THE BAHAMAS
Half Moon Cay transformed: Bahamas island to undergo major upgrades and rebranding.
Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line have announced plans for significant enhancements and a name change for their shared private island in the Bahamas. Half Moon Cay will be rebranded as ‘RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay,’ reflecting the cruise lines' pledge to preserve the island’s natural beauty. The upgrades will include a new pier allowing larger ships, including Carnival’s Excel-class vessels, to dock directly at the island, eliminating the need for tendering.
Expanded beachfront areas with new welcome plazas on both the north and south sides will be created, along with new and renovated dining options, including beach clubs and island-themed bars. Improved transportation will be available, including a new tram service. Other improvements include expanded lounging areas, extra cabanas and the construction of a new shore excursion pier.
The existing south side development will receive a refresh with a focus on Bahamian culture. The enhancements are scheduled to begin in summer 2026 and continue through the end of the year.
TOTE
TOTE group acquires Aqua Gulf establishing new logistics division.
In December 2024, TOTE Group announced the acquisition of Aqua Gulf, a leading third-party logistics provider in Puerto Rico and the United States. Aqua Gulf, with a history spanning nearly 60 years, has consistently delivered cargo for its customers and the communities of Puerto Rico.
Aqua Gulf will become part of TOTE Logistics, a newly formed business division within TOTE Group. Bobby Browne, founder of Aqua Gulf, stated, “I am excited for Aqua Gulf to join TOTE Group companies. Given our long-term partnership with TOTE, this acquisition was a great opportunity for the future of Aqua Gulf. This is the best place for Aqua Gulf as we begin the next chapter.”
TRINIDAD
LABIDCO welcomes Novo Farms to La Brea industrial estate.
La Brea Industrial Development Company (LABIDCO) has announced a new tenancy agreement with Novo Farms Limited, a leading agro-processing and food manufacturing company within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Novo Farms will establish a state-of-the-art food terminal on the La Brea Industrial Estate encompassing storage and primary processing facilities.
This development aligns with LABIDCO’s strategic focus on diversifying the estate and fostering growth within Trinidad and Tobago’s manufacturing sector. The new facility will serve as a crucial hub for supporting the country’s agricultural sector, enhancing regional food security, and facilitating the export of high-value agricultural products to both regional and international markets. Leveraging the strategic location of the La Brea Industrial Estate and its proximity to key markets across the Caribbean, including Guyana and Suriname, Novo Farms will improve its logistics and distribution capabilities.
TRINIDAD
The Port of Brighton in La Brea has been officially certified as a "Green Port," a first for the entire Caribbean. This prestigious designation recognizes ports that surpass environmental and sustainability standards.
Awarded in December, the certification places Brighton among 66 exclusive EcoPorts facilities worldwide.
As the Caribbean's inaugural "Green Port," Brighton sets a significant precedent, inspiring a more environmentally responsible future for the region's maritime sector.
VERTOM
Vertom orders four 10,700-dwt geared ‘tweendeckers from Chowgule Shipyard.
Dutch shortsea shipping company Vertom has commissioned Chowgule Shipyard in India to build four 10,700-dwt geared ‘tweendeckers.
The order, signed in November 2024, aligns with Vertom’s strategy of fleet modernization and sustainability. Designed by Groot Ship Design, these vessels will feature a single box-shaped hold with a volume of 14,243m3, optimized for efficient bulk cargo handling. A diesel-electric power configuration will also be implemented.
Upon delivery in 2027 and 2028, the vessels will be integrated into the Europe Caribbean Line service, a joint venture with Vertraco Shipping. This service provides reliable and efficient liner transportation between Europe and the northern coast of South America, specializing in breakbulk cargo.
PUERTO RICO
Freytes promoted to General Manager at Puerto Rico Terminals.
In December 2024, Puerto Rico Terminals announced the promotion of Joel Freytes to the position of General Manager. In the role, Freytes will assume responsibility for the overall management, administration and operations of Puerto Rico Terminals and Puerto Nuevo Terminals, including all maintenance and port-related facilities activities.
Freytes joined Puerto Rico Terminals in 2016 as the Controller, where he provided strong leadership and financial expertise.
COLOMBIA
New port of Antioquia in Colombia to boost fruit exports. Currently under construction, the Port of Antioquia is on track for completion in the first half of 2025. This multipurpose terminal will prioritize technology, safety, and high-quality processes to serve a critical role in the nation’s export industry.
The port’s strategic location – the closest in the Caribbean to Colombia’s main production and consumption centers – positions it to capitalize on new opportunities. With a depth of 16.5 meters, it will be able to accommodate various types of vessels, including large modern ships carrying up to 24,000 containers.
The Port of Antioquia will have the capacity to handle a wide range of cargo, including general cargo, vehicles, refrigerated and dry containers, and solid and liquid bulk (excluding hydrocarbons). This flexibility will be particularly beneficial for perishable goods such as fruit, which require rapid handling to ensure freshness.
The project is backed by both national and foreign investors, including support from the World Bank through the IFC. The port’s total capacity will include 450,000 tons of general cargo, 650,000 containers, and 2.5 million tons of solid bulk. It will also boast 1,200 plugs for refrigerated containers, enabling efficient handling of perishable goods.
Colombia has significant potential for growth in its agricultural and fruit exports, and the Port of Antioquia is poised to play a key role in facilitating this expansion. By providing modern infrastructure and a strategic location, the port will help Colombian businesses reach international markets more efficiently.
GUYANA
Guyana Port Inc commissions new dredger to enhance maritime operations.
