FUTURE
FACING THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE An unprecedented level of investment across many sectors, including the maritime industry, is paving the way for a prosperous future in Suriname. The principal driver of this investment has been the need to expand the Nieuwe Haven in Paramaribo to meet higher levels of cargo traffic as container throughput has continued to grow. At the same time, NV Havenbeheer has been updating and expanding its facilities and infrastructure as well as offering a wider range of services to port users and shippers.
The private terminal operators who handle cargo on quay at Nieuwe Haven are looking to make optimum use of the new facilities. They have risen to the challenge by investing in equipment and infrastructure. This includes new handling units and dedicated covered storage on quay. Elsewhere in Suriname, the picture is the same. A programme of rehabilitation is under way at Nieuw Nickerie Port, while the private port complex at Moengo is receiving cargo traffic for the first time in several years.
IMPROVED SERVICES With this transformation complete, the ports are equipped to handle containers in large numbers with a maximum of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. As a result, Suriname’s maritime industry is looking to a new era of economic success. Confidence in the maritime sector is so strong that the port’s partners have also invested heavily in new equipment. This includes two mobile harbour cranes – the first to be installed in Suriname – which were purchased by Integra Port Services to handle containers at the Nieuwe Haven.
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Overland routes to neighbouring countries are minimal in Suriname, which has always depended on its maritime services for imports and exports. This situation will continue in the foreseeable future. Suriname’s leading port facility at Nieuwe Haven may have a captive market, but it is now able to offer better-than-ever services to its users. Until recently, there has been very little cargo traffic between Suriname and its neighbours – Guyana to