Port Authority of Turks

FOR OF THE

TIDES TURN PORTS CARIBBEAN

With a $60 million redevelopment of its ports underway, the Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos is facing the horizon of opportunity with renewed vigour, having navigated the devastating effects of a 2017 storm and Covid-19. Port Director Delton Jones and Authority Chairman Tueton Williams bring Andy Probert up to speed on the exciting plans.

For many, a visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands will usually be on a cruise ship on a trip in the Caribbean or an extended exotic vacation away. However, the beating heart of the islands is a cluster of commercial ports through which the economy’s lifeblood flows. Each

acts as a transport artery fanning out to ten inhabited islands among the 40 islands and cays forming the British Overseas Territory southeast of the Bahamas. At the centre point of operations is the Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos, a government statutory body which

employs 60 people to oversee four commercial ports: North Caicos, South Caicos, Grand Turk and Providenciales. The Ports Authority ensures all international shipments in and out of the ports are safe and secure and provides ongoing safety of port workers and visitors, alongside the protection of the environment.

Providenciales is the main port, seeing 90% of all trade from the US and the Caribbean. This trade is split equally between containerised traffic and breakbulk cargo, such as aggregates and steel for the construction sector, plus fuel importation.

The ports reported a 44% uplift in TEU trade in 2021 compared to 2020, and saw

revenues rise to $7 million. They received 754 vessel calls, a 21% uplift, and a 59% increase in imported cargo volumes on the previous year. The ports handled 594,500 tons of cargo compared to 374,200 tons in 2020.

“There are positive signs that port activity could hit pre-pandemic levels in 2022/23. This presents a welcome opportunity for the authority to invest significantly in our infrastructure and establish Turks and Caicos as a leading port operator in the Caribbean,” said Authority Chairman Mr Tueton Williams.

Offering a lifeline

He added: “The port at Providenciales has not had any significant investment since its inception nearly 40 years ago. A redevelopment is a long time coming as, over that period, the country and its economy have grown vastly.

“That’s why the authority is embarking on a huge redevelopment project over the next three to four years to accommodate the significant port growth forecasted for coming years.”

Port Director Delton Jones said a 2017 hurricane has necessitated efforts to be initially focused on rebuilding the smaller ports at Grand Turk and South Caicos, plus the development of Bellefield Landing Port on North Caicos.

The port at North Caicos, completed in 2022, is used for inter-island travel and can potentially become an iconic landmar k in the Caribbean, according to Mr Jones: “There is potential for further development

there as, in partnership with the local community, we have created a masterplan, which includes provision for a marina.”

Activity at South Caicos port has ongoing rehabilitation plans, including a new concert bulkhead, sea defences and drainage system. Additionally, 3,700sqft of asphalt paving at a container yard and mapping of container storage locations is in the works. A port dredging project is also planned.

“Why focus on rebuilding the smaller ports first rather than Providenciales?” Mr Jones

said. “It was due to the ports’ limited complexity, scale, scope, financing and their handling capacities. The ports offer a vital lifeline in supporting transportation links between islands for social, health, relationship and education needs.”

All eyes on Providenciales

Mr Williams agreed, adding: “With those projects successfully in place, the Ports Authority is confident in focusing on Providenciales. It is not only a major

strength for the Turks and Caicos, but a key economic barometer of an import trade-dependent island system.”

The $60 million redevelopment of Providenciales envisages modernisation of the South Dock area and the addition of a new Port Office for the Ports Authority, the agriculture and immigration departments, and the department for motor vehicle importation. A new customs office, a warehouse and a bonded area for storing and inspecting imported vehicles is included in the new Port Office.

There will be two new terminals, expansion of an existing berth, construction of a new berth, dredging for a new vessel

turning basin and improved sea defences. New container yards, internal roadways, mast lighting, provisioning for fire service and drainage improvements, and office spaces for shipping agents will also feature.

“It is a massive undertaking,” said Mr Jones, “but the project is scheduled for completion within 48 months.”

The Ports Authority has also voiced determination to spearhead port digitalisation and modern information management systems to support decision-making and supply chain efficiency. Mr Jones said: “We are part of a Caribbean-wide data intelligence project that will help introduce digital platforms, computerise more

functions and transition the ports to a paperless-based environment.”

Climate change considerations will be addressed by adopting a ‘green port’ initiative focusing on investing and encouraging environmentally sustainable operations and developing pragmatic green port solutions. The authority plans to promote more staff internally into key positions and boost its workforce by 25% in the medium term to help the ports cope with an increase in trade and effectively discharge its mandates.

Exciting times ahead

“Challenges remain,” Mr Williams said, “such as traffic congestion at Providenciales, improving our safety record, and procuring for the projects. All this is underscored by maintaining good relations with our stakeholders.

“There are bound to be frustrations as we try to deliver port upgrades in an active port environment. But our relationships remain strong, open and transparent. Our stakeholders can see what we are trying to achieve and are generally happy with the authority’s approach. They remain central to our strategic vision.”

Mr Jones added: “Turks and Caicos stands alongside the likes of Antigua, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Monserrat, whose ports are under modernisation and positioning for anticipated increases in tourism and trade in the years ahead.”

“Our ports might be punching above their weight,” Mr Williams concluded, “but the authority wants them to be known internationally for the quality and standard of their operations. For us, exciting times are just around the corner.”