ST. MAARTEN HARBOUR GROUP OF COMPANIES
CRUISE
CARGO
YACHTING
REAL ESTATE
ST. MAARTEN HARBOUR HOLDING COMPANY A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities J. Yrausquin Boulevard P.O. Box 5185 Harbour Village Suite #13A, Point Blanche St. Maarten Tel: +1 721 542 8503, 542 8504 Fax: +1 721 542 8506 Email: buzz@portofstmaarten.com www.portofstmaarten.com
VISION The St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies will be the leader in the Caribbean through quality service and operational excellence while providing a safe and secure environment for our customers. MISSION We will provide quality integrated services to our customers through continuous development & innovations in all areas of our business while maintaining the leadership role in the economic development on St. Maarten.
ST. MAARTEN PORT HANDBOOK 2012/13 is published by:
land&MARINE LAND & MARINE PUBLICATIONS LTD 1 Kings Court, Newcomen Way, Severalls Business Park, Colchester Essex, CO4 9RA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Fax: +44 (0)1206 842958 Email: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor nor of any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions.
©2012 Land & Marine Publications Ltd
1
CONTENTS
2
1
FULL SUPPORT FOR CRUISE TOURISM
3
SAILING INTO OPPORTUNITIES
4
GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
6
LOCATION ST. MAARTEN
8
HARBOUR GROUP OPENS DOOR TO OPPORTUNITIES
9
WORLD-CLASS CRUISE DESTINATION
12
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
14
CAPITAL OF DELIGHT IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
15
INNOVATIVE GREEN THINKING
16
SYMBIOTIC EXPANSION FOR CARGO HANDLING SECTOR
19
SOFTWARE PLATFORM TRANSFORMS PORT OPERATIONS
20
AMBITIOUS INVESTMENT BRINGS BIG BENEFITS
22
FULL SERVICE PREMIER YACHTING DESTINATION
24
LAGOON AUTHORITY FULFILS VITAL ROLES
26
MARKET LEADER SHARES ITS KNOW-HOW
27
REAL ESTATE GROWTH GIVEN TOP PRIORITY
28
CUSTOMER CARE FROM SHIP TO GATE
29
PORT DETAILS
31
DIRECTORY
SAILING INTO OPPORTUNITIES
W
elcome to the first edition of the St. Maarten Port Handbook. This handbook will give you a helpful summary of the main features and key advantages of our port as well as reviewing the most recent developments and looking at our future strategy.
St. Maarten is a successful cruise destination because it listens to the cruise lines and understands their business. We understand their need to be able to offer a quality land experience for their passengers; their need for a shore and land excursion revenue; and their fuel concerns. Our port facilities have been the catalyst for the improvement and development of different areas of the island. St. Maarten has to remain a dynamic, safe, healthy and disciplined country with opportunities for all. One of the projects under way to improve the road network is the causeway that is due to be completed by December 2013. The construction of this causeway will help ease traffic congestion for tours as well as for passengers traveling individually to the beaches. Plans are also under way for a Dutch Village in the port. Visitors have been missing our Dutch connection, so we decided to create a Dutch Village around a traditional windmill to get people interested in our history and cultural background. We are committed to balancing our role as an economic driver for the island with our commitment to lessening the impact of our operations on the environment. As a proactive port, the Harbour Group installed wind turbines and solar panels to cut the annual $1 million energy bill by approximately 35 per cent. The port recently also invested in golf carts that generate energy from solar panels.
MARK T. MINGO CEO, St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies
3
GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
B
old investment, combined
of 12 companies responsible for most of the
with an ambitious expansion
island’s maritime activities.
plan tailored to the needs of the shipping industry, has
transformed the Port of St. Maarten into a
FOUR PILLARS
class leader. St. Maarten is now one of the
The operations of the Harbour Group can be
world’s leading cruise destinations, while
neatly summarized as what it calls the ‘four
in the cargo sector it is rapidly becoming a
pillars’ of Cruise, Cargo, Yachting and Real
port of choice for regional transshipment.
estate.
The development of the harbor facilities is
The Group operates and has responsibility
overseen by the St. Maarten Harbour Group
for the Dr A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo
of Companies, a government-owned group
Facility at Point Blanche, the Harbour Pointe Village, the Captain Hodge Pier in Philipsburg, the fuel station at Great Bay and the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority, which is responsible for the Simpson Bay Bridge. The Group has diversified its activities into real estate ownership and port consultancy as well as owning and operating the port’s two mobile harbor cranes.
CHANGES Strictly speaking, St. Maarten is not an island; it is half of an island that is shared with the French Collectivity of St. Martin. St. Maarten/St. Martin is the smallest island in the world to have dual nationality. Covering just 37 square miles (about 96 sq km), St. Maarten forms the southern half of the island with its capital, Philipsburg, at the head of Great Bay in the south-east. In the west lies the Simpson Bay Lagoon, a haven for yachting and home to a large number of mega yachts.
4
It was one of the first ports in the region to be able to handle the new Genesis-type cruise ships, the largest in the world. It is also attracting a growing number of shipping lines looking for a transshipment sub-hub they can rely on. St. Maarten’s duty-free status has always been a marketing advantage for visitors and shippers alike. In addition, the Harbour Group wants to take things to the next level. Never Until 2010 St. Maarten was part of the
content to rest on its laurels, it is always
Netherlands Antilles, an island group that also
seeking new opportunities to deliver a wider
included Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba and
range of quality services to its partners.
Sint Eustatius, but that all changed when the territory was dissolved on the 10th of October 2010 and St. Maarten became a constituent
AHEAD
country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
In order to achieve this, the Harbour Group keeps in close contact with cruise lines,
Much of the investment and development
shipping lines and other industry players to
in St. Maarten was initiated in the wake of
keep itself informed about what they need
Hurricane Luis in 1995. This marked a turning
and when they will need it. By staying ahead
point in the island’s history as many port
of the game, the Harbour Group is always
facilities were destroyed, along with hotels,
in a good position to accommodate new
houses and industrial buildings.
vessels and new customers.
In spite of the hurricane damage, investors
In addition, environmental responsibility and
were keen to rebuild and had a clear vision
green issues are a priority for the Harbour
of what was needed. As a result, visitors
Group, with a number of innovative initiatives
have been returning to the island in ever
including wind and solar power systems
larger numbers.
within the port.
GROWTH
The Group also plays a leading role in the wider community, both in terms of
This investment, along with the cooperation
beautification of the island, which ultimately
of its partners and a good dose of optimism,
attracts more cruise ships, and in various
has enabled St. Maarten to recover to
social development programs. Putting
previously unthought-of levels.
something back is a key part of its business.
