As a multipurpose port, the Port of Bridgetown is focused on balancing the needs of both cargo and cruise customers, while minimising berthing conflict and ensuring delivery on customer expectations.

The Port of Bridgetown yesterday, December 10, 2024, welcomed four cruise ships. Seabourn Ovation sailed in with 532 passengers and Explora I with 900 passengers. The Resilient Lady made her inaugural visit with 2,245 passengers, as well as MSC Virtuosa with 5,083 passengers. MSC Virtuosa, homeporting at Bridgetown during winter 2024/25, also took on twenty-three 40ft containers of stores.

With all berths dedicated to cruise ships, yesterday was designated a “no cargo” day i.e. a day where cargo vessels cannot discharge or load cargo during the day i.e 0700 hrs to 1900 hrs,as all berths are occupied by cruise.

There are forty-two “no cargo” days anticipated during the peak season October 2024 and April 2025, of which vessel agents are advised and should reference as a vessel operations planning tool.

As a multipurpose port, inevitably some conflicts will occur. These however are resolved in the context of an age-old stated national policy where cruise vessels are accorded priority over cargo ships and cargo lines are aware that they have to plan around this mandate.

In addition to the policy, the Operations Team at the Port hosts daily briefing meetings focused on vessel planning at which agents and vessel representatives are present. These meetings are key to ensuring smooth operations, as the Port continues to serve both cargo and cruise lines, through the winter cruise season.

The assertion however, that the JPO Aquila container ship bypassed Bridgetown yesterday because it was deemed a “no cargo” day is inaccurate.

According to its schedule, the JPO Aquila was late in arriving at Port of Spain, Trinidad and as a result had to wait one day before berthing. The vessel was in fact still berthed and being worked in Trinidad yesterday, departing in the early hours of this morning. The vessel took the decision not to call at Bridgetown in an effort to get back on schedule. Even if it was not a “no cargo” day therefore, the vessel would not have made its scheduled call at Bridgetown.

JPO Aquila was originally scheduled to arrive at Bridgetown on December 6 and because of delays experienced in previous ports, rescheduled to December 8 and later December 10, for berthing in the evening. Just a single vessel was scheduled for work from 1600 hrs yesterday and no vessels were scheduled for 2300 hrs. The vessel could also have been serviced today if it had continued to Barbados.

The Port of Bridgetown understands the need to balance services to both cruise and cargo customers both of which are very critical, for different reasons, to the economy of Barbados. And to ensure service delivery, Barbados Port Inc, (BPI) remains flexible, extending weekday opening hours and opening on weekends as required, to facilitate commercial and personal cargo collection and delivery. Yesterday 168 full containers were handled at the Port.

BPI cautions however that during the peak cruise and cargo season, some delays are to be expected. The close arrival of three cargo vessels discharging 100+ containers each in the last two days, meant containers had to be stacked high, resulting in significant shifting to retrieve those ready for delivery. 

Where normally four delivery lanes are dedicated for trucks, BPI was forced to work across three lanes only, due to the congestion in Port. Peak days are characterized by personnel and heavy-duty equipment in operation, as well as ground transport— taxis and tour buses, and visitors both local and foreign, all in a single space. 

Here at the Port, work is advancing on the construction of Berth 6 at a cost of $108 million and is scheduled for completion in June 2025. This will allow for simultaneous berthing of cruise and cargo vessels. The ultimate goal is to achieve a separation of cruise and cargo operations, with the construction of new cruise facilities. 

The investment required for such is significant and the Port continues discussions with potential partners, investors and financiers on dedicated cruise facilities. (PR/GIS)

Kooyman launches Christmas Holiday Wonderland

Live, fresh-cut Christmas trees have become the preferred option for Barbadians looking to add that special touch to their homes for the holidays. Speaking ahead of the Annual Kooyman Holiday Wonderland event at the Megastore on Saturday, December 7th, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Marketing Officer Charlene Mullin says they anticipate a heightened demand in 2024. 

“We anticipate an even more spectacular Kooyman Holiday Wonderland this year as we officially launch Christmas at Kooyman. Customers in recent years have been clamouring for our premium live trees, and this year, we are prepared for an even more overwhelming response. All customers purchasing live trees will receive a 10 percent discount voucher to use on our Christmas décor items, and we will have storewide special offers and deals so everyone is invited to come celebrate with us.

The Marketing Officer says in addition to emphasising Kooyman’s support for entrepreneurship and community, Holiday Wonderland brings that festive family atmosphere where the children can meet Santa, take festive photos, and enjoy face painting, balloon art, and clown entertainment. 

“This year, we are featuring several activities emphasising our commitment to the community. We’ve had a fantastic response to our offer of free space for entrepreneur pop-ups, and we are looking forward to our holiday-focused adult workshops designed to inspire creativity and help participants add that festive cheer to their homes.”

Mullin said Kooyman is proud to partner with Team Mikey Charity this year to host a holiday donation drive supporting varied community initiatives.

“Kooyman is pleased to work with Team Mike Charity in keeping with our pillars of sustainability, poverty reduction, and youth and education. Throughout the year, we have continued to make donations and build partnerships in this regard, and this Christmas will be no exception as we continue to play our part.” (PR)

Barbados is positioning itself as a prime gateway for UK companies seeking trade and investment opportunities in the Caribbean. With its stable economy, modern infrastructure, and strategic partnerships, the island aims to solidify its role as a bridge between British firms and lucrative regional markets.

This commitment was emphasized during the launch of the 2024 UK Trade and Investment Mission to Barbados, hosted on last week by the UK Department for Business and Trade, Invest Barbados, and Renfrewshire Business Network at the Crane Resort. Renfrewshire, a historic industrial hub in western Scotland, is now a leader in advanced manufacturing and high-tech industries.

D’Jamila Ward, Regional Director for the Commonwealth Caribbean at the UK Department for Business and Trade, addressed business leaders from the UK and the region, highlighting the robust trade ties between the two nations. Ward pointed out that in the year leading up to the second quarter of 2024, bilateral trade totaled £560 million (around $1.42 billion USD). This makes Barbados the UK’s fourth-largest trading partner within the CARIFORUM region, accounting for over 11% of trade in the bloc.

“Despite the many polycrises, the near-term economic outlook of Barbados remains positive. I don’t need to tell you that it’s a great time to do business in Barbados, but I will. It is,” Ward said.

Ward applauded the significant contributions of UK companies to Barbados’ development, citing examples like ABAGO Limited, which has been instrumental in digitizing Barbados’ historical archives, some dating back to 1635. She noted that such initiatives demonstrate the UK’s long-term commitment to sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships with Barbados.

“The UK is here in Barbados for long-term sustainable partnership. We are here for mutually beneficial relationships, and our actions reflect that commitment,” Ward said.