Management of the Barbados Port Inc. is appealing to importers to clear hundreds of vehicles on its compound that are significantly impacting the ability to receive and access cargo.
At a media conference this morning, management said up to Monday, there were 469 vehicles and 28 shells in the Port, while customs “had a legitimate interest” in another 15 there.
“Just last month, one vessel originally scheduled to arrive on January 20, 2025, did not call as there was simply no room to handle and additional 400 vehicles. Two vehicle carriers had been discharged in the previous week,” a release said.
“Within the next five days, an estimated 842 vehicles will be arriving. The first shipment on February 13 includes 150 vehicles, 42 of which are to be transshipped to Grenada. The second shipment on February 15 has a count of 98 and the third, due on February 17, 2024, is expected to bring 594 vehicles.”
The Port reminded reporters and consignees to “hasten the clearance and collection of their cargo”- submit appropriate documentation, obtain delivery orders and release documents and settle financial obligations to the Port. This process can also be done electronically.
This is not only causing congestion, with containers – both full and empty – being stacked three and four high, but truck turnaround time has more than doubled from 35 minutes to around 88.
Additionally, cargo which is there for a long time attracts vermin. They said health authorities were constantly reviewing and providing direction “on the need to manage potential infestation and its resultant negative impacts on other cargo in Port”.
Some of the vehicles, management said, have been in the Port from three to 218 days. (PR/SAT)
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