The Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority (ABPA) has achieved a significant operational milestone after successfully handling a record five cargo vessels discharging simultaneously at the Port of St. John’s.

General Manager of the ABPA, Darwin Telemaque, described the achievement as a testament to the efficiency, flexibility, and competitiveness of the nation’s port infrastructure following recent redevelopment works.

Speaking on the accomplishment, Telemaque said the feat was made possible through close coordination between port management, operations staff, customs officials, and shipping agents.

“Five cargo ships discharging simultaneously is a remarkable achievement and reflects the coordinated effort of our entire port community,” he said.

The milestone was recorded on June 1, 2026, when the Port Authority utilized available cruise berths during the off-season to accommodate additional vessels, including specialized yacht carriers, rather than having them remain at anchorage awaiting space at the container terminal.

Telemaque explained that with the cruise season concluded, the Authority made a strategic decision to allow yacht carriers to berth at Heritage Quay’s cruise facilities while container operations continued elsewhere in the port.

The move follows discussions with Sevenstar Yacht Transport, one of the world’s largest yacht shipping companies, regarding the possibility of increasing calls to Antigua based on the port’s ability to provide flexible berthing options during the cruise off-season.

According to Telemaque, the company’s vessels would ordinarily have been forced to wait outside the harbour for one or even two days until container traffic subsided. Instead, the vessels were able to proceed directly to the cruise berth and begin operations immediately.

“This is one of the creative adjustments we have made to improve service delivery and maximize the use of our existing infrastructure,” Telemaque noted.

He said the successful handling of multiple vessels demonstrates the benefits of the port’s modernization programme and places Antigua and Barbuda in a strong competitive position within the Caribbean maritime sector.

The Port Authority is optimistic that the enhanced operational flexibility will attract additional business from international shipping companies, particularly yacht carriers.

Telemaque revealed that Antigua experienced a record year for yacht carrier traffic in 2025, welcoming 49 calls compared to an average of approximately 18 annually in previous years.

Following the latest operational success, the Port Authority expects that figure to increase significantly, with projections ranging between 70 and 80 calls annually.

“We continue to strive, we continue to advance, and we remain committed to improving berth utilization, service quality, and operational efficiency,” Telemaque said.

He also commended port employees and stakeholders for their collaboration in achieving the milestone, describing the accomplishment as another step forward in strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a leading maritime hub in the region.