Significant maritime disruptions have struck the Caribbean as powerful ocean swells continue to batter the region, forcing the complete suspension of operations at Barbados’ primary shipping hub. Since Tuesday, the Port of Bridgetown has been unable to accommodate cargo vessels due to hazardous marine conditions, creating substantial logistical delays and leaving multiple ships stranded offshore.
Barbados Port Inc. confirmed the operational standstill in an official statement released Thursday, noting that the severe swell conditions represent a regional phenomenon affecting multiple ports across the Caribbean. The situation gained public attention through viral social media footage captured from Trevor’s Way shoreline park, which visually documented the queue of commercial vessels anchored indefinitely off the coast.
The port authority reported that the deteriorating conditions have already forced operational adjustments, including one vessel that had to abort its berthing attempt on Wednesday morning when conditions within the port became unsafe for continuing operations. Currently, four cargo ships—Tropic Express, CFS Horizon, Seaboard Ocean, and Iremos—remain anchored offshore awaiting clearance. An additional vessel, Orchid Ace, was scheduled for arrival Thursday evening.
Despite having two vessel operations tentatively planned for Thursday night, port officials emphasized they would prioritize safety over schedule, committing to resume operations only when marine conditions improve to safe levels. The ongoing situation has created a domino effect on supply chains, delaying the critical discharge of imported goods and commodities at the island nation’s primary commercial gateway.