What is the current state of the maritime sector in St Barths? Challenges and opportunities?
The Port of Gustavia is a bit unique as it is located within the city. As the port director, I manage both the marina and the commercial port, which host various activities: passenger transport, cruises, fishing, water sports, charter boats, and general yachting.Saint-Barthélemy, as you know, is surrounded by water, with two main entry points: the airport and the port. All goods and passengers come through the port, which is vital to the island's economy. The commercial port is the main economic pillar for Saint-Barthélemy.The port is in good condition, but our only issue is the lack of space to accommodate the flow of boats and goods arriving on such a small island.
Do you have any expansion or improvement projects to increase the port’s efficiency?
For the marina, we are in the final stages of reconstructing the Quai de la République with a new maritime terminal, which should be completed in about a month.For the commercial port, we have a project to expand its internal platform by approximately 2,000 square meters, which will improve working conditions.To give you an idea, between 2012 and 2023, we went from handling just over 4,300 twenty-foot containers in 2012 to 8,400 in 2023, without adding any more space. This shows a huge increase in activity. We’re planning to expand by another 2,000 square meters in the near future. Additionally, in the next three years, we plan another expansion in the southern part of the commercial port, along with a new maritime terminal dedicated to inter-island passenger transport to streamline passenger flows and avoid traffic jams, especially during peak seasons.The second expansion is expected between 2027 and 2028.
Could you share a bit about cruise ships and the cruise industry?
The Port of Gustavia welcomes cruise ships, but only at anchor; we do not accommodate cruise ships at the quay. This has been a political decision for many years. We’ve opted to accept only smaller cruise ships, with a maximum of 1,000 to 1,200 passengers per day.Today, most cruise ships that visit Saint Barthélemy are small units, some with just 200 passengers. These ships drop off passengers using tenders to the maritime terminal, and this helps manage the flow of visitors. Visitors go to the beach, participate in water sports, or explore the marine life.Saint Barthélemy is a stopover port, not a homeport, meaning passengers can only disembark for the day.
How has the Port of Gustavia committed to sustainable development and environmental protection in its port activities?
The Port of Gustavia works closely with all local economic actors and particularly with the Territorial Agency for the Environment. Although we do not have the official "clean port" certification, our port is considered exceptionally clean. For example, even in our commercial port, which is typically known for being less clean due to cargo traffic, the water is clear and you can see the sand and fish swimming.We’re very proud of that, and we strive to maintain these environmental standards.
How is the port adapting to technological and digital advancements to improve its services and competitiveness?
The Port of Gustavia is ahead of many other ports in terms of digital development. We were the first in the Caribbean to implement electronic entry and exit declarations for boats. This has allowed us to streamline the processing of visitors and improve efficiency. Many ports have reached out to us to learn how we did it.Furthermore, on the island, we’ve developed a strong digital infrastructure, including fiber optic internet, which is available across the island, helping to improve overall services for both residents and tourists.We’re continuously working on improving digital services, and this extends beyond the port. The entire island’s infrastructure is interconnected, with hotels and villas offering excellent internet and communication services to guests. This contributes to a seamless experience for visitors and residents.
What is your vision for the future of the Port of Gustavia, and what are your medium- and long-term strategic priorities?
As the port director, I believe that maritime transport will be the future for Saint Barthélemy. Air travel is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive, and the size of airplanes will not increase. The maritime sector is the key to the island’s future, especially for tourism.During the peak season, when large yachts come to the island, we see that the real economic impact is tied to maritime tourism. The presence of large yachts often means that villas and hotels are fully booked.The island’s reputation as a tranquil and secure destination is also key to attracting high-profile visitors, who feel safe and comfortable here.
What is your final message to Newsweek readers considering Saint-Barthélemy as a potential investment and/or tourism destination?
The Port of Gustavia and its team will be very happy to welcome anyone visiting by boat. We’ll do everything we can to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience. Even if you come on land, feel free to visit the port—it will be a pleasure to have you here.
