Barbados is charting a bold path toward becoming a premier transshipment and logistics hub with the introduction of the Seaport Industry (Management, Operations and Development) Bill, 2025. This transformative legislation aims to modernize the island’s maritime sector, enhance global trade competitiveness, and create new economic opportunities.
Presented in Parliament by Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill, the bill establishes a comprehensive framework for managing and developing national seaports. It also addresses regulatory gaps highlighted in a 2018 audit by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), ensuring that Barbados meets international maritime standards.
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“As an IMO member state, Barbados has specific obligations to fulfill,” Gooding-Edghill stated. “Once enacted, this bill will correct deficiencies identified in the 2018 audit and strengthen our maritime industry for long-term growth.”
A key highlight of the legislation is the Barbados Transshipment and Port-Centric Logistics Programme. This initiative will position the island as a crucial transshipment hub, allowing cargo to be efficiently transferred between vessels en route to global destinations. With evolving shipping routes, Barbados is seizing the opportunity to integrate itself into international supply chains.
In addition to streamlining cargo operations, the bill introduces pre-clearance arrangements that will expedite customs processing. These measures will enable passengers and goods to undergo inspections in Barbados before reaching their final destinations, reducing delays and enhancing port security.
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“The pre-clearance framework improves efficiency and safety, ensuring smoother travel experiences for passengers and cargo alike,” Gooding-Edghill explained.
The legislation also strengthens the country’s position as a home port for cruise ships, encouraging vessels to begin and end their journeys in Barbados. To boost local industries, it includes provisions for cruise lines and shipping companies to source more goods and services from Barbadian businesses.
“This bill creates opportunities for local suppliers and supports linkages across agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce,” the minister noted. A policy paper outlining further strategies to deepen these connections is currently under Cabinet review.
Addressing concerns about the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry, headquartered in the United Kingdom, Gooding-Edghill reaffirmed that the registry adheres to strict international regulations and does not flag vessels sanctioned by the United States, the United Kingdom, or the European Union.
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“The Barbados Maritime Ship Registry operates with integrity and follows a rigorous assessment process to ensure compliance with maritime safety, environmental, and legal standards,” he emphasized. With a gross tonnage exceeding 9.5 million, the registry is ranked among the world’s top 30 and is the third largest in the Caribbean.
The bill aligns with Barbados’ six-pillar national policy on international shipping, focusing on efficient trade, environmental sustainability, and resilient port operations. It also supports the country’s transition to low-carbon maritime activities, reinforcing its commitment to global sustainability goals.
“This legislation is a major step forward for Barbados,” Gooding-Edghill concluded. “By modernizing our maritime industry and strengthening our role in global shipping, we are securing a prosperous future for our economy and people.”
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