Port Overview 

Dominica’s Port of Portsmouth is the centre for the movement of Dominican owned vessels transporting agricultural produce mainly to the islands north of Dominica and importing small cargo from across the region.  

The Dominica Port Authority is responsible for the administration of the movement of shipping, the use and maintenance of port facilities and general supervision of the entire facilities.  

Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com 

Port Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA)

DASPA is a public authority under the Ministry of Public Works and Ports. The CEO of the port is appointed by the Minister. All decisions by the board of DASPA require approval of the Minister. After board approval, decisions must be approved by the Minister. DASPA Authority was established by Act No.8 of 2006. It is a merger of the air and sea port services. DASPA oversees the port in Portsmouth, the cruise terminal, the ferry terminal and the port terminal in Roseau. There is no private sector involvement in the port operations. 

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List  

Port Performance 

The Port of Portsmouth has a limited storage capacity and only one forklift to support the handling operations. Normally it receives break bulk, boats are off loaded by crane, forklift and man handling. Occasionally, the Port of Portsmouth receives containers (on a low scale), containers must be off loaded directly onto the truck.  

Dominica employs the Free-Alongside-System, which implies that any additional costs because of slow seaside operations are charged to consignees, not the shipping lines. The liners calling Dominica are Tropical Shipping, CMA CGM, King Ocean, and Geest Line.

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

In 2007 Dominica introduced the so-called FAS system and proceeded with workforce reforms to increase port performance. The FAS principle establishes a flat box rate per container; the shipping lines only incur charges related to ship handling, and the consignees assume all charges related to cargo handling.

Berthing Specifications

Port Handling Equipment

Is the port equipment managed by the government or privately? 

DASPA manages the assets, equipment, liabilities, resources, and functions of the port. 

Container Facilities 

There are no container facilities at Portsmouth.

Customs Guidance

The Customs and Excise Division of the Ministry of Finance is responsible for the control and the management of the customs clearance of goods. Once the declaration is assessed, the importer may pay the fees at any authorized Customs office. With the introduction of the prepayment account facility in December 2011, assessment and payment may be done simultaneously, and there may be no need to go to a Customs cashier. An examining officer then assesses the risk and assigns the goods to one of the selectivity lanes. Goods assigned to the Blue/Green Lane can be released without further check. Goods in the Yellow Lane are subject only to a documentary examination. In the Red Lane, a physical examination is executed in addition to the documentary check. The importer is notified when goods are ready for release, or if any further documents are required. There is a customs office based at the port. Customs and goods clearance normally take 48 hours. 

For more information on customs in Dominica, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information  

Terminal Information 

Port Security

The Port of Portsmouth counts with security personnel 24 hours, security cameras are being installed as they were damaged after Hurricane Maria hit the island. Perimeter fences and security cameras need to be fixed and installed. General public needs to be provided with security helmets and vest in order to enter to port facilities.