5
LOCATION ST. MAARTEN
GRAND CASE CUL-DE-SAC
LA SAVANE
RAMBAUD
ST. MARTIN
MARIGOT
TERRES BASSES
AGREMENT
CONCORDIA ST JAMES
COLOMBIER
BELLEVUE
CUPECOY MULLET POND
S I M P S O N B AY LAGOON SIMPSON BAY
ST PETERS
SOUTH REWARD CUL-DE-SAC
ST. MAARTEN
SAUNDERS
Princess Juliana International Airport
PHILIPSBURG
GREAT BAY CARIBBEAN SEA
POINTE BLANCHE AT L A N T I C O C E A N
6
TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS
AT L A N T I C O C E A N CUBA
HAITI
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
BRITISH VIRGIN IS.
ANGUILLA
ST. MAARTEN
PUERTO RICO
JAMAICA
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
ST. CROIX
ST. KITTS & NEVIS GUADELOUPE
DOMINICA CARIBBEAN SEA MARTINIQUE ST. LUCIA BARBADOS
PORT OF ST. MAARTEN
PHILIPSBURG ARUBA
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
CURACAO
GRENADA SALT POND
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Water taxi
Walte r Ni
sbeth
Road
Walter Nisbeth Road
Windjammer Berth
VENEZUELA Front Str eet
eet Front Str
Fro
COLUMBIA
Cruise Terminal
CAPTAIN HODGE WHARF
nt S tree t
St. Rose Shopping Mall
GREAT BAY
Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Pier North
Marina
GUYANA Inter-island berth CARIBBEAN SEA
Marina
Ro-ro Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Pier South
Captain David Cargo Pier
Ro-ro
DISTANCE IN MILES FROM THE MAIN CARGO HUBS TO ST. MAARTEN Port
Miles
Miami, Florida
1, 136
Colon, Panama
1,108
Freeport, Grand Bahamas
1,029
Cartagena, Colombia
867
Kingston, Jamaica
803
Caucedo, Dominican Republic
397
Port of Spain, Trinidad
455
San Juan, Puerto Rico
180
7
HARBOUR GROUP OPENS DOOR TO OPPORTUNITIES
T
he St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies (SMHG) is a dynamic and multi-faceted company that owns and
operates a range of maritime facilities
Technology, Safety & Security, Maritime, Terminal & Cargo, Commercial and Operations.
across the island including the Dr A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility.
St. Maarten Harbour Holding is one of 12 wholly government-owned companies which oversee
Its operations are focused on ‘the four pillars’
the operation and management of a wide range
of Cargo, Cruise, Yachting and Real Estate.
of maritime-related activities. SMHG is divided into finance and operational divisions.
SMHG employs 65 people in 11 departments: Accounting, Human Resources, Executive,
SMHG has maintained St. Maarten’s
Clearance, Maintenance, Information
competitive edge in the north-east Caribbean through constant research and strategic planning as well as through
GROUP STRUCTURE
partnerships and collaborations with leading KEY New Entities
Shareholder country SXM
industry players. These associations have led to dynamic growth in all sectors.
EFFICIENCY
Board of Supervisory Directors
Over the past decade the Group has invested more than $100 million into infrastructure
St. Maarten Harbour Holding NV
and equipment and the focus for the future is on investing in personnel and processes to continue to improve efficiency. Over the
St. Maarten Harbour Finance NV
St. Maarten Harbour Cruise Facilities NV
St. Maarten Harbour Operations NV
St. Maarten Port Development NV
St. Maarten Harbour Crane NV
St. Maarten Harbour Cargo Facilities NV
Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority NV
St. Maarten Ports Authority NV
Simpson Bay Causeway NV
St. Maarten Harbour Fuelling Company NV
St. Maarten Harbour Consulting NV
same time the Group has been transformed into a much more commercially orientated operation, including a refinancing package of $150 million by the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten. At the same time, the Group has a strong corporate social responsibility program. This includes investing in St. Maarten as a destination by rejuvenating parts of Philipsburg and giving priority to environmental concerns.
8
WORLD-CLASS CRUISE DESTINATION
S
t. Maarten’s status as a world-
an accident of location – although that
class cruise destination has
helps – but more the result of a systematic
gone from strength to strength
approach and good customer focus by the
thanks to its strategy of working
St. Maarten Harbour Group, which is keen to
with the cruise lines to develop the right
provide the best facilities in the industry. This
facilities at the right time.
is one of the benefits of holding long-term agreements with the major lines.
Furthermore, there is an ongoing program of investment across the island in new infrastructure, new facilities and new
FACILITIES
attractions as the island charts a course to
In 2007, with one berth already in operation
remain one of the world’s leading cruise
capable of accommodating four cruise ships
destinations.
simultaneously, the Harbour Group took the port to the next level and built a second
A milestone was reached in 2011 when 1.6
cruise pier. St. Maarten is now one of the few
million cruise passengers were received –
ports in the Caribbean capable of receiving
and even higher numbers are forecast in the
the world’s largest cruise ships. These are
years ahead. This success is not so much
the Genesis-class vessels of over 220,000 gross tons each with a capacity of more than 6,000 passengers and crew. Pier 1 is 545 metres in length and can accommodate up to four vessels simultaneously. Pier 2, with a length of 445 meters, was opened in 2009 and can accommodate two Genesis-class vessels. It also has two booths for screening passengers as this cannot be carried out on board owing to the large number of passengers. The port can now accommodate six cruise ships, with the terminal handling anything from 6,000 to more than 20,000 passengers
PASSENGER DISTRIBUTION Mode of transport Water-based tours
% 3
in a single day.
Water taxi
39
Bus tours
16
Immediately on coming ashore, passengers
Taxi
10
are welcomed into the Harbour Point Village
Walking
27
to the sound of steel pans being played. Built
Stay on ship/in port
5
9
in an architectural style reminiscent of old
of a Dutch atmosphere. To put that right, the
Philipsburg, the Village contains duty free
Harbour Group plans to develop a so-called
outlets, souvenir shops and market stalls as
Dutch Village, a new attraction to be built
well as bars and a restaurant.
next to the cruise ship piers on land reclaimed during construction of the second pier.
Harbour Point Village is also the pick-up and drop-off point for most of the tours and
While final decisions are still to be taken on
excursions. Visitors will find tour bus stands
the actual facilities, the intention is create
and a taxi rank here. There is also a regular
an area of traditional Dutch buildings such
water taxi service to Philipsburg. Friendly
as a windmill and church, perhaps alongside
harbor staff are on hand to assist visitors and
a French area, to represent the dual-nation
there is an information centre in the main
character of the island, as well as a range
building to provide advice to visitors.
of restaurants and high-end retail outlets. In addition, there will be a pool area with water features and bars. Located on a 14,000
DUTCH VILLAGE
square meter site, the proposed village would
Visitors can look forward to a totally new
represent an investment of US$ 40 million.
experience as the result of an innovative move by the Harbour Group to bring a bit of Dutch flavour back to St. Maarten. One of the
HOMEPORTING
common observations from visitors is the lack
With some of the best cruise ship facilities in the region, St. Maarten offers excellent opportunities to operators for homeporting. The island not only has a first-rate transport infrastructure, but is ideally located within the region. A modern container port is situated next to the harbour, while the recently redeveloped Princess Juliana International Airport, just 20 minutes’ drive from the seaport, can handle large airlifts involving aircraft up to 747 size.
