ANTIGUA & BARBUDA PORT AUTHORITY
A DIGITAL PORT OF CALL
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA PORT AUTHORITY
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ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA PORT AUTHORITY
THE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA PORT AUTHORITY HAS BEEN IN OPERATION FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS, BUT THEY’RE PREPARING FOR THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE.
A DIGITAL PORT OF CALL PROJECT MANAGED BY: GARY SMITH
The Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority was established in 1972 and is responsible for the management of all the harbours and ports in Antigua and Barbuda.
“W
e have responsibility for the management of all port and cargo operations, and the management of all marine traffic,” says Darwin Telemaque, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Port authority. “The Port Authority is responsible for managing most of the imports into the country.” It’s hard to overstate how vital the Port Authority’s work is to Antigua and Barbuda. “We’re the only port on the island and so that puts us into a rather unique position from a national perspective. There are no competing elements, and we have to provide all the services ourselves,” Telemaque explains. “However, while we’re unique we still have to ensure we maintain our competitive edge. We recognise that while we may not necessarily have
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any competition, we have to find space within the context of the economic and social realities of Antigua to build out and improve our customers’ experience.” A key part of the Port Authority’s work is to manifest relationships with ship operators, be they oil tankers, cruise ships, container vessels, yachts or other pleasure craft. “Our mission is to ensure they’re met with high-quality service. We recognise the ships can go nowhere else, but we don’t want that to be the basis for our business,” Telemaque says. “So we stay in line with the best possible international standards. We have to ensure the users of the port, whether they are commercial clients or our own citizens, are receiving care of a high standard. We want the public’s experience to be a positive one.”
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TRUSTED OVER THE YEARS BY ANTIGUA BARBUDA PORT AUTHORITY
THE OFFICIAL WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR OF VALVOLINE Old Parham Road | St. John’s Antigua | www.facebook.com/AutomotiveArtAntigua Contact: 1-268-460-7211 | 1-268-720-2886 | Email: wholesale@autoartanu.com
VERNON G EDWARDS
Cruise & Cargo Ship Agents • Stevedore Contractors Customs Brokers • Packing Crating • Freight Fowarding • NVOCC Agent
Representing: • Sea Cloud Kreuzfahrten • Premier Cruises Lid. • ISS-Tositti S.R.L. • Inchcape Shipping Services • VOCC/NVOCC • Gunter Shipping Inc. • Eukor Car Carriers Inc. • Montreal Home Services • Ron Watson • AM I. UK • Associated Global System
• PK Freight Services Ltd. • Star Caribbean Inc • Sydney Reliable Shipping Services • SDV LTD • Parceworld Lid (UK) • Tradespan (CDA) NVOCC • XL Worldwide • Seko Worldwide • Amtrans International Transport • Bolloré Logistics
www.dhl.com 1-800-call-dhl
Having reciprocal arrangements with: • Allied Pickfords • G.B. Liners • North America Van Lines • JLB International Ltd. (Jamaica & UK)
Telephone: +1-268-462-2034 or +1-268-462-3959 Fax: +1 268-462-2035 Email: vedwardsjr56@gmail.com • admin@vgedwards.com Address: PO Box 82 Thames St Johns, Antigua
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AUTOMOTIVE ART ANTIGUA VALVOLINE | THE ORIGINAL MOTOR OIL Automotive Art Antigua is the official distributor for Valvoline, trusted in engines for over 150 years. Our relationship with Antigua & Barbuda Port Authority started in 2015 when we submitted a proposal to become their lubricant solution specialist. Meetings involving our Director, their Head Engineer and Port Manager, concluded that Valvoline offers the products required to service the Port’s daily operations.
