Blackwoods Screw Dock: A Victorian Maritime Marvel

Blackwoods Screw Dock, nestled in the heart of Bridgetown, Barbados, stands as a remarkable testament to maritime history. This Victorian-engineered screw dock, constructed between 1889 and 1893 by John Blackwood, is the last remaining screw-lifting mechanism of its kind globally. Once a bustling hub for ship repairs and maintenance, it could accommodate vessels up to 1,200 gross registered tons. In the 17th century, Barbados was the largest port in the western hemisphere. By the 19th century, Bridgetown remained a crucial hub, with approximately 1,500 vessels calling each year. The mouth of the Constitution River, known as the Careenage, became a center for ship repair. Ships were careened (beached and laid over) for scraping, painting, and repairs. The design of Blackwoods Screw Dock is a superb example of Victorian engineering. It uses power screws for lifting and trussed timber beams for the transverse girders. The screw jacks were spaced to keep down the loading on individual screws and beams. The dock measures 240 feet long by 46 feet wide. Ships entering the screw dock were guided into position. The process involved turning the wheels of the docks to slowly raise the ship completely out of the water. The dock originally operated on steam power but was later converted to electricity. Today, Blackwoods Screw Dock is in a state of disrepair. In the 1980s, the Barbados Coast Guard Station was moved into the Pierhead, limiting the dock's availability. However, plans are underway to restore the dock as part of a broader tourism development project. Visitors can explore the waterfront, take photographs, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Bridgetown's harbor. Nearby attractions include the Parliament Buildings, Nidhe Israel Synagogue, and the historic Careenage.