Critical changes necessary for C’bean ports to meet demands of digital revolution, Telemaque says

Port Manager at the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority Darwin Telemaque

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The Manager of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority has called for Caribbean port associations to work together to modernize and digitize regional ports to meet growing demands of the digital age.

Darwin Telemaque, who is slated to be a distinguished speaker at this year’s Caribbean Investment Forum 2025 in Jamaica, said that it is only through collective effort can ports across the region be elevated to handle modern shipping requirements and digital integration challenges.

“Not all Caribbean ports are at the same level of digital maturity; some [are] still grappling with outdated infrastructure and processes,” Telemaque said.

“While some ports are investing in advanced technologies, others may lack the necessary infrastructure and skilled work force to fully leverage digital solutions.”

The Caribbean’s maritime industry serves as critical gateways for international trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.

However, ports face dual challenges of adopting forward-thinking strategies while overcoming structural limitations.

Telemaque noted that many Caribbean ports cannot handle modern vessels properly.

“Berth congestion, limited draft, and antiquated handling equipment result in longer turn around times and lower service reliability,” he said.

“Coordination between port authorities, Customs, and terminal operators is often slow and fragmented. The lack of standardized procedures across jurisdictions further complicates operations for shipping lines and cargo owners.”

The region trails in adopting digital port management systems, according to Telemaque where “manual documentation and insufficient real-time cargo tracking increase processing times and limit transparency as “the Caribbean’s vulnerability to hurricanes and sea-level rise also presents ongoing disruptions and long-term infrastructure risks.”

While several Caribbean ports have begun sustainability initiatives, readiness levels vary significantly across the region.

Many ports have adopted Environmental Management Systems, often aligned with international standards such as ISO 14001, to manage environmental risks and monitor emissions.

However, funding remains a major obstacle.

“Many Caribbean nations are Small Island Developing States with constrained budgets,” Telemaque said. “Funding large-scale sustainable projects, such as port electrification and renewable energy installations, often requires international loans or grants.”

Advanced technologies remain expensive for smaller ports. “Advanced technologies, such as automated cargo handling systems and emissions monitoring tools, remain prohibitively expensive for smaller ports,” he said.

Skills gaps present another challenge. “Sustainable port operations demand specialized skills in areas such as green logistics, renewable energy systems, and digital technologies,” Telemaque said. “However, many ports face shortages of trained professionals capable of implementing and managing these systems.”

Despite these barriers, he expressed confidence in regional resilience. “While the Caribbean region faces clear structural and operational challenges, it is important to acknowledge the consistent and commendable efforts made by industry professionals across the board,” he said.

“Continued efforts, paired with a shared commitment to improvement, will allow the Caribbean shipping sector to strengthen its position globally, driven not only by strategic decisions but by the resilience and determination of the individuals who sustain it every day,” Telemaque added.

The upcoming Caribbean Investment Forum 2025 is set to take place from July 29-31 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica.

The event is hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency, in collaboration with the European Union Global Gateway, the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce, JAMPRO, and the CARICOM Secretariat.

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