Port Authority Sets Record With Five Cargo Ships Discharging Simultaneously

The Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority has recorded a new operational milestone after successfully handling five cargo vessels discharging simultaneously at the Port of St. John’s, a feat officials say underscores the growing flexibility and efficiency of the country’s upgraded port facilities.

General Manager Darwin Telemaque said the achievement, recorded on June 1, was made possible through coordination among port staff, customs officials, shipping agents and other stakeholders.

“Five cargo ships discharging simultaneously is a remarkable achievement and reflects the coordinated effort of our entire port community,” Telemaque said.

The operation was facilitated by the strategic use of cruise ship berths at Heritage Quay during the off-season, allowing specialized yacht carriers to dock and begin unloading immediately while container operations continued elsewhere in the port.

Telemaque said the arrangement prevented vessels from remaining at anchorage for extended periods while waiting for space at the container terminal.

The initiative followed discussions with Sevenstar Yacht Transport, one of the world’s largest yacht shipping companies, about increasing calls to Antigua if greater berth flexibility could be provided during periods of lower cruise activity.

According to Telemaque, yacht carriers would traditionally have had to wait outside the harbor for one or two days before being accommodated.

“This is one of the creative adjustments we have made to improve service delivery and maximize the use of our existing infrastructure,” he said.

Telemaque said the successful operation demonstrates the benefits of the port modernization program and strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s competitiveness within the regional maritime sector.

The Port Authority reported a record 49 yacht carrier calls in 2025, significantly above the historical average of about 18 annually. Officials now expect annual calls to increase further, with projections ranging between 70 and 80 vessels.

“We continue to strive, we continue to advance, and we remain committed to improving berth utilization, service quality, and operational efficiency,” Telemaque said.

He credited port employees and industry stakeholders for their role in achieving the milestone, describing it as another step toward establishing Antigua and Barbuda as a leading maritime hub in the Caribbean.

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