The proposed Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) Headquarters project involves the redevelopment of a previously underutilised waterfront site at Point Wharf, St. John’s. Located on low-lying land adjacent to the Fisheries Complex and within close proximity to St. John’s Harbour, the site was occupied by remnants of an old building, derelict vessels, and unstructured vegetaton. While not previously used by ADOMS, the location has been earmarked for the agency’s formalisation and growth as a key maritime regulator. The new headquarters will consolidate administrative and field operations into a single, purpose-built facility reflective of ADOMS’ evolving mandate.

Site Conditions and Rationale

The site is generally flat, with minor elevation variation. It is low-lying, with elevations generally below 1 metre above mean sea level (MSL), and in proximity to sensi/ve marine habitats including seagrass beds and a shallow coastal fringe. These features present inherent vulnerabilities to flooding, coastal inundation, and storm surge. These vulnerabilities—and their implications under climate change scenarios—have been key considerations in the siting, design, and risk mitigation strategy.

The project footprint largely avoids marine encroachment and no excavation of the seabed is proposed, therefore, minimal in-water works are expected. Elevation benchmarks and floor heights will be informed by updated climate risk data, and further site fill may be required to meet those standards.

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