CRUISE STATISTICS 2010-2012 MONTH
CALLS
PASSENGERS
% CHANGE
January
97
250,610
15.3%
85
217,437
20.4%
74
180,534
February
100
247,064
19.1%
89
207,486
22.0%
70
170,036
March
94
235,854
0.6%
92
234,365
21.9%
79
192,195
April
70
184,276
17.6%
58
156,647
9.0%
53
143,734
May
19
76,476
-6.0%
24
81,347
2.9%
23
79,074
June
18
77,211
5.1%
17
73,477
13.4%
22
84,889
July
17
74,707
-2.2%
18
76,375
16.8%
23
91,835
August
19
82,290
36.1%
14
60,443
26.3%
21
82,024
September
15
59,864
4.6%
15
57,210
1.3%
16
57,974
October
24
77,691
12.8%
21
68,891
11.7%
25
77,992
November
54
160,269
-12.5%
68
183,152
20.8%
60
151,672
December
95
226,903
-5.2%
95
239,329
19.3%
85
200,659
Totals
622
1,753,215
5.9%
596
1,656,159
9.5%
551
1,512,618
2012
10
CALLS
PASSENGERS
% CHANGE
2011
CALLS
PASSENGERS
2010
there are normally about 100 motor taxis at the terminal for travel into Philipsburg or further afield. With up to 20,000 passengers arriving in a single day, the Port of St. Maarten is
PASSENGER ARRIVALS 1980-2012 1980
105,000
1995
564,251
its passenger traffic. The Harbour Group has
1999
615,607
focused considerable effort on expanding
2000
868,318
the range of transport options available for
2001
867,752
passengers disembarking the ship, the key
2002
1,055,040
aim being to lessen congestion at the Harbour
2003
1,171,734
Point Village and remove any bottlenecks, so
2004
1,348,450
that waiting time is kept to a minimum.
2005
1,488,461
continually looking at ways to further segment
HIGH QUALITY
2006
1.421,645
2007
1,421,908
2008
1,345,812
The St. Maarten Harbour Group is constantly
2009
1,215,146
assessing its markets and listening to its
2010
1,512,618
2011
1,656,159
2012
1,753,215
customers with a view to providing a firstrate service. Thanks to its hassle-free and world-class facilities, the leading cruise ship operators have continued to include St. Maarten in their itineraries. Despite the island’s small size it ranks as the seventh largest in the world in terms of transiting The island has all the other amenities and
cruise passengers.
facilities required for homeporting operations, including plenty of hotel rooms and supplies,
Expanding its business, dealing with
while the port offers a range of vessel
environmental issues and introducing
services including fresh water, bunkering
innovation wherever possible are high
and garbage removal. In addition, berthing
priorities for the Harbour Group. In the future
is straightforward, with six available berths
there are also plans for a crew services area.
and an open water approach that is generally calm except in strong southerly winds.
For these and many other reasons, St. Maarten continues to rank as one of the best cruise
TRANSPORT
ports in the Caribbean and in the world.
Passengers arriving in St. Maarten have a wide range of transport options from the cruise terminal. The town of Philipsburg is a short walk from the port area, while land based taxis, water taxis and tour buses are on hand to whisk visitors away. Water taxis call at three locations on the Philipsburg waterfront: Captain Hodge Wharf, Walter Williams Jetty and Bobby’s Marina. The water taxis are operated by two private companies, and a $6 ticket gives unlimited trips for a whole day. About 40 per cent of passengers take the water taxi. In addition,
11
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
T
he extraordinary success of its
Widely marketed as ‘The Friendly Island’, St.
tourist industry is testimony
Maarten has created a culture of hospitality and
not only to the spectacular
service. Nothing is too much trouble when it
scenery of St. Maarten, but also
comes to ensuring that guests enjoy their stay.
to the determined effort by the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies and the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau to actively market
IMPORTANT
and develop its tourism potential.
Tourism development began in the 1960s and St. Maarten soon developed into one of
This effort has worked so well that St. Maarten
the region’s leading destinations. Apart from
is now one of the most successful tourist
being a very friendly and safe destination,
destinations in the Caribbean. It has built up a
St. Maarten can offer spectacular scenery,
range of attractions and activities for both long-
unique attractions, top restaurants, first-
stay tourists and short-stay cruise passengers
rate connections by air and sea, duty-free
as well as developing its infrastructure and
shopping and many casinos.
facilities to ensure that visitors can spend as much time as possible experiencing the
Tourism – in which the cruise industry plays
delights of this island paradise.
a major part – is the country’s chief revenue earner, accounting for an astonishing 87 per cent of the economy. The Princess Juliana International Airport plays a vital role in the ongoing success of the tourism industry. Upgraded in 1985 and then again in 2004, it is now the second-busiest airport in the eastern Caribbean and its stateof-the-art facilities serve as a hub for flights to the Windward Islands and the USA. Maho Beach, at the seaward end of the runway, is world famous for plane watching as aircraft make their final approach at low altitude over the beach to land just meters away.
DIVERSITY The island offers a great diversity of options for day tours and excursions for cruise passengers. Activities on both land and
12
The island’s diversity extends to its culture and cuisine. With about 130 nationalities present on the island, it has developed a unique culinary heritage that has made it the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. There are so many restaurants that one could eat in a different place every day of the year.
water account for the largest take-up from
CO-OPERATION
passengers, although the St. Maarten Tourist
A striking aspect of St. Maarten is the close
Bureau is keen promote the island’s cultural
working relationship between the various
and historical aspects, too. This will be a
authorities. The Tourist Bureau and the
focus for future development.
Harbour Group work closely with the cruise and yachting sectors to continually improve
Land-based excursions include Jeep safaris,
the visitor experience and co-operation is a
round-island bus tours and guided tours
key part of the island’s success.
on Harley-Davidson motorcycles and quad bikes. At Lotterie Farm, a 200-year-old
The shared vision is to provide customers
plantation that has been turned into a nature
with a quality tourism product that involves
reserve, the focus is on health and well-being
the community of St. Maarten and improves
with activities such as hiking and zip-lining.
their standard of living.
For nature lovers there is the Butterfly Farm, a great family attraction and the most
The challenge ahead is to improve the visitor
popular excursion for cruise passengers.
experience each time by offering something new and innovative. One of the priorities for
Unsurprisingly, water-based excursions
the future is the cruise conversion program.
are very popular. They include snorkeling,
The aim is to incentivize cruise passengers to
circumnavigations by catamaran, deepsea
return to the island for longer stays and then
fishing, jet skis, the 12 meter challenge (using
keep on bringing them back.
original America’s Cup 12 meter yachts), yacht chartering and day trips.
