The Hague, Netherlands, 10 September 2025 – Commissioned by Dutch Caribbean Air Navigation Service N.V (DC-ANSP), Deerns contributed to the design of a state-of-the-art air traffic control centre. Improving reliability and helping future-proof Caribbean airspace.
DC-ANSP engaged Deerns and Ector Hoogstad (architect), IMD (structural engineer) and IGG (cost management) to design the new air traffic control centre. Deerns was responsible for the entire technical design, including building physics, energy supply and climate control systems, IT and security. The project drew on Deerns’ previous experience with similar air traffic control projects, such as for Air Traffic Control Netherlands.
“For an air traffic control centre, reliability is paramount. The systems cannot fail for a single second,” says Johan de Groot, Consultant at Deerns. “That is why we created a robust design with multiple layers of emergency power supply.”
Prepared for extreme weather conditions
The previous air traffic control facility no longer met operational requirements. The new centre has been designed to exceptionally high standards of reliability and safety. The building is resistant to earthquakes and severe hurricanes, which is a crucial requirement given its location in the Caribbean.
This structural robustness goes hand-in-hand with an advanced energy concept. In addition to mains power, an emergency generator and separate UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) provides a complete backup system. The design ensures that the air traffic control centre remains operational under almost all circumstances, even in the event of a disaster.
A future-oriented working environment
In readiness for the expected growth in air traffic in the region, the spacious control room can accommodated a large number of workstations. The interior has also been designed with the future in mind alongside improved user experience and wellbeing. Solar panels and a smart building management system minimise energy consumption. Operators can adjust lighting and climate settings for each room via intuitive control panels. Additionally high-quality acoustics and adaptive LED lighting all serve to further increase comfort and support concentration during 24/7 operations.
Strengthening the aviation infrastructure in the region
Construction of the air traffic control centre is now underway. Deerns remains closely involved in the supervision of the project which will contribute to safe and efficient air traffic control in the region.
