New Providence
Nassau Container Port rated #1 in The Caribbean
By Eileen Fielder
Jan 9, 2014 - 11:56:56 AM

THE BAHAMAS - Nassau Container Port (NCP) has beat out 24 ports in the Caribbean to be rated number one in productivity by the powerful Florida Shipowners Group, who handles the majority of the trade in the region. NCP and Gladstone Freight Terminal, the port’s inland facility, are owned and operated by APD Limited which, in turn, is owned by a partnership between the Government of The Bahamas, Arawak Cay Port Development Holdings Limited and 11,500 Bahamians.

Making the announcement of the NCP’s outstanding rating was Mike Maura, Jr, President & CEO, APD Limited.

“I am pleased to advise that the Florida Shipowners Group (FSG) have ranked the Nassau Container Port #1 as the most productive port as measured by crane lifts per hour, out of a field of 24 ports in the Caribbean.This news is all the more gratifying because of its source and the metrics on which it is based. The Florida Shipowners Group is made up of Crowley, CMA, Seafreight, Seaboard and Tropical who collectively carry 80% of all the cargo to the Caribbean and collect valuable data on this trade. On a monthly basis they submit port performance metrics to the FSG administrator who compiles the history throughout the year,”Mr Maura explained.

“The surveyed ports are primarily domestic ports like Nassau, which primarily handle cargo intended for the local market and or is exported from local manufactures and producers. FSG shares this information with the purpose encouraging ports to regularly review their productivity.
Mr Maura added, “What really counts for us at APD is the fact that since the Port began operating in 2012, the facility has effected over a 40-percent reduction in turnaround times for ships calling at Arawak Cay, which could allow shipping companies to operate their vessels far more efficiently and profitably and has brought additional benefits to local importers and other port users.

“The Nassau Container Port’s reputation as a first class facility is spreading. Since operations began in 2012 the Nassau Container Port has welcomed representatives from the Port Authorities of the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda and Haiti. These Port Authorities share a passion for excellence and have found their visit to NCP to be of great value,” Maura said.

NCP, Nassau’s newest port, is a 56-acre port facility is located on Arawak Cay, just two miles west of Downtown Nassau. The port provides facilities for both domestic and international bulk, break bulk, container and project cargo clients.

Michael Maura said that the Government, with the collaboration of the country’s primary shipping companies, took the decision to remove cargo operations from the old Downtown Nassau docks, a move that was viewed as an essential element of the planned redevelopment of the city and necessary to support the economic development of New Providence.

“Nassau Container Port was planned and built to offer the most modern of facilities and equipment and its staff trained to offer top skills and efficient customer service. NCP features three container vessel berths, and one bulk vessel berth. The 28- foot draft means that we can accommodate ships which are considerably larger than those which called pre-2012. Additionally the giant Liebherr mobile harbour cranes discharge and load containers from the ships with graceful and automated precision.

“We also have two Roll On Roll Off berths, one with a 21-footdraft and the other with 28 feet. Customs offers the full range of its services on site as well. Additionally, NCP uses the NAVIS Terminal Operating System, which tracks goods from ship through our gates. All this allows Bahamas Customs and importers greater control and facilitates faster cargo delivery,” Mr Maura said.

Mr Maura said further that Nassau Container Port was built and its operations designed for highest level of security and efficiency. The Port is compliant with the standards of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code requirements and is supported by Royal Bahamas Police presence. The facility features around-the-clock security, perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras and backup power and emergency fuel storage in the event of natural disaster.

“What makes all of this work is a great team. There is a constantly demonstrated synergy among the Executive, managers and staff, all of whom have first-rate, exportable skills. I’m more than proud of what we have built here in a very short time and we mean to build on this success,” Mr Maura said.

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