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Blackwoods Screw Dock: A Maritime Relic

Explore the world's last screw dock in Bridgetown, Barbados, a unique relic of maritime history and Victorian engineering.

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Blackwoods Screw Dock in Bridgetown, Barbados, is the world's last remaining screw-lifting dock, built between 1889 and 1893. This unique dry dock offers a glimpse into the island's maritime history and British engineering. Although currently not fully operational, it stands as a testament to a bygone era of Caribbean shipping and trade.

A brief summary to Blackwoods Screw Dock Barbados

Local tips

  • Visit during the daytime to explore nearby historic sites such as the Parliament Buildings and St. Mary's Church.
  • Take time to read the information boards around Blackwoods Screw Dock to gain insights into its rich history.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Bridgetown to experience the local atmosphere and nearby attractions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in the Bridgetown city center, near the Parliament Buildings, walk southwest towards the Careenage. Continue along the waterfront, passing the Chamberlain Bridge. Blackwoods Screw Dock will be on your left, a short walk from the bridge. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the main bus terminal in Bridgetown, you can either walk to Blackwoods Screw Dock, which is about a 15-minute walk, or take a local taxi for a nominal fee. Look for buses heading towards Bridgetown. The bus fare is BBD 3.50 (USD 1.75).

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Bridgetown. Simply tell the driver that you want to go to Blackwoods Screw Dock near the waterfront. Confirm the fare before starting your journey. Trips around Bridgetown center shouldn't cost more than BBD 10 (EUR 4.80). A 5km ride in Bridgetown costs about BBD 39.

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Discover more about Blackwoods Screw Dock Barbados

Blackwoods Screw Dock, nestled in the heart of Bridgetown, Barbados, is a remarkable testament to maritime history and Victorian engineering. Constructed between 1889 and 1893 by John Blackwood, it is the last remaining screw-lifting dock of its kind in the world. This unique dry dock once served as a bustling hub for ship repairs and maintenance, capable of accommodating vessels up to 1,200 gross registered tons. The dock's design was innovative for its time, employing a system of screw jacks to lift ships completely out of the water for efficient repairs. The facility measures 240 feet long by 46 feet wide. The use of power screws for lifting and trussed timber beams for the transverse girders were unique elements of the design, as was the spacing of the screw jacks. Thirty-one pairs were used spaced at 7'0” (213,36 cm) centers. This kept down the loading on individual screws and beams and is close enough to obviate the need for intermediate grillages. For nearly a century, Blackwoods Screw Dock played a vital role in the region's maritime activities. However, by the late 20th century, the dock's fortunes declined, and it ceased operations in the 1980s. Today, the site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, with informative plaques detailing its construction, operation, and significance. Although the elements have taken their toll, the rusting machinery and crumbling infrastructure evoke a sense of history. There are ongoing efforts to restore and preserve this unique landmark as part of a broader tourism development project.

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