Water- en Energiebedrijf Aruba N.V. (WEB) and Seven Seas Water Group, a leading multinational provider of Water-as-a-Service® (WaaS®) solutions, have officially broken ground on a new state-of-the-art seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant in Aruba. The project marks a major milestone in the island’s infrastructure development and its long-term strategy to secure a sustainable and reliable drinking water supply.
Awarded to the Seven Seas Aruba affiliate in 2024, the new facility represents one of the most significant investments in Aruba’s water sector in recent years. When completed, the advanced SWRO plant will produce a minimum of 16,500 cubic meters (approximately 4.4 million gallons) of high-quality drinking water per day, significantly strengthening the nation’s water resilience and capacity.
The facility will be developed and operated under a 10-year Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) agreement, a model that enables WEB to benefit from world-class desalination capabilities without requiring upfront capital investment. The plant will be located within WEB’s existing water utility complex, leveraging established infrastructure while introducing cutting-edge technologies for water purification and energy efficiency. Commissioning is planned for 2026.
A Major Step Toward Sustainable Water Security
The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a project that will ensure Aruba’s continued access to clean, safe drinking water despite growing demand and evolving environmental pressures.
Mr. Alfredo Koolman, CEO of WEB Aruba, emphasized the strategic importance of the new facility:
“This groundbreaking represents a significant step forward in ensuring the continued reliability and sustainability of Aruba’s drinking water supply. The project is the culmination of extensive collaboration, hard work, and shared commitment between WEB and Seven Seas Water Group. Once operational, this facility will strengthen our ability to meet the island’s growing water needs while supporting Aruba’s broader vision for sustainable development.”
Koolman extended his gratitude to both teams and stakeholders involved in bringing the project to life, noting that the new desalination plant will complement WEB’s existing operations and play a vital role in modernizing Aruba’s water infrastructure.
“We look forward to seeing this project come online in 2026,” he added. “It will stand as a testament to Aruba’s dedication to innovation, partnership, and resource stewardship.”
Seven Seas Water Group: Expanding the Water-as-a-Service® Model
Seven Seas Water Group, which operates in multiple countries across the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond, is recognized for its Water-as-a-Service® (WaaS®) model—a sustainable approach that provides communities and industries with high-quality water solutions without the burden of upfront capital expenditure.
Henry Charrabé, CEO of Seven Seas Water Group, highlighted the strategic and social impact of the partnership:
“We are honored to partner with WEB on this vital project, which underscores our shared commitment to delivering safe, sustainable, and affordable water to the people of Aruba. This initiative not only marks the beginning of a trusted long-term relationship with WEB but also reinforces our track record of success in the Dutch Caribbean.”
Charrabé further noted that the Aruba desalination plant demonstrates the scalability and reliability of the Water-as-a-Service® model, which combines operational excellence, technical innovation, and financial efficiency to deliver critical water infrastructure where it’s needed most.
“By expanding our WaaS® footprint in the region, we are helping to strengthen the island’s water infrastructure and ensure that its residents have access to reliable, high-quality water for decades to come,” he said.
Innovation, Sustainability, and Long-Term Impact
The new seawater reverse osmosis plant will feature advanced membrane filtration technology, energy-efficient systems, and robust automation capabilities, ensuring optimal performance with minimal environmental impact. The facility’s design reflects the growing importance of sustainability in water management—balancing technological innovation with ecological responsibility.
Both WEB and Seven Seas Water Group share a long-term commitment to promoting resilient and sustainable water systems. The collaboration supports Aruba’s national goals for renewable energy integration, climate adaptation, and public resource management, positioning the island as a leader in sustainable infrastructure within the Caribbean.
The project also highlights the benefits of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in delivering essential utilities. By leveraging Seven Seas’ proven expertise in desalination and operations, WEB can focus on long-term strategic planning while ensuring that local communities benefit from uninterrupted access to safe drinking water.
