SCASPA moved successfully into a new branch of cargo handling in October, with the start of transshipment operations at the Basseterre Cargo Port.
The alliance, which was established with Bernuth Lines -Miami, allows Vessels to unload southern-bound cargo in a central location, i.e St.Kitts, for forwarding to other regional Ports, e.g Dominica, St.Vincent, Trinidad, and Guyana.
The partnership permits Bernuth to make shorter, more direct trips from Miami, while benefiting St.Kitts through an increase in cargo handling and other fees.
According to Operations Officer, Mr. Loui Hendrickson, the new operations have been progressing smoothly. "The process has been going well. We have positioned ourselves to handle the volume of cargo passing through at this present time. However, we see this as a venture with a lot of prospect for growth, so we will also be looking at improving our handling capacity in the future".
The alliance is one of several strategic moves planned by the Board and Management of the Authority, as the organization moves to enhance its financial sustainability.
Meanwhile, regular operations at the Basseterre Cargo Port are also experiencing an upswing. The Port recorded an increase of 11% in cargo imports for the third quarter of 2005, compared to the corresponding period last year.
Port officials have also seen an early influx of Christmas cargo, with packages from St. Maarten, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, arriving two weeks ahead of the "busy period", which typically begins in mid-December.
As customary, the Port Authority has introduced measures to handle the extended activity, including an increase in temporary staff. To reduce congestion and expedite the clearing of cargo, containers are being off-loaded off-site and at evenings. Working hours at the Transit Sheds will also be extended from mid- December.
As the busy period gets underway, the Authority also wishes to remind patrons of the steps involved in clearing Cargo, as follows: 1) Port Authority Transit Shed, Bird Rock - Identify Cargo 2) Customs Examination - Have Cargo ready for Inspection 3) Supply Office, Customs Bldg - Stamping of Documents by Customs Officer 4) Customs Longroom - Calculation of Customs Duty 5) Port Authority Clerk - Calculation of Port Dues 6 & 7) Customs & Port Authority Cashiers - Payment of Customs Duty & Port Dues 8) Customs Warehouse Office - Checking of Manifest and Approval for Cargo Release 9) Transit Shed Office - Obtain Gate Pass 10) Cargo Release and Security Check.
End of Release (Dec. 6th, 05)