AMW Welding & Industrial Supplies Ltd. Email: amweld@candw.ag
The Best Brand Name In Tools
The engineer liaised with the manufacturers of the major brands of equipment carried at the Port (Liebherr, Konecranes, CAT) and received positive feedback. Consequently, the Antigua & Barbuda Port Authority team was very excited about making the switch to Valvoline Premium Blue, Hydraulic fluids and heavy-duty greases. The Premium Blue utilized in the Forklifts, Stackers and Crane is of the highest quality and is the only oil in the market to be endorsed by the world’s largest diesel engine manufacturer, Cummins. These machines are used daily around the clock in the toughest of environments and continue to produce consistently. Over the years, we have continued to forge a very close-knit relationship with Antigua & Barbuda Port Authority and members of their team. Quality lubricants and preventative maintenance are the two crucial factors which have heavily contributed to the longevity and efficiency of the equipment at the Port. Automotive Art is proud to be a partner of the Antigua & Barbuda Port Authority and have a hand in keeping the Port’s operation flowing smoothly, which in turn helps to keep our country moving. www.automotiveart.com
Edward Street, Ottos, St. John’s
TEL: (268) 462-4588 FAX: (268) 562-2788
VERNON G EDWARDS When We first Opened our doors in 1959, Our facility was small and our services offered were few. There was little fanfare, but Our Founder – Vernon G. Edwards Sr. was confident his pledge to provide the most unique business house incorporating a Shipping Agency, Customs Brokerage and Freight Forwarders would offer his customers with the best service package ever at a competitive price. Today, that simple pledge has become the distinct difference between Vernon G. Edwards and all other service oriented unincorporated entities. To support this growth, in 1986, we acquired and moved to Our new premises at the above address which is equipped with contemporary communication devices. We are working continuously to be better than the best, and we are fully computerized. As shipping agents, We represent numerous inter-island motor vessels, plying around the Caribbean and Venezuela. We also represent liner services carrying bulk loads mainly for projects. In the seventies, we expanded representing Cruise Lines, namely: Sea Cloud Cruises, Deutsche Stifung Sail Training, Premier Cruises Ltd., Plantours & Partner GmbH and Sail Windjammer. In 2015 we became the port agent for Eukor Car Carriers Inc. More recently, we represent NVOCC’s in the United Kingdom, Canada, and U.S. Mainland. As Customs Brokers, we service most of the major hotel owners and business houses (Merchants, Banks etc.). We are one of Antigua’s largest packers/freight forwarders. We are experienced in handling shipments to all worldwide locations. We hold reciprocal arrangements with North American Van Lines, Allied Pickfords, GB Liners and Mayflower International. Email: admin@vgedwards.com
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ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA PORT AUTHORITY
DRIVEN BY QUALITY
The Port Authority’s mission is not driven by external competitive forces, but the desire to be efficient and productive, delivering services that provide economic and social enhancement for Antigua and Barbuda’s people through social transformation. That said, while the Port Authority has no competitors on its home turf, there are many unique advantages they have over their counterparts elsewhere in the region. “We have a major advantage over other Caribbean ports in that we have a lot of land space, allowing us to engage in a huge port redevelopment plan,” Telemaque tells us. “The port has two distinct features, a container terminal exclusively for container traffic, and a separated warehouse and transit station outside of the port area.”
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Most Caribbean ports were built in the 1960s, with cargo handled through a warehouse situated at the centre of the facility. Antigua and Barbuda is the first port in the region to have a dedicated container terminal to allow for better container traffic leading to a
more attractive position for ships and cargo companies looking for areas to conduct their business. “Just using a warehouse has never been an efficient system, so we’re going to be the first to say we have a dedicated terminal with dedicated trains.
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ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA PORT AUTHORITY
“WE HAVE A MAJOR ADVANTAGE OVER OTHER CARIBBEAN PORTS IN THAT WE HAVE A LOT OF LAND SPACE, ALLOWING US TO ENGAGE IN A HUGE PORT REDEVELOPMENT PLAN,”
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It will be quite an advantage. At the same time our berthing area will also expand,” Telemaque says. “We’re unique regionally in that we also have a separate and dedicated cruise terminal. We also have a clear delineation between cruise traffic and cargo traffic. Ports using cargo terminals for cruise traffic can’t bring ships in during the daytime and in Antigua, we can have five full-size cruise ships and three to four full-size cargo ships operating at the same time, which will certainly make a huge difference in what Antigua can offer.” “Our biggest advantage is space. We’ve not been surrounded by any kind of development. We have a peninsula which is far removed from most of the encumbrance of other markets in the region,” Telemaque points out. “An unencumbered environment
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In an age of the increasing need for mobility, becoming a global citizen has never been more desirable. In response to this market demand, Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment program(CIP) is already proving very popular with investors. Speedy processing and the quality of real estate offerings give the program a serious competitive advantage. With tourism being the main driver of the economy, the government, in considering various options to jumpstart the economy, saw the CIP
Website: www.cip.gov.ag
as the most effective way to re-attract foreign direct investments, renew interest in the real estate market and spur investment in the general economy. Suggest removal The Antigua and Barbuda CIP Act was passed in April 2013. The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), a creature of the legislation, was staffed on August 26, 2013, and opened for business on October 10, 2013. The CIU is responsible for processing applications and for recommending the approval of real estate and business investment options.
Email: info@cip.gov.ag
The first application was received in November of that year with the first citizenship granted in February 2014.
The Citizenship by Investment Unit P.O. Box W2074, Pavilion Drive, Coolidge, St. George’s, Antigua and Barbuda W.I
Tel: 1 (268) 481-8400/1/2
Fax: 1 (268) 562-8431
A BRIGHTER DAY A BETTER FUTURE A.S. Bryden & Sons (ANTIGUA) Limited is the leading distribution company in Antigua and Barbuda. Brydens specializes in dry, chilled and frozen FOOD SERVICE products, FINE WINES, BEER, & SPIRITS, PHARMACEUTICAL needs, PERSONAL CARE items, and commercial & household CLEANING supplies.
