Port Authority Sets Record as Five Cargo Ships Discharge Simultaneously at St. John's

The Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority has reached a new operational milestone, successfully managing five cargo vessels discharging simultaneously at the Port of St. John's. According to Antigua News Room, officials say the achievement highlights the growing efficiency and flexibility of the country's upgraded port infrastructure.

General Manager Darwin Telemaque confirmed the record was set on June 1, made possible through close coordination among port staff, customs officials, shipping agents, and other industry stakeholders.

"Five cargo ships discharging simultaneously is a remarkable achievement and reflects the coordinated effort of our entire port community," Telemaque said.

The operation was facilitated by the strategic use of cruise ship berths at Heritage Quay during the off-season. The arrangement allowed specialized yacht carriers to dock and begin unloading immediately while container operations continued elsewhere in the port, preventing vessels from waiting at anchorage for extended periods.

The initiative grew out of discussions with Sevenstar Yacht Transport, one of the world's largest yacht shipping companies, regarding increased port calls to Antigua should greater berth flexibility be made available during periods of lower cruise activity. Previously, yacht carriers would typically wait outside the harbour for one to two days before being accommodated.

"This is one of the creative adjustments we have made to improve service delivery and maximize the use of our existing infrastructure," Telemaque said.

The Port Authority reported a record 49 yacht carrier calls in 2025, a sharp increase from the historical average of approximately 18 annually. Officials now project annual calls could rise further, reaching between 70 and 80 vessels.

Telemaque said the milestone demonstrates the tangible benefits of the port modernization program and strengthens Antigua and Barbuda's competitive position within the regional maritime sector. He credited port employees and industry stakeholders for their contributions to the achievement.

"We continue to strive, we continue to advance, and we remain committed to improving berth utilization, service quality, and operational efficiency," he said, describing the record as another step toward establishing Antigua and Barbuda as a leading maritime hub in the Caribbean.