THE Nassau Container Port (NCP) has beaten out 24 Caribbean rivals to be rated the region’s most productive port by the Florida Shipowners Group, which handles the majority of shipping flows into the region.

Mike Maura, president and chief executive of BISX-listed Arawak Port Development Company (APD), NCP’s owner/operator, said: “I am pleased to advise that the Florida Shipowners Group (FSG) have ranked the Nassau Container Port number one as the most productive port, as measured by crane lifts per hour, out of a field of 24 ports in the Caribbean.

“This news is all the more gratifying because of its source and the metrics on which it is based. The Florida Shipowners Group is made up of Crowley, CMA, Seafreight, Seaboard and Tropical, who collectively carry 80 per cent of all the cargo to the Caribbean and collect valuable data on this trade.

“On a monthly basis they submit port performance metrics to the FSG administrator, who compiles the history throughout the year. The surveyed ports are primarily domestic ports like Nassau, which primarily handle cargo intended for the local market, and/or is exported from local manufactures and producers.”

Mr Maura added: “What really counts for us at APD is the fact that since the Port began operating in 2012, the facility has effected over a 40 per cent reduction in turnaround times for ships calling at Arawak Cay, which could allow shipping companies to operate their vessels far more efficiently and profitably, and has brought additional benefits to local importers and other port users.

“The Nassau Container Port’s reputation as a first class facility is spreading. Since operations began in 2012, the Nassau Container Port has welcomed representatives from the Port Authorities of the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda and Haiti. These Port Authorities share a passion for excellence and have found their visit to NCP to be of great value.”

NCP is a 56-acre port facility providing both domestic and international bulk, break bulk, container and project cargo clients. The port and Gladstone Freight Terminal, its inland facility, are owned and operated by APD which, in turn, is owned by a partnership between the Government, Arawak Cay Port Development Holdings and 11,500 Bahamians.

Mr Maura said: “Nassau Container Port was planned and built to offer the most modern of facilities and equipment, and its staff trained to offer top skills and efficient customer service.

“NCP features three container vessel berths, and one bulk vessel berth. The 28- foot draft means that we can accommodate ships which are considerably larger than those which are called pre-2012.

“Additionally, the giant Liebherr mobile harbour cranes discharge and load containers from the ships with graceful and automated precision.

Mr Maura added: “We also have two Roll-On, Roll-Off berths, one with a 21-foot draft and the other with 28 feet. Customs offers the full range of its services on site as well.

“Additionally, NCP uses the NAVIS Terminal Operating System, which tracks goods from ship through our gates. All this allows Bahamas Customs and importers greater control and facilitates faster cargo delivery.”

Mr Maura said NCP was compliant with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code requirements, and is supported by a Royal Bahamas Police presence. The facility features around-the-clock security, perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras and back-up power and emergency fuel storage in the event of natural disaster.
 “What makes all of this work is a great team. There is a constantly demonstrated synergy among the executives, managers and staff, all of whom have first-rate, exportable skills. I’m more than proud of what we have built here in a very short time and we mean to build on this success,” Mr Maura added.