Trinidad and Tobago’s shipping industry has evolved into a dynamic and sophisticated sector, shaped by over two decades of development. Strategic investments have expanded capacity across general cargo, energy shore bases, and specialised ports, alongside equipment upgrades and automated terminal systems that boost efficiency. The industry also introduced services such as ship-to-ship operations and cold-stacking in the Gulf of Paria, enhancing safety with purpose-built pilot boats and adherence to international regulations.
Amid ongoing changes, the shipping sector’s resilience remains strong, grounded in the dedication of key stakeholders. For more than eight decades, the Shipping Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SATT) has played a pivotal role in advancing the industry’s sustainable growth and future readiness.
Sea-Time Skills Power Advancement
With over 80% of world trade carried by sea transport and an even higher proportion for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Trinidad and Tobago, shipping remains essential to national economic resilience and diversification.
Central to this sustainable advancement is the drive to build a strong knowledge base and prepare the next generation of maritime professionals. In line with this, SATT President Troy Persad underscored the sector’s potential as a source of employment for young people. “We are focusing on building awareness among youth on the career opportunities in our industry and the requisite training and certification requirements,” Persad stated.
SATT advocates for graduates of The University of Trinidad and Tobago’s maritime programmes to gain sea-time experience on their vessels, as it is a requirement for advancing in a seafaring career. “Over the past year, we have also partnered with the Customs Training School to educate 15 newly recruited customs officers on the role of shipping agents and freight forwarders in international trade,” Persad added.
Connecting Ports and Processes Digitally
Digital intervention is a key driver of industry development, notes Persad. “The implementation of terminal operating systems at the ports of Port of Spain and Point Lisas has automated several processes in the receipt, storage and delivery of cargoes,” he explained. Technological advancements have also enhanced regulatory processes at the governmental level through the implementation of a Single Electronic Window (SEW), which automates statutory permissions associated with shipping operations, resulting in timely approvals and improved port operations.
Additionally, work is underway to implement a Port Community System (PCS) under the purview of the Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism. This system will connect and interoperate with the existing SEW, the respective ports’ terminal operating systems, and the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA). SATT supports this move: “It will add significant value to integrate statutory and operational-level approvals and data sharing, which will improve the ease of doing business for our members and the wider business community.”
Forging Future-Ready Maritime Alliances
Persad praised the region’s ability to unite during challenges, such as the recent Proposed Action under the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Section 301 Investigation, which sought to impose high fees and restrictions on Chinese maritime operations. Many Caribbean shipping companies rely on Chinese-built vessels, and this move could have increased shipping and trade costs. “The Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) worked with the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) to secure targeted exemptions for Caribbean shipping interests and transhipment hubs to ensure that regional economies are not subject to collateral damage in this global trade dispute,” Persad explained.
Looking ahead, the SATT recognises that forging strong, innovative partnerships with stakeholders is essential to navigating an increasingly complex maritime landscape. “In this interconnected world, regional and international collaboration enables us to share information, expertise and learnings to improve the execution of projects and operations,” Persad shared. The association remains committed to fostering these collaborations to unlock new opportunities and build a resilient, sustainable, and competitive maritime future.
By Jeanette G. Awai
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