St. Maarten has 4,300 room nights available, consisting of hotels, villas, apartments,
Of course, many visitors come to St.
condominiums and guesthouses. The
Maarten for its world-class beaches, carefree
immediate priority is to upgrade existing
ambience and extensive duty-free shopping
facilities to cater for the growing number of
as well as its casinos and nightlife. It is also
staying guests, and then look at building a
the perfect location for an exotic wedding.
new range of boutique hotels
13
CAPITAL OF DELIGHT IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
T
he colorful and vibrant Philipsburg is the capital of St. Maarten. Located at the head of Great Bay, it is just a 15-minute
was built by the Dutch is 1631. Fort Willem
walk from the cruise terminal or five minutes
was built by the British in 1801 and lies west
by water taxi. The vast majority of visitors to
of Philipsburg.
the island will spend time there enjoying the many opportunities for shopping, eating and
A fleet of water taxis is on hand to ferry
sightseeing.
cruise ship passengers back and forth to the town. Tickets are inexpensive and allow
Founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish
purchasers to travel all day. The water taxis
captain in the Dutch navy, Philipsburg soon
arrive at the recently renovated Captain
became a busy commercial center. Just
Hodge Wharf, owned by the St. Maarten
behind the town lies the Great Salt Pond,
Harbour Company, which provides access
which from 1831 to 1949 was a major source
to the heart of Philipsburg. The water taxis
of income for the island with a lucrative salt
also call at the Walter Williams Jetty by the
production industry based there.
Sea Palace Hotel and at Bobby’s Marina on the east side of the bay. There is also a
The island’s former military importance is
neighborhood police office on the Captain
also evident in two old forts that are well-
Hodge Wharf.
known landmarks. Fort Amsterdam, on a peninsula between Great Bay and Little Bay,
ATTRACTIONS Two main streets, Front Street and Back Street, run the length of Philipsburg, with many interconnecting alleys. Most of the duty free shops are on Front Street, together with famous attractions such as the Courthouse, dating from 1793, the St. Maarten Museum, Old Street and the Guavaberry Emporium. One of Philipsburg’s biggest attractions is the relatively new Boardwalk, a 50 ft wide promenade running nearly the whole length of the waterfront. Packed with hotels, restaurants and lively bars, and within sight of the cruise terminal, it is an ideal place to relax, stroll and enjoy the local atmosphere.
14
INNOVATIVE GREEN THINKING
W
ind and solar energy are being
authority is able to reduce its energy bills by
harnessed by the St. Maarten
putting power back into the grid.
Harbour Group as it embraces new and innovative ways to
The innovative design and the decision to
exploit different sources of alternative
used vertical axis turbines were driven by
energy in its day-to-day operations.
aesthetic and spatial requirements. The six turbines are located on a man-made dyke
With its cruise and cargo operations in close
in an area with almost guaranteed wind in a
proximity, anything that can be done to reduce
channel between two hills, as well as being
carbon dioxide emissions can only lead to
away from operational areas of the port.
a better working environment and a more pleasant experience for cruise passengers. In
They also take up much less space than standard
addition cruise passengers are becoming more
windmill-type turbines and are virtually silent
environmentally aware of the impact of cruise
– an important factor when considering the
ships and tourism, so anything the port can
passenger experience in the port.
do to minimise its impact will have a positive reflection of the industry.
WIND POWER
SOLAR POWER In addition, solar panels have been installed on the roof of the cruise terminal. Also
St. Maarten is the only Caribbean port to use
connected to the national grid, they generate
wind turbines as part of its environmental
3 kW. In a sunny location such as St. Maarten,
strategy following the installation of six
the panels are proving to be efficient
4 kW vertical axis turbines in April 2012. These
providers of alternative energy, even when
are linked to the national grid and when the
it is cloudy. More panels are expected to be
wind is available to drive the turbines, the
installed in the near future. Electric golf carts, charged nightly through power points, are widely used in the port area to limit pollution. With 18 carts already in operation, there are plans to expand the fleet to 25 in 2012. These carts may be driven by solar power in the future under plans to fit them with solar panels. This means they will be able to operate largely independent of a power source, further reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
15
SYMBIOTIC EXPANSION FOR CARGO HANDLING SECTOR
E
ffective and efficient cargo
hit the island and there is a plan to extend
handling comes as standard at
the breakwater westward to further reduce
the Port of St. Maarten’s Captain
wave impact.
David Cargo Quay located at the
Dr A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility. The
There are two ro-ro berths, at the southern
terminal has expanded symbiotically with its
and northern ends, as well as an Inter-Island
customers’ needs over the years and is now a
Pier serving the local region, alongside a 444
regional sub-hub for container transshipment,
square meter warehouse.
serving a wide range of carriers as well as the all-important domestic market.
As well as handling inter-island vessels, St. Maarten serves as a transshipment hub for
The cargo sector is a vital part of the nation’s
the islands of Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Barths,
economy, not only in terms of generating
St. Kitts & Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda.
revenue, but also because most of the food and consumer goods needed by islanders are imported by sea. For this reason, it is
TRANSSHIPMENT
vitally important for the whole operation to
The main focus of the Harbour Group in the
be streamlined and well managed.
coming years will be on transshipment. This is on the increase again and is forecast to
FACILITIES
dominate cargo growth.
The Captain David Cargo Quay is 540 meters
St. Maarten offers numerous advantages
long with a depth alongside of 10.5 meters,
over its competitors. In addition to its
having been extended from 270 meters under
central geographic location, there has been
the 2007-9 expansion program. Container
considerable investment in new infrastructure,
storage areas have been expanded to 3,000 teu.
equipment, the Global Logistics System (GLS) software platform and streamlining of crane
The facility is served by two Gottwald HMK 260E mobile harbor cranes, each with a lifting capacity of 100 tonnes. These perform a range of duties in the port, not least of which is container handling. Each year the port handles about 75,000 teu and acts as a feeder port for many of the smaller islands nearby. At the southern end of the port a breakwater protects the container yard from the worst of the storms and hurricanes that occasionally
16
operations. All these improvements have helped to make St. Maarten a competitive as well as an efficient choice for shippers. The port operates on a 24/7 basis and there is easy deepwater access to the berths. Transshipment was up slightly from 2010 to 2011 and further increases are expected through 2012-14 as new lines come to realise the benefits of transshipping via St. Maarten. In addition, increased construction on the island and on neighbouring islands means increased volumes of project cargo will be shipped through St. Maarten. Domestic imports are set to improve, too, as
CARGO HANDLING STATISTICS JAN-DEC 2012
a result of increased local consumption of
CARGO TYPE
IN
goods as well as the needs of the expanding
Automobiles
2,594
stay-over and cruise tourism sector.
