Port sails towards green future with innovation plans

The Barbados Port Inc. is charting a course to become the world’s most innovative and green maritime hub by 2030, with plans for a new boat repair facility and significant investments in technology and workforce development.

The announcement, from CEO David Jean-Marie, came during Friday’s presentation of two Minister’s Awards for Excellence to the top students of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology certificate programme in marine diesel engineering and marine operations.

Jean-Marie explained that the fleet replacement programme, which allocates substantial funds for acquiring state-of-the-art equipment, aligns with the port’s vision to become the world’s most innovative and green maritime hub by 2030, adding that the upskilling of its workforce and adopting advanced technologies is a key driver of this progress.

He said: “The port’s investment in upskilling both new and existing talent, is driven by the need to keep pace with the continuing evolution of technology. Our fleet replacement programme commits significant monies towards acquisition of new equipment and technologies, as we strive to be best in class. Our vision is to be the most innovative and green maritime hub in the world by 2030.

“The recruitment of highly skilled graduates ensures not only the highest returns on our investment but better positions us to achieve improved productivity and efficiency within port operations.”

One key investment that will soon see construction is the planned boat repair facility slated to be located along the Mighty Grynner Highway.

He noted that the facility, which has long been requested by marine operators, aims to meet the needs of the boating industry on multiple levels.

Jean-Marie said: “In keeping with our masterplan 2030, 4.5 acres of land along the Mighty Grynner Highway are earmarked for a development of a boat repair facility. The facility will meet the needs of the local boating sector, reducing foreign exchange spent with the offering of services to boat owners locally, who otherwise would have to take their craft off-island for repairs on an annual basis. Additionally, the facility would service local as well as transit commercial and recreational vessels for short and long-term maintenance; including emergency haul out and repair.”

Jean-Marie revealed that a concession has already been awarded to a private sector entity for the design and construction of the facility.

He added: “It’s our desire that this facility creates an enabling environment for the development of training in critical maritime skills through partnerships with established training institutes and relevant private sector entities.”