CHAIRMAN of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC) Darwin Telemaque is calling on regional port authorities to come together to advance the modernisation and digitisation of Caribbean ports.

Telemaque, who is also the port manager at Antigua Port Authority, has argued that only through collective effort can ports across the region be uniformly elevated to meet the demands of the digital age.

The Caribbean is defined by its vibrant maritime industry, with ports serving as critical gateways for international trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.

However, as the global demand for sustainability and digital integration intensifies, Caribbean ports face the dual challenge of adopting forward-thinking strategies while overcoming long-standing structural limitations.

Although several ports are implementing initiatives such as Single Windows for Foreign Trade, and Port Community Systems to improve efficiency and facilitate trade, others continue to lag behind.

“Not all Caribbean ports are at the same level of digital maturity, with some still grappling with outdated infrastructure and processes. While some ports are investing in advanced technologies, others may lack the necessary infrastructure and skilled workforce to fully leverage digital solutions,” Telemaque said.

He also noted that many Caribbean ports are not equipped to handle modern vessels.

“Berth congestion, limited draft, and antiquated handling equipment result in longer turnaround times and lower service reliability. Coordination between port authorities, customs, and terminal operators is often slow and fragmented. The lack of standardised procedures across jurisdictions further complicates operations for shipping lines and cargo owners,” added Telemaque.

He pointed out that the region also trails in adopting digital port management systems.

“Manual documentation and insufficient real-time cargo tracking increase processing times and limit transparency,” Telemaque said as he pointed out that adding to the complexity facing the ports are climate-related disruptions.

“The Caribbean’s vulnerability to hurricanes and sea-level rise also presents ongoing disruptions and long-term infrastructure risks. Some ports lack the resilience measures necessary to maintain operations during and after severe weather events,” said Telemaque.

According to the PMAC chair, although sustainability is on the agenda at several Caribbean ports, readiness levels vary significantly.

“Several Caribbean ports have started integrating sustainability into their operations [and] while their readiness is marked by initiatives in green technologies, infrastructural improvements, and policy frameworks, there is still much more significant work to be done.”

Many ports in the region have adopted environmental management systems (EMS), often aligned with international standards such as ISO 14001, to help manage environmental risks, monitor emissions, and ensure regulatory compliance, but Telemaque pointed out that, “Continued efforts, paired with a shared commitment to improvement, will allow the Caribbean shipping sector to strengthen its position globally, driven not only by strategic decisions but by the resilience and determination of the individuals who sustain it every day.”

He added that a number of deep-rooted challenges persist and advanced technologies remain out of reach for many smaller ports.

“Many Caribbean nations are small island developing states (SIDS) with constrained budgets. Funding large-scale sustainable projects, such as port electrification and renewable energy installations often requires international loans or grants.

“Advanced technologies, such as automated cargo handling systems and emissions monitoring tools remain prohibitively expensive for smaller ports.”

Telemaque also stressed the pressing need to address skills gaps, saying “Sustainable port operations demand specialised skills in areas such as green logistics, renewable energy systems, and digital technologies. However, many ports face shortages of trained professionals capable of implementing and managing these systems.”

The PMAC head said despite these structural and financial barriers, he remains confident in the region’s resilience.

“While the Caribbean region faces clear structural and operational challenges, it is important to acknowledge the consistent and commendable efforts made by industry professionals across the board. Port workers, shipping agents, customs officers, terminal operators, and regional authorities continue to work under complex and often unpredictable conditions,” he concluded.

Recently, Kingston Freeport Terminal (KFTL) announced plans to expand across 15 more hectares under the newly launched Westlands Expansion Project, a US$80-million investment aimed at easing congestion, boosting cargo capacity, and positioning Jamaica as a major force in global trade.

The initiative — a joint effort between Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), KFTL, and CMA Terminals Holding — will deliver new storage space, advanced security upgrades, and an automated cargo gate system, all part of efforts to modernise the port and respond to a 58 per cent surge in cargo volumes since 2016.

Addressing the launch, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness said the development is a strategic step to keep pace with shifting global shipping patterns and reinforce Jamaica’s long-term strategy to become a leading transshipment hub in the Caribbean and the Americas.

“This is a strategic expansion and, by reducing vessel waiting times and increasing cargo throughput, we are positioning Jamaica to capture a greater share of global shipping activity and cement our place as a logistics leader in the region,” Holness said.

Telemaque will be among the speakers at the upcoming Caribbean Investment Forum 2025, the region’s premier platform for investors, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers to connect, collaborate, and capitalse on high-growth opportunities.

The forum is scheduled for July 29–31, at Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica.

From Left: Shipping Association of Jamaica President Corah Ann Robertson Sylvester, President and CEO of Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) Gordon Shirley, Chairman of PAJ Alock Jain, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness; CEO at Kingston Freeport Terminal Jedrzej Mierzewski; Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Aubyn Hill; and senior vice-president of CMA Terminals Holding Emmanuel Dalachambre break ground for the $US80-million Westlands Expansion Project recently. Photo: Joseph Wellington