Heavy equipment
28
Boats
17
Last but not least, the harbor is gearing up
Cement (tonnes)
53,696
for the opening of the expanded Panama
Teu
40,141
General cargo (tonnes)
1,512
Gravel (tonnes)
25,802
Sand (tonnes)
74,866
Steel (tonnes)
113
Canal in 2014, which will place much greater emphasis on feeder ports such as St. Maarten. Talks are already under way with several major shipping lines to move their existing
OUT 257 17 9 4,539 39,666 1,358 10
transshipment services to St. Maarten. The port is undertaking studies so that, when this happens, the depth alongside the cargo
a result, cargo handling operations are now
quay can be increased to 12.0 meters.
carried out by the port’s two stevedores, St. Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring NV (SSS)
SERVICES
and St. Maarten Port Services.
The Port of St. Maarten became a landlord
A wide range of equipment is available at the
port in 2001. The aim was to give the port
quay including reachstackers, toplifters, yard
greater commercial flexibility as well to
mules, chassis, trucks as well as fork-lifts and
create and maintain a competitive edge. As
other equipment. Island-wide transportation
17
services are readily accessible using a large fleet of chassis and trucks. In addition there are many related services such as container repair, warehousing and logistics services. Cargo services have grown in parallel with the volumes handled as the port aims to meet all its customers’ needs. One of the first liner services chose to call at St. Maarten due to the port’s flexibility and the willingness to expand together. This partnership is typical of the symbiotic relationship that exists between the port and many of the lines that call. For some lines, St. Maarten is the first port of call from Europe and this situation means that it fulfills a vital role as a feeder port for inbound cargo that is destined for other local islands. The introduction of the GLS software
leaving the port to create a full picture of
allowed the whole port to be fully
port operations at all times.
automated. Containers are tracked and monitored using mobile tracking devices, and all documentation and invoicing is carried out in real-time.
Other services including water provision, bunkering, waste oil and glass recycling can all be booked through the online GLS portal.
Containers and trucks are scanned when entering and
PRODUCTIVITY One of the key elements of the port’s success is the close cooperation between the stevedores and the port management as they work towards a common goal, investing as demand dictates. The result is a high level
TRANSSHIPMENT
of customer satisfaction among the lines
TEU: 33,127 41.5%
using the port’s services.
DOMESTIC TEU: 46,680 58.5%
Following the latest changes to operations and infrastructure improvements, St. Maarten now offers some of the best productivity ratings in the region. Its GLS software has improved the speed of clearance from days to just minutes, while crane operations are achieving rates of up to a maximum of 23 moves per hour, while the average is about 18 moves per hour. All things considered, the future for
CONTAINER STATISTICS YEAR 2012
18
TOTAL TEU 79,807
St. Maarten’s cargo sector – and its transshipment business – is bright indeed. The port is seen as a facilitator of growth for the island and there is widespread optimism that this growth will continue.
SOFTWARE PLATFORM TRANSFORMS PORT OPERATIONS
T
he Port of St. Maarten
Key benefits include:
has experienced a major
• Optimized use of port resources
improvement in productivity and efficiency after introducing a
new port management software platform. In partnership with the Dutch companies IT Partner BV and Dalosy Industrial Systems (DIS), the Global Logistic System (GLS) software was implemented at the port in 2009 using a modified version of the company’s standard software package. Cruise, marina and port management modules were added to the system, which also has bridge opening and
• Faster turnaround of vessels • Shorter cargo dwell time • Enhanced services for users and customers • Access and gate control management • Real-time information for clients and port management • Improvements in productivity and efficiency • Interactive website with real-time overview of vessel schedules and activities
fuel supply components.
• Upload of electronic loading and discharge files
INFORMATION
• Online registration of cruise ship arrivals and departures
Radio Data Terminals are used to speed up information transfer to the GLS. These are rugged hand-held devices carried by terminal workers. In addition, Vehicle
• Real-time administration of vessel services • Automatic invoicing for all registered services.
Mounted Terminals are fitted to handling equipment such as reach stackers and fork-lift trucks. All data recorded on these
SECURITY
devices is immediately updated in the GLS
The software also plays a key role in
database and made available to users and
security procedures at the port. This
management.
includes monitoring of gate activities as well as monitoring of vessel and personnel
All harbor employees who use the system
movements within the port.
are fully trained and certified by IT Partner. The next phase is the introduction of GLS is used for vessel planning, container,
electronic access cards for all staff, operators
general cargo and ro-ro operations, dock
and customers of the port. This is being
master/berth planning, cruise services
rolled out across the port in 2012 and 2013,
and marina services as well as billing and
while additional integration with the Human
invoicing.
Resources department is also being considered.
19
AMBITIOUS INVESTMENT BRINGS BIG BENEFITS
A
fter a period of considerable
A feasibility study indicated that the causeway
investment in new facilities and
was necessary: to create an alternative route
infrastructure, the St. Maarten
to the existing Simpson Bay Bridge, known
Harbour Group of Companies is
for its maintenance and reliability issues; to
reaping the benefits of a carefully planned
improve accessibility to the Simpson Bay area
strategy as well as looking to the future with
and alleviate traffic congestion; and to reduce
confidence and new projects.
noise and air pollution.
Investment in the harbor has been shaped by the demands of the shipping lines.
PORT EXPANSION
The Harbour Group has responded by
The majority of the investment was in the
considering their needs and working closely
cruise industry, the port’s leading business
with them. For example, the Group partnered
sector. A second cruise pier was completed
with two of its major cruise ship customers
in 2009 to allow the port to receive the new
to develop the second cruise pier. Working
Genesis-type cruise ships, the largest now in
with its customers has always been a key
operation. The new pier is 445 meters long
element in St. Maarten’s commercial strategy.
and 21 meters wide and can accommodate two vessels at a time.
INVESTMENTS
An area of 17,650 square meters of reclaimed
From 2007 to 2012 there was an extraordinary
land next to the new pier is earmarked
level of investment in harbor facilities at St.
for development into a cruise village.
Maarten. These include a second cruise pier,
Construction of the so-called Dutch Village is
expansion of the cargo quay, land reclamation
due to start in 2012. The Windjammer berths
for a cruise village, additional storage areas for
alongside this land are also being used for
cargo, the setting up of a crane company, a
giga yachts and for the port’s refueling
new inter-island cargo facility, two Windjammer
operations, which began in 2011.
berths for mega yachts and the development of new port software.
St. Maarten’s cargo handling facilities have grown with the shipping lines calling at the
20
In addition, there has been widespread
island and it was a natural progression to
investment elsewhere on the island, especially
expand the existing quay. The Captain David
at Simpson Bay Lagoon, where new security
Cargo Quay was extended from 270 to 540
cameras have been installed. The beautification of
meters in 2009 and protection from the sea
Philipsburg has been another key project for the
was achieved with a new breakwater at the
Harbour Group and perhaps more importantly, a
southern end of the quay. There are also ro-
new causeway is being constructed to link the
ro berths at both the northern and southern
airport road with Port de Plaisance.
ends of the quay.
