Seaports

Barbados Seaport in Bridgetown

The Barbados Seaport in Bridgetown is managed and operated by the Barbados Port Inc. (BPI), is endowed with one of the most modern and top-rated seaports in the Caribbean.

Over the years, the Port of Bridgetown has won many prestigious titles:

» Port of the Year (1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2004, 2005)
» Most Dependable Port (1995)
» Dreamworld Cruise Destinations (1995)
» Most Improved Port Facilities (1995)
» Most Receptive Destination (1995)

Seafaring needs for cruise and cargo as well as for private vessels are well serviced through both a deep-water harbour (over 10 metres) and a shallow draft. Marine services are available with 24/7 port staff trained to international standards.

The Port is located at University Row, off the Queen Alice Highway in Barbados capital city of Bridgetown.

The Barbados Shipping Act allows for registration of ships under the Barbados flag. The Act stipulates usage for ports outside of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and is eligible to:

» Foreign-going vessels over 500 gross registered tons (some exceptions)
» Pleasure yachts (prohibiting paid passenger or cargo-for-hire services)

Registration may be done through the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR). Headquartered in London, the BMSR is one of the world’s leading ship registries. The BMSR works on behalf of the Government of Barbados to provide quality ship registry services.

For ship owners and managers, Barbados’ Ship Owners Association provides a forum for industry development and an opportunity to participate in the management of the BMSR through representative access to the BMSR’s Technical Committee.

Barbados has been a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 1970. The IMO helps develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping. The IMO takes care to ensure:

» Maritime Safety and Security
» Sound Legal Framework
» Care for the Environment
» Efficiency and Technical co-operation

Barbados is a world class travel destination with approximately 500,000 visitors entering the country by sea every year. Oftentimes, cruise ship passengers and crew have only a few short hours to take in the beauty and opportunities of this Caribbean paradise.

To take full advantage of your time in Barbados, consider one of the following options geared towards half or full-day outings:

» Cruise ship visitors will enjoy over 20,000 square feet of air conditioned, duty-free shopping at the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal.

» The Port is ideally located nearby the city centre of Bridgetown where a wide array of services and amenities are available. Take advantage of modern banking facilities or delight in world class shopping at on the many downtown shopping centres

» Take a tour of your favourite run distillery at the Mount Gay Factory.

» Interested in local arts or crafts? Be sure to visit Pelican Village, just a 5 minute walk from the Terminal.

» Take in the year-round Caribbean sunshine at one of 3 nearby Barbados beaches (Carlisle Bay, Brandon’s or Brighton Beach)

» The Barbados Association of Seaport Taxies offers a modernized fleet of 20 taxies delivering personalized tours and services at competitive prices

» Explore Barbados’ brilliant surrounding waters by taking a submarine trip or for more adventurous travelers call ahead to book an introduction to scuba diving

» Take a stroll through the historic city of Bridgetown to view traditional coral stone buildings, ancient ballast walkways or savour the tastes of local fruit and vegetable markets.

For more information, please visit the Port of Bridgetown website at www.barbadosport.com.