Seaport Industry Bill to position Barbados as leading transshipment hub

Barbados is taking decisive steps to transform its maritime sector into a major transshipment and logistics hub with the introduction of the Seaport Industry (Management, Operations and Development) Bill, 2025.

The legislation, which was read in Parliament on Monday by Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill, is being touted as a game-changer for the island’s seaport infrastructure and its competitiveness in global trade.

The bill sets out a regulatory framework for the management, operation, and development of national seaports while addressing longstanding deficiencies flagged in a 2018 audit by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Once enacted, it will bring Barbados in line with international obligations and create the foundation for long-term maritime and economic development.

“As an IMO member state, Barbados has specific seaports and obligations for which we must comply,” Gooding-Edghill said. “Once the Seaport Bill is enacted, it will certainly correct those deficiencies that were identified as part of the 2018 audit.”

A central component of the bill is the establishment of the Barbados Transshipment and Port-Centric Logistics Programme, aimed at enabling the country to serve as a transshipment hub where cargo can be efficiently transferred between vessels en route to their final destinations.

“Importantly, what is necessary in this particular bill is that it creates the enabling environment for Barbados to become a leading trans-shipment hub, as well as to achieve and maintain a sustainable seaport industry,” the minister said.

He noted that the initiative comes at a crucial time, as global shipping routes continue to evolve, adding, “As we see the rerouting of shipping lanes, it is important that Barbados positions itself to take advantage of those opportunities whenever they are presented.”

The bill also lays the groundwork for more efficient customs processing through pre-clearance arrangements.

These provisions will allow travelers and cargo to be inspected in Barbados before departing for other countries, helping to reduce delays and improve port security.

“The effect of pre-clearance is that passengers and cargo from Barbados can clear inspections… enhancing traveler safety and avoiding lengthy delays at the destination port,” Gooding-Edghill said.

The legislation further supports home porting—where cruise ships begin and end their journeys in Barbados—and seeks to strengthen local linkages by encouraging vessels to procure more supplies from Barbadian businesses.

“We are putting in this bill opportunities for a framework to promote the provisioning arrangements…. It will allow Barbadian businesses to generate business from Barbados and help us create economic opportunities and jobs,” he said, noting that a policy paper on strengthening linkages across agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce is being prepared for Cabinet.

Gooding-Edghill also addressed concerns about the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry, headquartered in the United Kingdom, stressing that the Registry does not flag vessels sanctioned by the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, or any other authority.

He stressed that vessels flying the Barbados flag must comply with international maritime safety, environmental and legal standards and that any ship found to be sanctioned by international authorities would be removed.

“There is an assessment process for registration. The Barbados Maritime Ship Registry diligently investigates whether any sanctions are imposed against the vessel. This is not about making money by registering fast and furiously…. This is a very robust organisation,” he said.

The registry, which operates in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Act, is ranked among the top 30 ship registries globally and is the third largest in the Caribbean, with a gross tonnage exceeding 9.5 million.

The minister further noted that the Seaport Industry (Management, Operations and Development) Bill supports the country’s six-pillar national policy on international shipping, which includes efficient shipping, clean oceans, safe and secure ports, resilient operations, and sound shipping governance and that it also aligns with Barbados’ commitment to environmental sustainability and the transition to low-carbon maritime operations.

“This bill will certainly advance the interests of Barbados,” Gooding-Edghill said.

(SM)