In addition, an Inter-Island Cargo Pier was completed in 2010 at the northern end of the port, alongside 444 square meters of warehousing. By separating the facility from container operations, it is hoped to encourage safer and more efficient operations by the inter-island vessels. Although the St. Maarten Port Authority is principally a landlord authority, it also
erected, an LPG station is being evaluated, a
took the decision in 2010 to invest in two
further fuelling berth will be built on Cruise
Gottwald 100 tonne capacity harbor cranes
Pier 2, and the breakwater will be extended.
and to offer their services to the stevedoring companies under the banner of the St. Maarten Harbour Crane Company. One crane
CAUSEWAY
was purchased from the local company St.
Investment is not limited to the harbor.
Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring NV and the
Construction of a 760 meter causeway to
other was imported. The rationale behind
connect Airport Boulevard to Cole Bay in the
this move was immediately obvious as port
vicinity of Port de Plaisance is under way for
efficiency ratings improved dramatically.
completion in 2013. (See artist’s impression, above left.) The idea of the causeway was
Another important and major investment
first considered in 2001 and the landmark
was in port management software. All vessel
project is finally being realized. The principal
scheduling and cargo handling activities are
aim is to ease congestion in the area as the
now fully automated through the port’s own
causeway will provide an alternative route to
Global Logistics System software, which
the Simpson Bay Bridge. The work is being
uses hand-held scanners, automatic gate
undertaken by the Dutch company Volker
control and recognition systems to upload
Construction BV on behalf of the Simpson
information for immediate release and
Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation (SLAC).
invoicing of cargo.
It will include two traffic lanes, walkways on both sides and protective barriers.
For the future, further dredging is planned, the cargo areas will be repaved with
Located almost along the Dutch-French
concrete, the cement bagging facility may
border, the causeway will include a state-of-
be brought back into action, water storage
the-art turning center section bridge. This
areas for cruise ships will be expanded, there
will allow yachts to pass in both directions
will be a helipad to serve the gig-yachts, a
when open. When closed it will have an
new port authority control building will be
overhead clearance of 6.0 meters.
21
FULL SERVICE PREMIER YACHTING DESTINATION
S
t. Maarten has developed into
Corporation (SLAC) has plans to further
one of the Caribbean’s premier
market and expand this sector. The SLAC
yachting destinations, hosting
is a subsidiary of the St. Maarten Harbour
some of the most exclusive and
Group of Companies with responsibility
luxurious vessels in the world as well as
for the lagoon and the John Sainsborough
having a thriving long-term and stopover
Lejuez Bridge, which spans the only channel
cruising sector.
in Dutch St. Maarten between the lagoon and the sea.
The main facilities for yachts are in Simpson Bay Lagoon, in the west of the island.
There is a packed sailing program all year
The national frontier passes through the
round organized by the Sint Maarten Yacht
lagoon, which has both Dutch and French
Club, the principal event being the St.
sides. The Dutch side includes most of the
Maarten Heineken Regatta, which brings
major marinas and a wide range of service
together yachts of all sizes from across the
companies and suppliers.
region for a week of competitive racing.
Yachting is regarded as a major growth area and the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority
MARINAS The island is well equipped with over 10 marinas, provisioning stores, sailmakers, boatbuilders and chandleries. In fact, just about anything a yacht could require is available in St. Maarten. Haul-out services are available at various locations with three travel lifts from 75 to 150 ton capacity. Marinas within the lagoon: • Island Water World – a 56 slip marina with a 30 ton haul-out facility and an outboard maintenance facility. • Palapa Marina – 22 slips for mega yachts up to 250 ft. • Porto Cupecoy Yacht Club – a protected 54 slip marina that can accommodate everything up to a 90 meter mega yacht.
22
Yachts up to a maximum beam of 56 ft (17 meters) and a maximum draft of 17.0 ft (5.0 meters) can enter the Simpson Bay Lagoon through the John Sainsborough Lejuez Bridge. • Lagoon Marina – up to 30 yachts can be accommodated with a depth of 9.0 ft.
GIGA YACHTS Giga yachts and vessels too large to enter
• Gateway Marina – situated next to
the lagoon can be catered for elsewhere,
the airport and being developed into
including at designated Windjammer
an exclusive condo/hotel and casino
berths beside at the cruise facility in Great
complex. The marina has six berths for
Bay, or can berth alongside the cruise pier
mega yachts of up to 15.0 ft draft.
depending on the cruise ship schedule.
• Simpson Bay Marina – a large-scale,
Fueling services are also available to giga
phased resort development with 120 slips
yachts in Great Bay. The Port of St. Maarten
for vessels up to 180 ft with 15.0 ft draft.
has worked in partnership with the fuel supplier Sol to install a fueling station at
• Isle de Sol – exclusively for mega yachts
the Windjammer berth. The Harbour Group
with a gated entrance and private bridge
subsidiary St. Maarten Harbour Fuelling
near the Simpson Bay Bridge leading to
Company NV operates this facility and
45 slips for yachts from 80 ft to 360 ft.
handles all the refueling operations.
• Port de Plaisance – versatile marina with over 90 slips for vessels up to 250 ft with
FUEL STATION
drafts to 16.0 ft.
The fuel station, which opened in 2011, was set up specifically to handle giga yachts
• Bobby’s Marina – 18 slips in Simpson
unable to enter the Simpson Bay Lagoon
Bay Lagoon and a further 60 berths at
owing to depth restrictions. The facility has
Philipsburg with an 88 ton travel lift.
three 20,000 litre tanks for storage of fuel for delivery at the berths. Larger volumes
Elsewhere in St. Maarten, Dock Maarten in
can be delivered by road tanker.
Great Bay, the closest marina to the cruise terminal, can accommodate 40 vessels of
The fuel station is already proving so
up to 120 ft in length, while Captain Oliver’s
successful that an upgrade is planned in
Marina offers 150 berths in Oyster Pond on
the near future. In 2011 the port delivered 5
the east side of the island, which straddles
million litres of fuel to mega yachts and
the French/Dutch border.
giga yachts.
23
LAGOON AUTHORITY FULFILS VITAL ROLES
T
he Simpson Bay Lagoon is a vast
Authority Corporation (SLAC), established in
enclosed area of relatively shallow
2002. Since 2010 it has been a wholly owned
water on the western side of St.
subsidiary of the St. Maarten Harbour Group
Maarten, with a narrow strip of
of Companies.
land separating it from the sea on three sides. It straddles the border between Dutch St.
