Port expansion at $108 million to welcome growing cruise traffic

The Berth 6 expansion project at the Bridgetown Port is set to cost the Government a substantial $108 million, following a renegotiated contract from the one initially signed in May 2017.

This significant investment is driven by the need to enhance the port’s infrastructure by expanding it by 10 acres, a move aimed at accommodating larger cargo ships and cruise vessels.

In making the announcement as the Bridgetown Port welcomed the inaugural visit of Carnival Venezia, Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill said the primary motivation behind this expansion is to prepare for an anticipated surge in cruise ship traffic in Barbados, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to fostering growth in the cruise tourism industry.

Gooding-Edghill said: “We aren’t just making improvements for now; we are looking ahead to where we want our cruise business to grow. In order to maintain and advance Barbados’ profile as a marquee port in the Southern Caribbean, it is important for us to continue to relook and improve upon the elements that contribute to the overall experience for both our cruise line partners doing business with us, and of course their passengers-our visitors.”

The minister emphasised the importance of continually improving the elements that contribute to the overall experience for cruise line partners and their passengers, reinforcing Barbados’ status as a premier port in the Southern Caribbean.

In addition to the construction aspect of the project, there will be the removal of approximately 3 200 heads of coral from the north of the Port, he announced. A comprehensive water quality monitoring plan is to be implemented before the dredging process begins.

Berth 6 is strategically positioned to cater mainly to container cargo ships, which will free up the remaining berths to facilitate the increasing demand for cruise ship traffic, he added.

Gooding-Edghill expressed optimism about Barbados’ cruise tourism prospects for the 2023-2024 winter season, underscoring the island’s commitment to pursuing new business opportunities while nurturing existing partnerships within the cruise tourism industry.

He highlighted Barbados’ active presence in international events such as the Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) Porto Destination Showcase in Portugal, stressing the critical importance of engaging with key players in the global cruise community. CLIA, as the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, holds sway over 95 per cent of ocean-going cruise capacity worldwide, as well as 54 000 travel agents and 15 000 of the largest travel agencies in the world.

“It is critical for Barbados to be present and have a seat at the table,” said Gooding-Edghill.

The tourism minister also shared insights from his recent trip to Hamburg, Germany, where he led a delegation from the Barbados Port and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) to Seatrade Europe. “We had several successful meetings with partners discussing global cruise industry trends, and we project growth in this market as a result of these discussions,” he said.
(AH)