THE PORTS AUTHORITY OF TURKS AND CAICOS I PROFILE
The Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands strives to provide professional, quality, and efficient maritime transportation facilities across four ports: Providenciales, Grand Turk, South Caicos, and North Caicos. Ports Director Delton Jones discussed the Authority’s developments, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
Over the past few years, the Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands (PATCI) has been redeveloping the port of Providenciales, Ports Director Delton Jones said: “The final designs have been completed and we have begun construction of phase 1 of the project. Thus far, it is about 25 percent complete and we’re making really good progress.”
The Authority employs almost 80 people across the four ports, with the majority based at the main port of Providenciales. All staff at PATCI are highly trained and dedicated to ensuring the security and safety of the ports, as well as supporting the Authority in building resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
Last year, PATCI saw a 6% growth in shipping, with vessel calls increasing from 775 to 825, plus the tonnage of imported cargo expanded by 14%. This demonstrates how the economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands is growing, which is why the
Authority has invested into port redevelopments. By upgrading port infrastructure, PATCI will be able to effectively manage services and support the growth of the Islands.
Port redevelopment
The Port of Providenciales has not been updated for several decades, making the new renovation of the port so significant.
With the Authority’s investments, the Turks and Caicos Islands should see substantial economic benefits as larger vessels will be able to berth, reducing shipping costs. Additionally, improved efficiency will reduce port operating costs, benefitting the local community.
“Phase 1 of our redevelopment project will involve the construction of a new general cargo terminal, with two berths and a RoRo ramp,” explained Mr. Jones. “The new dock will be approximately 114m `width. As well as this, the Authority is
THE PORTS AUTHORITY OF TURKS AND CAICOS I PROFILE
going to dredge two larger berthing pockets and a turning basin to improve navigational safety.”
A new multi-purpose container yard with an area of approximately 1.1 acres will also be added, including a heavy grade concrete surface to allow container stacking of up to four containers high. Terminal roads will be constructed to ensure smooth traffic flow and drainage systems will be used to mitigate environmental hazards.
In phase 2, a second 125m long, 40m wide berth will also be constructed with another RoRo ramp. New lighting facilities will be installed throughout the port to guarantee safety in all operations.
“Although a lot of the redevelopment is focused on the port of Providenciales, we are also investing in the ports of
Grand Turk, South Caicos and North Caicos,” added Mr. Jones. “This will give them the opportunity to support the economic activity of their respective islands. For example, we have been improving the facilities at South Caicos to better support thee tourism industry there.”
Three stages of progress
These developments will ensure that the ports are prepared for the future. As the islands are situated in the middle of a hurricane belt, the Authority has also been increasing the resilience of the infrastructure in response to the changing climate. To protect against storm surges and harsh weather, the Authority has raised the port at Providenciales by a meter and facilities have been made more robust. In terms of the climate, PATCI is also working to limit its
impact and incorporate energy conservation into operations.
This is part of the Authority’s three stage plan for the port’s future, with the first platform being infrastructure development. Through the renovations and improvements across all four ports, the Authority is supporting the growing activity of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Secondly, the Authority is investingin staff development,, Mr. Jones said: “What we’re trying to do is make sure that we have the right people, in the right place, at the right time. We have been training our employees, giving them the skills to deal with any challenges that may arise. By supporting our staff, we hope to see them motivated to embrace the new infrastructure improvements.”
Additionally, the Authority has been supporting community initiatives, especially in the maritime sector. Last year, PATCI sponsored a summer boat building camp on the islands. A local boat builder taught traditional boat building skills to a group of young people, passing down the islands’ knowledge for the future.
Lastly, the Authority is introducing new systems and procedures to the ports. This involves the digitalization of operations with technology such as AI. The introduction of online systems will facilitate new processes such as electronic billing, making the Authority much more efficient.
“These are the aspects of the ports that we want to bring forward and develop going forward,” continued Mr. Jones. “We want to progress the organization and make sure that all the ports, and members of the ports,
are adopting good practices in order to enhance the reputation of the Caribbean as a whole. These enhancements will show people that we are operating safe and secure ports with good environmental and social standards.
“We have already won a number of regional awards for our performance as a port over the past couple of years. We want to continue gaining this recognition.”
Connecting ports and people
As part of this initiative to secure the ports’ future, the Authority has introduced a Manager on Duty Program. PATCI has ports over four islands, so it is important to keep a sense of unity throughout the organization. The Manager on Duty Program aims to strengthen professional relationships across the ports between managers and line staff.
Within the program, managers are encouraged to visit workstations routinely and engage in conversations with staff on ideas for the improvement of the Authority and ports. This creates an environment that facilitates open communication between everyone in the Authority,
keeping all members of staff informed and involved in the ports’ operations.
“The program’s been really effective so far,” explained Mr. Jones. “Senior managers like myself have been listening to the views and opinions of the staff and we’ve learnt a lot. There’s a lot of talent within the Authority, so it’s important to involve everyone and hear all those ideas. This will ensure the longevity of the ports into the future and strengthen the Authority as a whole.”
PATCI is focused on long term projects and the future of the ports. Through this, the Authority has built up healthy relationships with contractors and suppliers. The Authority’s partners share similar values of social and environmental responsibility, which has led to many instances of repeat business.
“I love being able to build up these relationships across the industry,” continued Mr. Jones, in conclusion. “I feel like I am part of something bigger than me here and I look forward to our bright future.” n
