By Sherrica Thompson

Staff Writer

#AntiguaandBarbuda, December 14, 2022 – The redeveloped Deep Water Harbour port in Antigua and Barbuda has become the only container terminal port in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), placing the island on a footing to become a transshipment spot for the Eastern Caribbean.

According to Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda this feature will enable the twin island to provide services to neighbouring countries.

The Port was constructed by the Chinese construction giant, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, at US$90 million. The redevelopment began in 2018 but was delayed due to the COVID pandemic.

Upgrades to the Port include a new cruise berth, cargo and logistics facilities, and other amenities.  Offices have also been built to house Customs and Excise, the Plant Protection Unit, Immigration and other services.

In speaking at the launch on Thursday, December 8, Prime Minister Browne said shipping lines have already shown interest in providing services at the Port.

“Already, I’m aware that several shipping lines have been negotiating with the management to provide logistics as well as transshipment services for the sub region and even beyond.

“And we’re also holding discussions with other destinations to include Panama and even Guatemala to determine whether or not we could have some level of cooperation in order to enhance the level of transshipments that will take place here at our port facility,” Browne said.