The government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines formally unveiled their new seaport facility on 25 October 2025. The Caribbean’s newest cargo port, under construction and development since the project was officially launched (on 1 July 2022), docked its first ship, the MV FOUMA, flying the Cyprus flag, the following day.
Futuristic in many ways and designed to meet the challenges of an intense and worsening global climate crisis, the facility, regulated by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority, is being operated under the nomenclature Modern Port Operations Company (i.e., MPOC).
Profile and Statement of Intent
St Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority
Introduction
Born out of progress and growth, MPOC was established in 2025 following the completion of construction of the port facility. This new development marks the beginning of a major transformation in how we manage trade, logistics, and maritime services in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
For decades, port operations in St Vincent and the Grenadines relied on manual systems and basic infrastructure – approaches that served well, but were no longer suited to the growing demands of international trade and cruise tourism. Today, we enter a new era defined by technology, efficiency and global competitiveness.
As part of this transition, St Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority, which has long overseen both regulation and operations, is shifting fully into the role of independent regulator, responsible for oversight, policy, and safety standards.
MPOC will assume responsibility for daily terminal operations, service delivery, and customer experience across the port system. This ongoing transition and will include collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth, coordinated process, which maintains safety, continuity, and service reliability throughout.
Our role
Our scope is broad but our commitment is focused:
To provide seamless, reliable, and innovative solutions that fuel trade, tourism, and national growth.
As a dedicated terminal operating company, MPOC manages:
• Cargo terminal operations
• Cruise terminal services
• Ferry terminal operations
• Commercial parking facilities
• Management of local smaller
ports across the country
The beginning
MPOC was created to operate the newly built, purpose-designed port facility in Kingstown – a major investment intended to modernise maritime logistics, strengthen inter-island connectivity, and enhance global trade competitiveness. With this commissioning, the Port Authority’s role evolved to that of independent regulator, responsible for setting and enforcing policy, safety, and tariff standards while MPOC drives operational
excellence and customer service.
Why a new structure
The shift to a regulator-operator model follows international best practices and achieves:
• Clear accountability: transparent oversight and defined roles
• Operational agility: faster decision-making and service innovation
• Investment focus: capacity to plan and fund new technologies and infrastructure
• Improved partnerships: a single operational interface for shipping lines, cruise agents, and stakeholders
GOVERNANCE AND TRANSPARENCY
Integrity and accountability:
• Independent regulatory oversight
• SVGMPOC Board leadership
• Corporate policies: anti-corruption, fair procurement and stakeholder inclusion
• Transparent reporting on performance and sustainability
OPERATIONS
Operating footprint
• Main port: Deep-water berths, modern cargo yard, dedicated cruise and cargo facilities.
• Network local ports: Standardised safety, scheduling, and operational protocols.
• Landside integration: Road access optimisation, staging for freight processing.
What we do
• Marine and berth management
• Cargo handling services
• Cruise terminal management
• Ferry and inter-island services
• Commercial parking operations
• Network port management
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
MPOC is building a digital-first port environment, leveraging modern technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and collaboration across the logistics chain. Systems include:
• Terminal operating system (TOS): Real-time visibility of vessel, yard, and gate operations.
• Port community system (PCS): A unified digital platform connecting shipping agents, customs, brokers, and logistics partners.
• Virtual vessel scheduling: Integrated berth and resource planning.
• Data and analytics dashboards: Real-time key performance indicators for productivity, dwell time, and customer satisfaction.
• Cyber resilience measures: Enhanced protection for digital infrastructure and data assets.
SAFETY, SECURITY, QUALITY
• Full compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code across cargo and cruise terminals.
• A robust HSE Management System with continuous training.
• Emergency Preparedness programmes for hurricanes, fire, medical, and mass-casualty scenarios.
• A pathway toward ISO-aligned quality management standards.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Our people are our greatest asset. All employees of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority who are part of the transition will be transferred to MPOC with their full accrued rights, benefits, and entitlements intact, including seniority, pension, and leave benefits.
Employees also benefitted from new training, upskilling and digital literacy programmes to equip them for the technology-driven systems being introduced. We are building a Right-First-Time culture focused on service excellence, collaboration, and accountability – ensuring that every team member plays an active role in delivering results and innovation.
SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNITY
MPOC is committed to responsible, inclusive growth through:
• Operational efficiency: Reduced idle time, optimised energy use, and waste segregation.
• Environmental stewardship: Spill prevention, water quality monitoring, and harbour protection.
• Community impact: Skills training, youth development, local vendor participation, and cultural engagement, internship programmes
• Tourism readiness: Accessibility upgrades, signage, and visitor experience enhancements.
ECONOMIC VALUE
The modernisation of port operations represents a key pillar of national development. By improving reliability, cargo handling capacity, and cruise services, the new structure will:
• Lower the cost of trade and logistics
• Increase cruise passenger spending
• Create new employment and business opportunities
• Strengthen national economic resilience