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Corner Fort & Anchorage Roads P.O. Box 182, St. John’s, Antigua. W.I. Tel: (268) 462-1810 Email: asbryden@ candw.ag www.brydensantigua.com
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CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT In an age of the increasing need for mobility, becoming a global citizen has never been more desirable. In response to this market demand, Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment program(CIP) is already proving very popular with investors. Speedy processing and the quality of real estate offerings give the program a serious competitive advantage. With tourism being the main driver of the economy, the government, in considering various options to jumpstart the economy, saw the CIP as the most effective way to re-attract foreign direct investments, renew interest in the real estate market and spur investment in the general economy. The Antigua and Barbuda CIP Act was passed in April 2013. The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), a creature of the legislation, was staffed on August 26, 2013, and opened for business on October 10, 2013. The CIU is responsible for processing applications and for recommending the approval of real estate and business investment options. The first application was received in November of that year with the first citizenship granted in February 2014.
www.cip.gov.ag
Enhance your outdoor living area with Pro-Deck Whether it’s a Boardwalk or your Deck, Pro-Deck from DEWS is an excellent all-natural choice. Featuring #1 Prime grade 2x6 Southern Yellow Pine (SYP). Each plank is treated with CA-C for ground contact and is protected from rot, fungal decay and termite damage. What’s more, an in-solution, factory applied water repellent is included for added protection in a marine environment. Pro-Deck is available in 12-,16- and 20-ft increments and supports wide joist spacing. Special orders of larger dimensions can also be accommodated.
Old Parham Road, St.John’s | Antigua Tel: +1 268-462-1210 Email: info@dewspro.com www.dewspro.com
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ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA PORT AUTHORITY
means a unique strategic position because if you expand most regional ports you run into issues of settlements, towns, or highways.”
A PORT FOR THE FUTURE
However, while the port offers high-quality service and key advantages, there are areas Telemaque is keen to improve. “The lack of a robust digital platform is a challenge and will continue to be a challenge as we try to integrate our ideas into the first world technology that we in a small port have difficulty affording,” Telemaque admits. “In addition to the challenges inherent in digitalising the environment, most port systems are being built for mega ports, and we don’t have the throughput necessary for the
Family owned and operated business with main focus on shipping, freight forwarding, stevedore contracting and customs brokerage. We offer:
• Shipping • Cargo • Wolrdwide transport
• Stevedoring • Brokerage • FedEx
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30 Francis Trading Agency LTD. High Street, St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda Tel: +1 (268) 462-0854 Main +1 (268) 462-3339 FedEX Fax: +1 (268) 462-0849 www.francistrading.com
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infrastructure to create a robust digital network with low-costing systems.” This is an issue the Port Authority is working hard to address, however. Talking to Telemaque, it’s clear he’s particularly proud of the work the Port Authority has put into establishing a Maritime Single Window. This system allows all information required by public authorities in connection with the arrival, stay and departure of ships, people and cargo, to be submitted electronically via a single portal, without duplication. “We’re the only port in the region to have this by the first half of 2019,” Telemaque says. “We’ve worked to put a Maritime Single Window in place through the leadership of the port and the board and cooperation with the country of Norway, the Active Department of Maritime Services and the National Representative on the International Maritime Organisation.”
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ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA PORT AUTHORITY
“WE’RE GOING TO SEE THE WHOLE CARIBBEAN EQUIPPED WITH DIGITAL MARITIME SINGLE WINDOWS. IT WILL ALL BE ABLE TO BE DONE DIGITALLY AND WE’RE VERY PROUD OF THAT.”
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The system that’s been installed is in-line with recommendations by the IMO’s Facilitation Convention, a treaty to reduce administrative burdens and make shipping and trade by sea more efficient. Having established this in Antigua and Barbuda, Telemaque believes the Port Authority is in a position to offer leadership to ports across the region. “The interesting thing about the window is that now Antigua has been able to achieve this we now have the source code that will let us extend this new technology to all of the Caribbean countries to ensure other markets can come on board and be part of that,” Telemaque says. “We’re going to see the whole Caribbean
equipped with digital Maritime Single Windows. It will all be able to be done digitally and we’re very proud of that.” The Maritime Single Window is only one example of the large-scale plans Telemaque has for Antigua and Barbuda’s future, however. “We’re the first port to be redeveloped. We’re very hopeful we can transform that physical construction into a more significant operational, and even psychological change. We don’t just want to have new concrete,” he insists. “We want to have a new mindset and methods of operations. As we explore those options, we want new opportunities to transform the region into a port operation environment.”
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ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA PORT AUTHORITY
WWW.ANUPORT.COM