How to Build Anywhere in the Caribbean – Caribbean Journal

CJ Invest, Hotels and Development, News

May 23, 2021

By Alexander Britell

As an island region, the Caribbean isnt the easiest place to build. And even within the Caribbean, construction takes place in extremely remote destinations particularly offshore or private islands with little to no infrastructure and where transportation is a challenge.

But even more difficult is facilitating a place for the workers themselves to stay.

Thats where Gulf Land Structures comes in a company thats become a Caribbean leader in building in challenging environments by using modular construction to provide housing and bedspace for construction workers.

To learn more, we talked to Josh Vice, vice president and partner at Gulf Land Structures.

Tell us about the market for Gulf Land Structures. Who uses them and for what

. Since our inception in 2007 we have been primarily focused on servicing the offshore energy sector. The modules were designed to meet rigorous safety requirements along with withstanding hurricane force winds which is a requirement for offshore. We quickly realized our modules could be utilized for disaster response on barge camps and on land because they can be quickly mobilized and fully self-sufficient power, water, waste. Some of the same challenges that we were accustomed to apply to the Caribbean where the economics of putting workers in hotels does not make sense. We can house a worker anywhere at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional housing.

Are you seeing more demand right now for modular construction? Why?

Yes, we see some encouraging demand for our modules as there are multiple large-scale developments currently taking place and in planning throughout the Caribbean. Our modules are perfect for projects in these remote islands where there is not much if any infrastructure in place. In addition to development projects our modules are a good fit for housing disaster relief workers. After hurricane Irma we housed several hundred relief workers in Puerto Rico. We were able to quickly deploy the modules to provide immediate relief to the disaster-stricken areas.

Is the Caribbean a good market for Gulf Land Structures?

Yes, we believe so because developers are wanting more and more to give their clients access to seclusion on these beautiful and natural islands. With seclusion comes remoteness to infrastructure and thats where Gulf Land comes in. We come in install our modules, we can supply power, water and anything required to support a life camp. Since we are temporary once the project is complete, we remove all the equipment with minimal or no impact on the environment. The Caribbean is susceptible to hurricanes and because of the extensive design criteria that our modules are built to in order withstand storm force winds it makes them a perfect fit for this region. It is worth mentioning when hurricane Doiron hit Bahamas in 2019 our modules in Ocean Cay were unscathed.

Is the market worldwide and can Gulf Land deliver worldwide?

Yes, the market is worldwide or anywhere additional bedspace is needed. Gulf Land can deliver anywhere, although mobilization cost can make our solution economically unfavorable depending on how far away the project is. The Caribbean is a region where our assets are strategically positioned.

What if there is no existing infrastructure? Can you still use a Gulf Land Structure?

Of course, this is where our solution excels. Just give us a clear site to install the camp and we can handle everything else. Clean potable water, power, housing, offices, anything you need in regard to housing that way you can focus on completing the project. In addition to limited infrastructure limited site space is where we also excel. For example, in St Maarten we were able to house 300 workers in a resort parking lot by stacking our modules while the resort was being renovated.

What is the most remote location you have served?

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in Bahamas. We housed approximately 500 workers for 18 months with a totally self-sufficient camp. This island had little to no infrastructure when we arrived and once complete the island was transformed into a beautiful natural habitat for wildlife while at the same time a wonderful place for guest to relax and enjoy the beautiful blue waters of the Bahamas.

What does the pricing for structureslook like?

Pricing varies depending on how many workers the client wants to sleep in each module and the existing infrastructure available for power, and water to support the camp. These types of things along with the location of the island is what drives pricing.

What else can you tell us about your clients?

We have a broad client base ranging from Oil & Gas, large construction, engineering, developers, cruise lines, department of defense, FEMA and other companies that specialize in disaster recovery. Our clients have come to trust us over the years based on our extensive experience in housing what many of them consider their most important assets, their people.

For more, visit Gulf Land Structures.

Excerpt from:

How to Build Anywhere in the Caribbean - Caribbean Journal