measures to secure infrastructure ahead of hurricanes.

“All buildings will be elevated,” the consultant said, explaining that stormwater management measures would also be implemented to address potential flooding.

The assessment identified the potential for standing water and localised flooding during construction and operations, particularly as the development would increase the amount of impervious surfaces on the site.

An efficient drainage system is expected to be installed and maintained during operations, while green spaces incorporated into the development would help increase water absorption and infiltration into the ground.

Both the construction and operational environmental management plans (EMP) are expected to include emergency response procedures addressing hurricane watches and warnings, including securing materials and infrastructure and evacuating the site where necessary.

Beyond the environmental considerations, the project is expected to create employment opportunities for Grand Bahama residents, with around 350 workers anticipated during construction and a further 320 permanent positions during the operational phase.

The consultant said priority would be given to hiring Bahamians during both phases, while construction work is also expected to benefit local suppliers. The project is expected to create additional entrepreneurial opportunities as development at the site progresses.

MSC’s proposed Billy Cay facility is planned for a reclaimed industrial site within Freeport Harbour. The development is intended to accommodate mega cruise ships and includes berthing infrastructure and supporting visitor facilities.

The public consultation period remains open until December 1, with residents invited to submit questions, concerns and comments to the Department of Environmental Climate Protection and JSS Consulting. Officials said submissions could lead to changes to the environmental assessment or other project documents, which would subsequently be made available online.