Caribbean Ports must prepare for digital revolution


Published on July 28, 2025  

 Darwin Telemaque, Port Manager at the Antigua Port Authority, has issued a strong call for regional port authorities to come together to advance the modernization and digitization of Caribbean ports.

According to Telemaque, only through collective effort can ports across the region be uniformly elevated to meet the demands of the digital age.

Although several ports are implementing initiatives such as Single Windows for Foreign Trade (VUCEs) and Port Community Systems (PCS) 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“Not all Caribbean ports are at the same level of digital maturity, with some still grappling with outdated infrastructure and processes.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 work force 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 turn around times and lower service reliability,” he said.

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.