The Guyana Port Inc (GPI) has commissioned its new Damen cutter suction dredger (CSD) 350 at its headquarters in East Bank Demerara.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill emphasized the dredger’s importance to Guyana's maritime industry, stating that “this investment signifies the government's commitment to modernizing ports and ensuring they adhere to international standards”.
The Minister also highlighted the dredger’s critical role in maintaining navigable waterways, facilitating trade and supporting the rapid economic growth of the country.
JAMAICA
Robertson-Sylvester re-elected as President of Shipping Association of Jamaica.
Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, CEO of Seaboard Freight and Shipping Jamaica Limited, was re-elected President of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) on 6 December 2024 during the organization’s 86th Annual General Meeting. The re-election, held at the SAJ headquarters in Newport West, was unanimous.
In her address to members, Robertson-Sylvester highlighted several key accomplishments within the maritime sector. A significant milestone was the arrival of the first vessel for dry docking at the German Ship Repair Jamaica (GSRJ) shipyard. This event marks Jamaica's growing capacity within the global shipping industry, particularly in maritime services and vessel repair.
A core focus of President Robertson-Sylvester's leadership has been the enhancement of the Newport West community, a critical hub for Jamaica’s maritime and logistics operations. Recognizing the ongoing challenges facing the area, she emphasized the SAJ’s collaborative efforts with local authorities such as Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation and the National Works Agency. These efforts aim to address critical infrastructure issues such as deteriorating road conditions, flooding, and illegal parking. The SAJ remains committed to ongoing dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to secure more sustainable and long-term improvements for the Newport West community.
SURINAME
Albina Ferry Dock project update.
N.V. Havenbeheer Suriname has reported that the Albina ferry dock project is progressing according to schedule. Following several revisions and unforeseen delays, construction is on track for successful completion. Trial runs with newly acquired ferry Le Malani have yielded positive results.
The 56-metre Le Malani will be able to carry up to 200 passengers, 20 cars or eight lorries from Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni to Albina in around fifteen minutes, replacing the La Gabrielle ferry. N.V. Havenbeheer Suriname remains committed to providing a safe and efficient ferry service to the public.
FLORIDA
Maersk to launch new weekly service connecting Port Tampa Bay with Cartagena.
Port Tampa Bay has announced that Maersk will launch a new weekly container service connecting the port with Cartagena, in Colombia, beginning in the first quarter of 2025.
“This is great news from our longstanding partner Maersk demonstrating their commitment to our expanding market,” stated President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay Paul Anderson.
Port Tampa Bay, which is strategically located near the I-4 Corridor, serves Florida’s largest concentration of distribution centers, boasting over 550 million sq ft of warehouse space. This proximity allows customers to optimize transportation logistics and significantly reduce drayage costs.
In partnership with Ports America, Port Tampa Bay is actively expanding its capacity. Recent investments include the addition of three new ship-to-shore gantry cranes – bringing the total to five – with plans for two more. A modernized gate complex is now operational, and ongoing expansion will increase the container terminal footprint to 100 acres. Construction of a third deep-water berth and a new on-dock rail-served trans-load warehouse is imminent.
PANAMA
Panam LNG Bunkering to launch LNG bunkering services in Panama.
Panam LNG Bunkering, a joint venture between AES Corporation and Seaspan Energy, is poised to commence LNG bunkering operations on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal in the first quarter of 2025.
The venture will leverage the newly constructed 7,600-cubic-meter LNG bunker vessel Seaspan Garibaldi to facilitate these operations. This strategic collaboration with Seaspan Energy marks a significant step towards expanding the availability of LNG as a cleaner marine fuel in the region.
MARTINIQUE
Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique embarks on ambitious SMARTGRID project.
The Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique has initiated the SMARTGRID project, a significant undertaking aimed at enhancing the port’s environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
This collaborative effort, lead by VALOREM, brings together a consortium of specialized partners, including So Watt, SEREC, CARAIB MOTER, and Eurovia.
The project involves the installation of solar panels, the construction of energy infrastructure, and the implementation of energy-saving measures. Work commenced in November 2024 and is scheduled for completion in September 2025. The project will be implemented in phases, with the installation of networks and trenches followed by the construction of shade structures and the deployment of solar panels.
Upon completion, VALEMO, a subsidiary of VALOREM, will operate the system for the initial three years.
THE BAHAMAS
CLX Logistics Bahamas joins Caribbean Shipping Association.
CLX Logistics Bahamas, a prominent provider of comprehensive logistics solutions, has officially joined the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA). The company – which specializes in ocean and air freight, customs brokerage, and warehousing services – will now actively participate in the CSA’s network.
CLX Logistics Bahamas recently attended its inaugural CSA Annual General Meeting in St. Maarten. This marked the company’s entry into the association and provided an opportunity for the team to engage with regional shipping professionals.
PANAMA
MTCC Latin America and UMIP Collaborate on Green Shipping Corridors Project.
MTCC Latin America and UMIP Universidad Marítima Internacional de Panamá have joined a 24-month project sponsored by the Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (Senacyt) to investigate the potential for establishing Green Shipping Corridors in Panama.
This initiative aims to leverage Panama’s strategic geographic location, encompassing the Panama Canal and its major ports, to explore sustainable maritime routes that contribute to global climate goals.
The project will assess how Panama’s unique position can facilitate the development of more environmentally and operationally efficient maritime operations. By analyzing the potential for reducing emissions and optimizing resource utilization along these corridors, the research aims to provide valuable insights and solutions for the decarbonization of the global shipping industry. This collaborative effort brings together a consortium of esteemed institutions, including Liverpool John Moores University, GaTech Panama, the Panama Canal Authority, UMIP, the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, MTCC Latin America, and the Norwegian School of Economics. The findings of this project are expected to have significant implications for the future of sustainable maritime transportation.
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