The Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise Division, in collaboration with the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT) with its Cargo Handling Facility The Port of Port of Spain (PPOS) and the Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Limited (PLIPDECO) hereby advises the national community and shipping stakeholders of coordinated measures that have been implemented to effectively manage vessel traffic operations at the Port of Port of Spain during the period October 22nd to October 30th, 2025.
In the interest of minimizing delays to importers and exporters, both Ports (PPOS and PLIPDECO) and Customs and Excise have been working collaboratively to facilitate the temporary optional redirection and processing of vessels and cargo at the Port of Point Lisas. This measure ensures that Shipping Lines, Agents and Shippers who choose to utilise this option would allow for customers to receive their cargo as anticipated.
Under this arrangement, the following actions are being undertaken:
- The Port of Port of Spain and PLIPDECO’s management teams have been working jointly and collaboratively to ensure seamless berthing, cargo handling and documentation processes. Be advised that the Port of Port of Spain has forwarded all relevant information to the Port of Point Lisas, and interested agents have provided their vessel details and are now included in the vessel schedule at the Port of Point Lisas.
- Customs and Excise Officers have been deployed to support additional inspection and clearance operations at both ports.
- Port of Port of Spain (PPOS) has advised the shipping agents to contact their vessel agents to indicate the availability of services at the Port of Point Lisas.
- Accommodations have been made for full export and transhipment containers that are in inventory at the Port of Port of Spain to be transferred to the Port of Point Lisas in the following manner:
- Customs and Excise has implemented measures to ensure minimal disruptions to normal customs port operations allowing for a seamless and timely transfer of containers from the Port of Port of Spain to the Port of Point Lisas.
- The Port of Point Lisas has extended its gate hours operations to accommodate all requests for service.
- This arrangement remains in effect until 30th October, 2025 to ensure that containers for export can be transferred from the Port of Port of Spain to the Port of Point Lisas efficiently and without delay.
This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to ensuring national trade resilience and operational flexibility within Trinidad and Tobago’s port network. The teams have worked closely to ensure the efficient accommodation of all vessels and to maintain the integrity of cargo flows across both ports. The agencies wish to express their appreciation to all stakeholders for their cooperation.
Continuous updates will be provided as normal operations resume at the Port of Port of Spain.
