Port Overview

Dominica’s Port of Woodbridge Bay requires heavy reinvestment in infrastructure. The main pier, constructed in 1976, is supported over water using iron tube pilings that now show advanced rust and other damage from wear and tear, and hurricanes. It does not feature onshore cranes, and only ships with their own cranes (“geared” vessels) can call on these ports. Ship owners prefer using shore cranes over vessel cranes, since the number of containers that can be loaded and unloaded per hour is much higher using onshore cranes, and fewer crew gang members are needed. 

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 Woodbridge Bay faces several bottlenecks due to limited storage capacity and heavy handling equipment. The lack of mobile harbour cranes makes the berth productivity susceptible to wave conditions. With higher waves, the vessel move more, making loading/unloading with board cranes even more difficult.   

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.

For information on port rates and charges, please see the following links: 

Port FSA Rates

Port Charges

Berthing Specifications

General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment

Is the port equipment managed by the government or privately?  DASPA manages the assets, equipment, resources, and functions of the port.

Additional equipment

Container Facilities

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

Multipurpose Terminal

The wharf at Woodbridge Bay is multipurpose. All types of general cargo can be handled at the port as: general merchandise, electrical equipment, steel, cement, fertilizers, logs, sawn timber, containers, heavy lifts, refrigerated goods. Break Bulk Cargo - Rice, wheat, maize, coal, gypsum, clinker, fertilizer, chemical products, vegetable oils, etc. There is no equipment and facilities for Bulk Cargo.

Grain and Bulk Handling 

Break bulk cargo is discharged by using vessel cranes. DASPA conducts all loading/unloading and handling operations. There are no bulk handling equipment and facilities in Dominica. 

Main Storage Terminal 

The port of Woodbridge Bay has a storage capacity of around 1.500 TEU

Stevedoring 

DASPA conducts all loading/unloading and handling of containers and bulk break good including container storage and delivery to customers. 

Hinterland Information

Containers are loaded on trucks chassis/flatbeds by container reach stackers in order to move them out. There is a lack of side loader trucks in the island which implies a reduction of efficiency for the port.

Port Security 

The Port of Woodbridge Bay 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 nstalled. General public needs to be provided with security helmets and vest in order to enter to port facilities.