Despite challenges in 2024, real progress was made at the Dr. Jules Sedney Port of Paramaribo in Suriname.The construction of a trucking centre was completed and significant strides were made towards the creation of a port and logistics educational centre. Recently upgraded computer systems at the port have improved efficiency and created readiness for future growth. The port is now positioned to deliver shore-based support to Suriname’s Oil & Gas industry, with construction underway for a deep-water port and Special Economic Zone at the Port of Nickerie.
Verbatim responses (below) from the port’s Director General, Andreas Talea to Portside Caribbean’s questions revealed priorities in 2025 to include the start of construction of Deepwater Port and Special Economic Zone at the Port of Nickerie.
Given plans for 2024, what were the main successes?
• In 2024, our organisation achieved key milestones, including continued collaboration with Port of Antwerp-Bruges International helped to advance our strategic objectives/goals by enhancing organisational capabilities through multidisciplinary teams; personnel training; and, the creation of a joint venture to establish a Port and Logistics Educational Centre.
• Completed construction of a Trucking Centre to improve transport logistics and competitiveness at the Dr. Jules Sedney Port of Paramaribo.
• Investments in new workstations, servers, and operational software have enhanced our efficiency and preparedness for future growth.
What were the main disappointments in delivering plans for 2024?
• In 2024, we faced several challenges that impacted our plans. The lack of support from the government, affected our ability to align with and support the emerging Oil & Gas sector.
• Underperformance among some staff members and delays in conducting performance appraisals affected our ability to achieve desired productivity levels.
• We were unable to fully develop our operational software to encompass all activities, especially the gate In/Out functions with the ACM (Access Control Management) module and RFID-operated boom barrier and turnstiles.
What were the most valuable lessons learned in 2024?
• We learned that our Strategic Plan provides a strong foundation for policy and administration. Reorganising to ensure the right people are in the right roles will accelerate decision-making, while building a company on the pillars of our core values of trust, collaboration and leadership.
• Additionally, we found that modifying existing software is challenging, underscoring the importance of selecting developers with industry-specific expertise.
2025 – THE YEAR AHEAD:
What are the foremost objectives for 2025?
• To establish a shore base to support the Oil & Gas industry in Suriname; expand and diversify our service portfolio; commence construction at the Port of Nickerie Deepwater Port and Special Economic Zone.
• Negotiate and secure well-balanced contracts with operators and service providers to ensure long-term profitability. The completion of Gate In/Out operations with ACM, RFID, turnstiles, and PCS (Port-Community System) implementation.
List the most significant initiatives/ projects you have planned for 2025
• Implementation of a PCS system in collaboration with the IDB, improve the Gate In/Out procedure with automation to optimise traffic, and expand port infrastructure, including the construction of additional berths and enhanced ground bearing capacity.
• We will also focus on improving transport logistics, renewing contracts with terminal operators, and strengthening company culture through strategic HR and training initiatives.
What do you consider the ‘main concerns’ that will (or could) affect organisational performance/results in 2025?
• Key concerns impacting organisational performance include the absence of port legislation, which may lead to inefficiencies and higher transport costs.
• Challenges, such as competition from the growing Oil & Gas sector; slow decision-making; poor teamwork; and, communication issues could hinder progress unless a clear strategic plan is effectively communicated.