Steps implemented by the Bridgetown Port Inc. (BPI) to improve its efficiency are paying off.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy, Sonia Foster, reported an improvement in the delivery of cargo at the facility.
“We are pleased to report that there has been some improvement in the delivery rate for cargo through the Port. Improving the speed of cargo passage through the port – dwell time reduction – is crucial to supply chain efficiency optimisation.
“At the end of the third week in February 2020, there was significant improvement in dwell time showing in three key port operational performance indicators. Dwell time for local imports/Less than Container Loads was reduced from three days to two days; while that for the direct delivery of containers was reduced from ten days to seven; and that for imported reefers or refrigerated containers was down from six days to five,” she said.
Delivering a speech on behalf of Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy Kirk Humphrey during the opening of a Barbados Trade Logistics Supply Chain Workshop on Thursday, PS Foster told those gathered at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre that there has also been an improvement in truck turnaround time.
“Whereas at the introduction of ASYCUDA World in September 2019, Truck Turnaround Time was registered in the range of 60-70 minutes, that time is now down to 42 minutes. The Port continues to work toward a target of 30-35 minutes,” Forde outlined.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted currently the Port is working with the Community Secretariat to conduct a comprehensive analysis of existing trade and port logistics, with the goal of improving the performance of Barbados’ logistics supply chain.
“Improving port operations and efficiency is a crucial component of BPI’s strategic plan for the 2020-2030 period and beyond,” she added.
(JMB)