As well as managing, developing and
Maarten and French St. Martin and is a haven
controlling Simpson Bay, the Simpson Bay
for yachts and mega yachts from across the
Lagoon and the John Sainsborough Lejeuz
region. On the St. Maarten side there is one
Bridge – better known as the Simpson Bay
lifting bridge to allow vessels out into Simpson
Bridge – SLAC also strives to enhance and
Bay and the open sea.
improve the environment of Simpson Bay and the lagoon.
The responsibility for managing this stretch of water, as well as the operation of the bridge, lies with the Simpson Bay Lagoon
ENJOYABLE SLAC takes a lead in encouraging visitors and vessels to comply with local rules and regulations and to keep the lagoon and its facilities safe and free of pollution. Its aim is to ensure that St. Maarten is one of the best, pleasantest and most enjoyable yachting destinations in the eastern Caribbean. SLAC is also a driving force in the development of economically and environmentally sustainable and durable yachting tourism in St. Maarten.
LAGOON Within the lagoon, SLAC collects mooring fees from yachts and is involved in day-today maintenance of the lagoon, with input into issues such as dredging and navigation systems. SLAC works in conjunction with the St. Maarten police force and the coastguard to
24
ensure that everyone using the lagoon and bay is able to do so in safety. The maritime police force is a department of the St. Maarten police force. Both the coastguard station and the police station are located next to the Simpson Bay Bridge.
BRIDGE The John Sainsborough Lejeuz Bridge is on Welfare Road, which links the main part of St. Maarten and its capital, Philipsburg, with Princess Juliana International Airport and the
in a joint venture with the airport and the
west of the island.
Ministry of Justice. The results of introducing cameras were almost immediate, with illegal
The bridge is opened three times a day for
activities being reduced significantly.
outbound traffic at 09.00, 11.00 and 16.30 and for inbound traffic at 09.30, 11.30 and 17.30. A nominal transit fee is charged to
DEPTH
each vessel for all scheduled openings, but
The current bridge was constructed in 1986
at other times openings can be requested
and completely renovated and widened in
in advance on payment of a fixed fee. Small
2008. However, a study has shown that a
vessels with a clearance of less than 8.6 ft
replacement bridge will be needed around
can transit the bridge free of charge when it
2017 as the current structure reaches the
is closed.
end of its useful life. A number of options are being considered.
SECURITY
The size of vessels visiting the area has
As part of tighter security measures across
increased and many are unable to enter the
the island, six infrared Bosch cameras were
lagoon owing to the 17.0 ft draft restriction
installed on the bridge in early 2012. These
in the bridge channel, even though some
are used to monitor road traffic over the
areas of the lagoon have been dredged to
bridge as well as shipping traffic entering
more than 17.0 ft. In fact, some marinas offer
and exiting the lagoon. Footage can be
depths of up to 20.0 ft. However, while the
monitored in the bridge’s control room, at
bridge channel can easily be made wider
the port command center and online. The
with a new bridge in place, increasing the
installation is seen as a first phase of camera
depth would be more problematic because
installations at key points across the island
of underlying cables.
25
MARKET LEADER SHARES ITS KNOW-HOW
I
n the course of its successful development, growth and expansion, the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies
From the beginning of the project, a long-
has created a wide knowledge base and
term partnership was planned between St.
operational expertise that has been widely
Maarten Harbour Group and the Dutch-
sought after by the port’s competitors and
based software development firm IT Partner.
other entities.
This was finally formalized in 2011 after the software was deployed in the Port of St.
In 2011 the St. Maarten Harbour Consultancy
Maarten. Under the joint agreement, both
Company was established as a revenue
companies can provide port consultancy in
generator for the group to disseminate its
the Caribbean area and sell the software to
knowledge and expertise.
third parties.
In the past, competitors have looked to the
Other areas of the Harbour Group’s business
harbor as a role model for operations at their
will also be offered by the consultancy
own ports, while some consultants have
company including its fuelling operations
also gathered information on St. Maarten’s
and terminal management.
operations only to sell this knowledge to third parties.
The Harbour Group is also looking to outsource the skills of St. Maarten’s highly
The initial ‘product’ offered by the
trained crane mechanics to other regional
consultancy company is the Global Logistics
ports with similar equipment.
Systems software platform, which has been developed and implemented at the cargo
In addition, the Harbour Group is seeking
handling facility in St. Maarten.
to co-develop other ports in the immediate region, such as those at Saba and St. Eustatius. Strong links with these Dutch islands are already established.
KNOW-HOW With so much know-how built up over many years, the St. Maarten Harbour Group is an industry leader across many sectors. It is now benefiting from this collective expertise through its consultancy company, as much as are those who are receiving its services.
26
REAL ESTATE GROWTH GIVEN TOP PRIORITY
I
n addition to its cruise, cargo and yachting activities, the St. Maarten Harbour Group owns and manages a wide range of
commercial real estate across the island. The revenue generated from these leased properties accounts for just three per cent of the Group’s annual revenue, but the objective is to increase this to 10 to 15 per cent by 2017. access point for passengers using the water The first development was the Harbour
taxi service between the cruise terminal
Pointe Village alongside the Dr A.C. Wathey
at Philipsburg. It contains stores and retail
Cruise & Cargo Facility. Containing a
outlets where passengers can browse on
shopping arcade with an old Caribbean-style
arrival or while waiting for the return crossing.
charm, it is home to a range of replica Creole houses and quaint market stalls and is the first stop for most cruise passengers arriving
OPPORTUNITIES
in St. Maarten.
The wharf recently underwent a US$ 2.5 million refurbishment and is able to handle
Across the bay from the cruise piers is the
1,800 passengers an hour.
Group-owned Captain Hodge Wharf, which also generates income for the Harbour
Recent developments at the cruise and
Group. The wharf is located just in front of
cargo facilities have meant that space is at
the popular Wathey Square and is the main
a premium, so the Harbour Group is always looking for new opportunities to acquire and control real estate around the harbour. Its real estate business is handled by St. Maarten Port Development NV, a member of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies.
INNOVATIVE An area of 14,000 square meters of reclaimed land next to the cruise piers is scheduled for development into a socalled Dutch Village, a new and innovative attraction for cruise passengers.
27
CUSTOMER CARE FROM SHIP TO GATE
R
enowned for its good customer relations, the St. Maarten Harbour Group is focused on ensuring smooth and efficient
operations across all its activities. The group believes that the key to this objective is a top quality operation performed by well trained staff. It wants to see this quality reflected in cargo handling, vessel services and the passenger experience.
to enhance port security. Improvements in the near future will also include a new port
SECURITY Security is a vital part of the harbor’s day-to-
authority control building, new security entrance and a modernized security department.
day operations because of the large numbers of passengers arriving and departing on
In addition, security passes are being
most days as well as the many transshipment
introduced for all port tenants, staff,
containers being handled.
stevedores, contractors and agents. All persons and vehicles entering and leaving
While the Global Logistics System (GLS) is
the port will be screened and registered as
revolutionizing the secure handling of cargo
part of the GLS platform.
in the port, many other security measures are already in place.
