Here’s a detailed overview of the seaports in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG):
Seaports of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
As an island nation, SVG relies heavily on maritime transport for trade, tourism, and inter-island travel. The country has several main ports and smaller jetties spread across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
1. Port Kingstown (Main Commercial Port)
- Location: Capital city, Kingstown, on the southwest coast of Saint Vincent
- Type: Deep-water, multi-purpose port
- Primary functions:
- Import/export of goods (containers, bulk cargo)
- Inter-island cargo & passenger transport
- Small cruise ship arrivals
- Facilities include:
- Cargo terminals
- Container storage yard
- Customs office and bonded warehouse
- Berthing for fishing boats and ferries
- Administered by the Saint Vincent Port Authority
2. Cruise Ship Berth – Kingstown Cruise Terminal
- Located adjacent to the commercial port in Kingstown.
- Handles small to mid-sized cruise ships.
- Passengers disembark near markets, shops, and heritage sites.
Note: Larger cruise ships typically use tender boats, as the port has size limitations.
3. Campden Park Industrial Port
- Located just north of Kingstown.
- Primarily used for bulk imports and industrial goods.
- Supports larger cargo operations.
- Houses the Campden Park Container Terminal.
4. Grenadines Seaports & Jetties
Used mostly for inter-island ferry traffic, tourism boats, and small-scale cargo:
| Island | Port / Jetty | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bequia | Port Elizabeth / Admiralty Bay | Ferry terminal, yachts, supplies |
| Canouan | Charlestown Jetty | Small cargo/ferry terminal |
| Union Island | Clifton Harbor Jetty | Ferry, tourism, cargo |
| Mustique | Britannia Bay Jetty | Private yachts & resort supplies |
| Mayreau | Saline Bay Jetty | Small ferries, community access |
- Popular with sailing yachts, charter boats, and inter-island ferries.
- The Grenadines are part of the Southern Caribbean yachting circuit.
Port Management
- Ports are overseen by:
- SVG Port Authority (main ports)
- Customs & Excise Department
- Ministry of Transport and Works
- Includes port security, marine services, and immigration clearance for arrivals.
Ferry & Cargo Services
- Regular ferry services connect:
- Saint Vincent ↔ Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island
- Major ferry operators:
- Bequia Express
- Admiralty Transport
- Cargo shipping lines include Tropical Shipping, Geest Line, and King Ocean (linking to the U.S., Trinidad, Barbados, etc.)
Yachting & Marinas
- SVG is a major destination for private yachts and charter vessels.
- Bequia, Canouan, and Mustique have marinas and mooring facilities.
- Part of the Eastern Caribbean yacht charter circuit.
Imports/Exports via Sea
- Imports: Fuel, vehicles, building materials, food, machinery
- Exports: Bananas (declining), root crops, bottled water, manufactured goods, tourism-related cargo
