saint luciaLCCAS

Port Castries

Port Castries - The Main Maritime Gateway of Saint Lucia

Explore Port Castries, the primary maritime hub in Saint Lucia, facilitating trade, tourism, and supporting local economic development.

Overview of Port Castries

Port Castries, located in the vibrant capital city of Castries, stands as the primary maritime gateway for Saint Lucia. As the main port of the island, it plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and tourism, helping to connect the island with the wider Caribbean and international markets. The port serves as a vital entry point for cargo and a docking location for cruise ships, supporting local businesses while providing visitors with easy access to the island's rich culture and stunning landscapes.

Founded in the 18th century, Port Castries has developed significantly over the years. It is equipped with modern facilities that handle a variety of cargo, including food supplies, industrial goods, and construction materials. The port is characterized by its picturesque location, surrounded by lush hills, and offers stunning views of the harbor and the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, Port Castries is well-known for its vibrant markets and heritage sites, making it a popular destination for tourists arriving via cruise ships.

In recent years, efforts have focused on enhancing the port's infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels and manage increasing traffic efficiently. Improvements in cargo handling and passenger processing capabilities are crucial to maintaining the port's key role in the local economy. Furthermore, sustainability initiatives are being prioritized, with actions aimed at reducing the environmental impact of port operations, ensuring that the natural beauty of Saint Lucia is preserved for future generations. As Port Castries continues to evolve, it remains an essential hub for trade and tourism, contributing to the prosperity of Saint Lucia.

Port Details

Comprehensive technical information and facilities available at Port Castries

Basic Information

Address-
Phone-
Fax-
Email-
Coordinates14º 1' 0'' N, -60º -59' -59'' W
Decimal14.0166667, -61
U N/ L O C O D ELCPCS
Website-
RegionCaribbean Sea

Port Facilities

TerminalYes
Channel-
Anchorage-
Oil Terminal-
Harbor Size-
Max Vessel Size-
Harbor Type-
Wharves-

Services & Equipment

ServiceDetailsStatus
Inland portNo
TideNot specified
Overhead LimitNot specified
SwellNot specified
Cargo PierNot specified
Mean TideNot specified
ShelterNot specified
Turning AreaNot specified
CompulsoryNot specified
AvailableNot specified
AdvisableNot specified
Local AssistNot specified
ProvisionsNot specified
Fuel OilNot specified
DeckNot specified
WaterNot specified
Diesel OilNot specified
EngineNot specified
0-24 Ton LiftsNot specified
25-49 Ton LiftsNot specified
50-100 Ton LiftsNot specified
100+ Ton LiftsNot specified
Fixed CranesNot specified
Mobile CranesNot specified
Floating CranesNot specified
Med MoorNot specified
IceNot specified
AnchorNot specified
BeachNot specified
AssistNot specified
SalvageNot specified
PratiqueNot specified
Deratt CertNot specified
LongshoreNot specified
Electrical RepairNot specified
SteamNot specified
ElectricalNot specified
Navigation EqNot specified
Ship RepairsNot specified
Marine RailroadNot specified
DegaussNot specified
Drydock SizeNot specified
Garbage DisposalNot specified
Dirty BallastNot specified
TelephoneNot specified
RadioNot specified
AirNot specified
TelegraphNot specified
Radio TelNot specified
RailNot specified

Key Port Metrics

Essential performance indicators and operational statistics for Port Castries

Annual TEUs

Approximately 90,000 TEUs, reflecting the importance of the port in regional trade.

Last 12 months container volume

Monthly Vessel Calls

About 150–200 vessel calls per month, supporting diverse shipping activities.

Average monthly vessel traffic

Average Port Stay

Most vessels stay between 24–48 hours during loading and unloading operations.

Typical vessel turnaround time

Berth Occupancy

Estimated at 75-85%, particularly high during peak tourism seasons.

Current utilization rate

On-Time Arrivals

No data

Schedule reliability

Anchorage Wait Time

No data

Average waiting at anchorage

Most Frequent Shipping Lines

International shipping lines, local carriers

Regional shipping lines servicing routes within Asia and beyond

Main Trade Routes

No data available

Major routes connecting with Asia, Europe, and North America

Common Delay Causes

No data available

Weather conditions and peak season congestion factors

Vessel Schedule Performance

Analysis of vessel scheduling efficiency and common operational challenges

Schedule Performance Factors

Weather conditions contributing to delays, particularly during the hurricane season.
Peak tourist seasons leading to increased traffic and occasional delays in docking.

Common operational challenges and efficiency factors

Carbon Emissions & Sustainability Index

Environmental initiatives and sustainability measures at Port Castries

Green Initiatives

Introduction of waste reduction programs and recycling initiatives at the port.
Promotion of eco-friendly practices among shipping lines and local businesses.

Environmental sustainability initiatives

CO2 per TEU

No data available

Carbon emissions efficiency

Emission Score

No data available

Relative environmental performance

Port Congestion & Real-Time Status

Current port congestion levels and vessel traffic information

At Berth

No data available

Vessels currently docked

At Anchorage

No data available

Vessels waiting

Dwell Time

No data available

Average cargo stay

Congestion Trends

No data available

30-day congestion analysis

Regional Context & Economic Impact

Understanding the broader economic and regional significance of Port Castries

Economic Significance

Port Castries is a critical component of the economic landscape of Saint Lucia, serving as the island's main entry for international trade and tourism. Its strategic location enables efficient transport of goods and easy access for travelers. As tourism is a major driver of the local economy, especially with the influx of cruise ships, the port's operations are vital to supporting local businesses and employment. The ongoing focus on infrastructure development and sustainability reflects the commitment to not only fostering economic growth but also maintaining the island's natural beauty and heritage.

Regional economic impact and significance

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers about Port Castries