Seven Seas Water Group and WEB Aruba Break Ground on State-of-the-Art Seawater Desalination Plant to Strengthen Aruba’s Water Security
Water- en Energiebedrijf Aruba N.V. (“WEB”) and Seven Seas Water Group (“Seven Seas”), a global leader in Water-as-a-Service® (WaaS®) solutions, have officially broken ground on a landmark seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant in Aruba. This milestone marks a transformative step in the island nation’s mission to secure a sustainable and reliable supply of drinking water for its residents.
The new desalination plant, awarded in 2024 to Seven Seas’ local affiliate, Seven Seas Aruba, represents a cornerstone project in Aruba’s modern infrastructure development strategy. Designed to produce a minimum of 16,500 cubic meters (4.4 million gallons) of potable water per day, the facility will significantly enhance the island’s water resilience, reliability, and operational efficiency. The project is being developed under a 10-year Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) agreement, with commissioning scheduled for 2026. The plant will be strategically located within WEB’s existing utility complex, ensuring optimal integration into the island’s current water distribution system.
Strengthening Aruba’s Water Infrastructure
For decades, Aruba has relied on desalination to meet its freshwater needs, given its limited natural water resources. As the island’s population and tourism industry continue to grow, the demand for clean and reliable water has intensified. The new SWRO desalination plant addresses these challenges by introducing advanced technology designed to optimize efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and improve the overall sustainability of Aruba’s water system.
WEB Aruba CEO, Mr. Alfredo Koolman, emphasized the importance of the project during the groundbreaking ceremony, calling it “a major step forward in ensuring the continued reliability and sustainability of Aruba’s drinking water supply.” He acknowledged that the initiative represents years of collaborative planning, engineering expertise, and a shared vision between WEB and Seven Seas Water Group.
“This project is the result of extensive collaboration, hard work, and commitment from both the WEB and Seven Seas teams,” Koolman said. “Once operational, this new facility will strengthen WEB’s ability to meet the growing needs of the island. We look forward to seeing the plant come online in 2026 and thank everyone involved for their dedication in making this vision a reality.”
Koolman highlighted that the project aligns with WEB’s long-term strategic objectives, which focus on ensuring water reliability, sustainability, and cost-efficiency for Aruba’s residents and businesses. The partnership leverages private-sector expertise and investment through Seven Seas’ Water-as-a-Service® model—allowing Aruba to modernize its water infrastructure without imposing heavy upfront capital costs on the public sector.
Seven Seas’ Commitment to Sustainable Water Solutions
Henry Charrabé, CEO of Seven Seas Water Group, expressed strong enthusiasm about the collaboration and its long-term implications for the island’s water security.
“We are honored to work with WEB on this vital project, which underscores our shared commitment to delivering safe, sustainable, reliable, and affordable water to the people of Aruba,” Charrabé stated. “This project initiates a long-standing and trusted relationship between WEB and Seven Seas and is another example of our success in the Dutch Caribbean. We are proud to expand our Water-as-a-Service® footprint to strengthen the island’s water infrastructure for years to come.”
Under the WaaS® model, Seven Seas Water Group assumes responsibility for financing, constructing, and operating the facility while WEB benefits from guaranteed water delivery at predictable costs. At the end of the 10-year BOOT term, ownership of the facility will transfer to WEB, ensuring continued local control of critical infrastructure.
This approach provides financial flexibility for public utilities like WEB, enabling them to invest in other strategic areas while still ensuring access to advanced, sustainable water production technology.
A Step Toward a Sustainable Future
The introduction of the new SWRO facility is more than just a technical upgrade—it is a forward-looking investment in Aruba’s environmental and economic sustainability. The plant will use energy-efficient reverse osmosis membranes and advanced monitoring systems to minimize operational costs and environmental impact. Additionally, the design incorporates sustainability measures such as optimized energy recovery devices and improved brine management to protect marine ecosystems.
This development supports Aruba’s national goals of achieving greater energy independence and climate resilience. By integrating state-of-the-art desalination technology and renewable energy initiatives, the island can continue to reduce its reliance on imported fuels while maintaining a secure water supply for its residents, businesses, and tourism sector.
The project also underscores Aruba’s growing reputation as a regional leader in sustainable infrastructure. As small island nations face increasing threats from climate change and resource scarcity, the Aruba SWRO project serves as a model for how innovative public-private partnerships can deliver essential services sustainably.
Building on a Legacy of Innovation
The groundbreaking ceremony symbolizes the continuation of a decades-long relationship between Aruba’s water utility sector and global leaders in desalination technology. WEB has historically been one of the pioneers in seawater desalination, dating back to the mid-20th century, and this new project continues that legacy with a renewed focus on efficiency, affordability, and resilience.
Seven Seas Water Group brings extensive experience to the project, with a portfolio of Water-as-a-Service® operations across the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East. The company’s proven track record in delivering reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious water solutions makes it an ideal partner for WEB’s long-term vision.
Charrabé noted that the project represents not just an investment in infrastructure but also in people and communities. Through local partnerships, training, and employment opportunities, the initiative will support Aruba’s workforce development and enhance technical expertise on the island.
