Montserrat’s main seaport is located at Little Bay, on the northwest coast of the island. It serves as the primary maritime gateway for both cargo and passenger vessels, especially since the southern port in Plymouth was rendered unusable by the volcanic eruptions in the 1990s.
Little Bay Port – Key Information
Location
- Little Bay, near Brades (Montserrat’s de facto capital area)
- Situated in the safe zone established after volcanic activity
Functions
- Cargo Handling
- Imports include food, construction materials, fuel, and vehicles
- Exports are minimal, mostly small-scale agricultural or craft goods
- Passenger Transport
- Ferry service between Montserrat and Antigua:
- Usually operates several times per week (subject to weather)
- Important for residents, commuters, and tourists
- Occasional small cruise ship visits (infrequent)
- Ferry service between Montserrat and Antigua:
- Emergency & Aid
- Used for disaster response and receiving humanitarian shipments when needed
Development Plans
- The Government of Montserrat has plans to modernize and expand the Little Bay Port:
- Improve dock infrastructure
- Add breakwaters to improve safety during rough seas
- Enhance cargo handling facilities
- Support potential for expanded tourism and maritime commerce
- The UK Government and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) have supported aspects of this development
Other Maritime Notes
- The southern port at Plymouth was buried in ash and is in the Exclusion Zone — no longer used
- Small boats and fishing vessels use other coastal landing areas, but Little Bay is the only official port of entry for ships
