From the CSA president, Juan Carlos Croston

Working closely with others in challenging times

As I prepare this message, our collective heart goes out to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines who are suffering the effects of eruptions from the La Soufrière volcano. The Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) is keeping in close touch with our members in that country and applaud them for their heroic efforts in keeping the main ports open and operational. We also commend the cruise lines and their agents in the Eastern Caribbean for offering timely assistance to those most affected. We encourage all our members to assist in the relief efforts.

Disaster preparedness and resiliency planning have been priority areas for the CSA in our annual meetings and training programs, and recent events that include the Covid-19 pandemic, hurricanes and the current volcanic eruption are proving that our emphasis is well-placed.

Freight rates

Globally, freight rates are at an all-time high and compounds the challenges already being faced in our region. Even though global shipping is being impacted in a number of ways by higher-than-expected volumes, the Caribbean region’s shipping industry is still struggling with cruise cancellation, economic upheaval from lack of tourists and new waves of infections.

In light of all these challenges, businesses and organizations need to continue finding ways to evolve and enhance services for the new demands of clients/customers. What we have in our favor is a long history of collaboration and partnerships in our shipping industry. The CSA has facilitated and promoted a strong, wide and deep network of maritime and logistics professionals throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, and this is proving to be of immense value in this challenging period.

Read more...