Construction of Berth 6 at the Port of Bridgetown is set for completion in September 2025, effectively separating cargo and cruise operations at the Barbados port. The timing of this project is critical, as Barbados anticipates a record number of cruise passengers this year. The projected number of cruise arrivals stands at 850,000.
“This growth puts pressure on the port’s capacity… and that’s why Berth 6 is absolutely necessary,” Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill said in his report to the Barbados Parliament in March, as quoted by local news media. The port expansion project, which includes the reclamation of 9.4 acres of land, is expected to cost the Government of Barbados approximately $100 million. The installation of two electric-powered ship-to-shore gantry cranes – manufactured by Sany and delivered in March – has been completed. Unloading and assembly were carried out by the crane manufacturers in collaboration with Barbados Port Inc.’s terminal operations and engineering teams. The value of new equipment acquired for this significant expansion, including the gantry cranes, has already exceeded $66 million.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
· The Berth 6 Expansion (B6E) project comprises a structure 314 metres long by 25 metres wide (approximately 7,850 m²).
· Berth 6 will extend immediately from Berth 5 northwards at an angle of approximately 90°, running in a west-east direction.
· B6E is designed primarily to accommodate container cargo vessels, thereby allowing the remaining berths to focus on cruise ship traffic. This will enhance operational efficiency and maximise use of the existing port space to meet growing berthing needs and container throughput.
· As part of the project, an upland development package includes the construction of a 25,000 m² (6.2-acre) container stacking hardstand area, complete with essential infrastructure (e.g., lighting, potable water, electrical feeds, drainage, etc.).