COMPLIANT The Port of St. Maarten has been ISPS
TRAINING Measures to improve efficiency include onthe-job training for all staff together with team-building exercises.
compliant since 2007. There are regular port inspections by the US Coast Guard, while
In 2011 harbor staff were given essential
the Netherlands Coastguard has a base in
training in the new GLS software platform,
Simpson Bay and operates patrols in Great
while others have been travelling abroad to
Bay and the port area. The Customs and
receive special instruction relating to ISPS and
Immigration departments are both located in
Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) duties.
the port, so that goods and passengers can be cleared with a minimum of hassle.
In addition, and in partnership with Global Port Training in the Netherlands, staff from other
28
The port area is fenced and well lit, while
ports are sent to St. Maarten to learn how to
surveillance cameras have been installed
operate the port’s two mobile harbor cranes.
PORT DETAILS AUTHORITY St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities J. Yrausquin Boulevard PO Box 5185 Harbour Village Suite #13A, Point Blanche
Cruise Pier 2: 445 meters (1,460 ft) long,
St. Maarten
12.0 meters (39.5 ft) depth alongside.
Tel: + 1 721 542 8503, 542 8504
Windjammer berths:
Fax: + 1 721 542 8506
Windjammer West: 65 meters (213 ft) long,
Email: buzz@portofstmaarten.com
6.5 meters (21.5 ft) depth.
www.portofstmaarten.com
APPROACH
Windjammer North: 100 meters (328 ft) long, 6.5 meters (21.5 ft) depth.
Deepwater approach to all terminals. Only hazard on approach is the Proselyte Reef.
ACCOMMODATION Captain David Cargo Quay: 500 meters (1,642 ft) long with 10.5 meters (34.5 ft)
There is a fueling station for mega yachts near the windjammer berths. Water taxi berth: 5 berths
draught alongside. In the future, the draft
AIRPORT
will be increased to 11.5 meters (39.5 ft) to
Princess Juliana International Airport is
accommodate the FLV vessels.
about 20 minutes from the seaport area with connections to Europe and the USA as well
Inter-Island Cargo Facility: Berthing space for inter-island vessels of 100 meters (328 ft) length.
as regional services.
ANCHORAGE Good anchorage can be found in 12.19 meters
Ro-Ro (North) Berth 1: 12 meters length, with 10.5 meters (34.5 ft) depth. Ro-Ro (South) Berth 2: 12 meters length, with 10.5 meters (34.5 ft) depth.
(40 ft) of water in Great Bay.
BUNKERS Available from port authority.
CRANES
Cruise Pier 1: 545 meters (1,790 ft) long,
St. Maarten Harbour Crane Company owns
691 meters (2,270 ft) including dolphin, 12.0
and operates two 100 tonne Gottwald harbor
meters (39.5 ft) depth alongside.
cranes.
29
EMERGENCY
RADIO INFORMATION
911
VHF Channel 12.
HANDLING EQUIPMENT
RO-RO FACILITIES
Two Gottwald 100 tonne capacity harbor
Ro-ro berths are available at the north and
cranes owned and operated by St. Maarten
south ends of the main cargo quay.
Harbour Crane Company
STORAGE
St. Maarten Ports Authority works in
There is a container yard with a capacity of
partnership with two main stevedoring
3,000 teu and 30 reefer plugs
companies, which operate a range of handling equipment at the port.
HOSPITAL The St. Maarten Medical Centre is 10 minutes from the port. Hospital and medical facilities available in Philipsburg.
LARGEST VESSEL The cruise piers can accommodate vessels of up to 220,000 gt.
STEVEDORING Stevedoring is available in the port. This service has been outsourced to two private companies
TIDES Negligible tide in St. Maarten: maximum of 1 ft.
TOWAGE Towage is available in the port. This service
The cargo quay can accommodate vessels of up to 10,000 to 12,000 gt.
PILOTAGE
has been outsourced to a private company.
TRANSPORT Overland transport is provided by both
Pilotage is compulsory through the St.
stevedoring companies using a large fleet of
Maarten Port Authority. Vessels should await
trucks and chassis.
pilot at a maximum distance of half a mile from Point Blanche-Fort Amsterdam.
WASTE Waste oil and black water removal and glass recycling services are available.
WATER Fresh water is available.
WEATHER Tropical.
WORKING HOURS The port operates on a 24/7 basis.
30
DIRECTORY For more information contact:
IT DEPARTMENT
THE COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT
A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities
Email: buzz@portofstmaarten.com
Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche
Tel: +1 721 542 8503, 8504
St. Maarten
Fax: +1 721 542 5048
Tel: +1 721 542 8503/8504, ext 222 Fax: +1 721 542 8506
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mr. Mark Mingo
SAFETY & SECURITY DEPARTMENT
A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities
A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities
Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche
Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche
St. Maarten
St. Maarten
Tel: + 1 721 542 8503
Tel: +1 721 542 2307/542-2348, ext 235
Fax: +1 721 542 8506
Fax: +1 721 542 1141
Email: mark_mingo@portofstmaarten.com
MARITIME DEPARTMENT CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER
SMPA - St. Maarten Ports Authority NV
A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities
A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities
Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche
Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche
St. Maarten
St. Maarten
Tel: +1 721 542 8503
Tel: +1 721 542 2307/542 2348, ext 223
Fax: +1 721 542 8506
Fax: +1 721 542 3271
HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT
TERMINAL & CARGO DEPARTMENT
A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities
SMPA - St. Maarten Ports Authority NV
Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche
SMHC - St. Maarten Harbour Crane Company NV
St. Maarten
A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities
Tel: +1 721 542 8504, ext 300
Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche
Fax: +1 721 542 5048
St. Maarten Tel: +1 721 542 2307/2348, ext 224
MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT
Fax: +1 721 542 3271
A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities St. Maarten
SIMPSON BAY LAGOON AUTHORITY CORPORATION (SLAC)
Tel: +1 721 542 8504, ext 240
Email: info@sxmlagoonauthority.com
Fax: +1 721 542 5048
VHF Channel 12
Suite 13A, Pointe Blanche
31
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ST. MAARTEN HARBOUR HOLDING COMPANY ST. MAARTEN HARBOUR HOLDING COMPANY A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities, J. Yrausquin Boulevard A.C. Wathey & Cargo Facilities, J. Yrausquin Boulevard P.O. Box 5185,Cruise Harbour Village Suite #13A, Point Blanche P.O. Box 5185, Harbour Village Suite #13A, Point Blanche St. Maarten St. Maarten
Tel: +721 542 8504, 542 8503 TEL: +1 721 542 8503, 542 8504 Fax: +721 542 8506 FAX: 721 542 8506 Email:+1buzz@portofstmaarten.com EMAIL: buzz@portofstmaarten.com www.portofstmaarten.com www.portofstmaarten.com