The Port of Bridgetown has delivered its busiest week on record, moving more than 1 000 containers in just seven days—a 13 per cent increase over the previous peak of 927 containers earlier this year, its chief executive announced.
The surge occurred between August 16 and 22, amid increased construction activity, the just-ended CARIFESTA XV and the Crop Over Festival.
On average, the port typically handles around 500 containers per week.
Barbados Port Inc. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)David Jean-Marie said several operational changes introduced in recent months had contributed to the improved performance.
“Barbados Port Inc. has taken a more collaborative, solution-driven approach in tackling delays and eliminating bottlenecks, in its stride toward greater efficiency and better performance,” Jean-Marie said in a statement.
“Through ongoing dialogue with our partner agencies—the Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Health—we were well-prepared to ensure the timely processing and delivery of cargo.”
Among the measures cited was the addition of a second exit lane at the North Cargo Gate to reduce truck turnaround time.
The use of a second lane at the Central Gate and the construction of a third exit lane at the North Gate are also under consideration, the port said.
In June, BPI extended operating hours for container delivery and receipt to accommodate increased demand.
Containers can now be processed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“This is an ongoing process,” Jean-Marie said. “We are still working on a number of areas marked for improvement with our stakeholders.”
A series of high-level meetings led by the government and involving the private sector and workers’ representatives continued to gain support for the organisational and operational changes required, the port CEO said.
“We recognise, in particular, the Barbados Workers’ Union and the team of BPI delegates, who have been engaged in weekly meetings with BPI management on recommendations for improved operations,” he added.
Jean-Marie said the focus remained on improving key performance indicators such as truck turnaround time, cargo dwell time in port, crane productivity and container gate deliveries, critical elements for efficient trade facilitation.
Acknowledging that challenges may still arise, Jean-Marie said the port was committed to ongoing improvement.
“We recognise that there are still some hurdles to overcome, and given the nature of the business, we expect that there may be times when some unfortunate sequence of events may threaten to derail our progress,” he said.
“Barbados Port Inc., however, remains committed to high levels of service and looks forward to continuing its work with its critical partners in driving the port towards operational excellence.” (SM)
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