Port congestion prompts urgent measures

Facing a severe congestion crisis, the Bridgetown Port and Customs announced urgent measures on Tuesday to alleviate the worsening situation.

Hundreds of unclaimed vehicles and a backlog of cargo have pushed the port to its limits, with an additional 842 vehicles expected to arrive this week.

In response, the Barbados Port Inc. and the Customs and Excise Department are finalising preparations for an off-site storage facility. At a joint press briefing, Port CEO David Jean-Marie announced: “We have identified space outside of the port which we are preparing. And we are working with Customs so that it becomes a secured Customs area to assist us with these storage challenges.”

The congestion has had far-reaching effects, with truck turnaround times more than doubling to 88 minutes in January, significantly exceeding the 35-minute target. At least one vessel has been forced to bypass Barbados due to space limitations, further disrupting shipping schedules. Truck operators reported financial losses due to prolonged wait times and limited access to cargo.

A physical count on Monday revealed 469 vehicles, 28 vehicle shells, and 15 vehicles of interest to Customs within the port premises. The situation has prompted authorities to take drastic action, including plans for auctions of unclaimed vehicles and cargo.

Comptroller of Customs Owen Holder warned: “This situation in the port has now left us with no option but to pursue the law and to proceed with necessary auctions if the cargo is not cleared within the specific time”.

Port officials are urging importers to expedite clearance and collect their shipments promptly. They have reminded importers of their responsibilities and the availability of electronic clearance systems to speed up the process.

But both Jean-Marie and Holder emphasised that the new off-site facility is not a long-term solution. “The provision of such a space would not mean that that space would be used for excessive storage. Because we will be moving the issue from one place to another,” Holder said.

As the port grapples with this crisis, officials warn of potential health and safety risks associated with long-term storage, including vermin infestation. The situation continues to develop, with authorities promising further updates on planned auctions and additional measures to address the congestion. (SM)