Information

The Shipping Association of Barbados (SAB) expects the global recession to continue well into the year ahead.

Notwithstanding, the association is moving forward with a number of plans including an ambitious training programme.
Consensus SAB president Glyne St Hill said the consensus was that “the global recession is expected to continue to have its effect on the shipping industry and, by extension, the economy of Barbados well into 2010. Consequently, it is also expected that we may see mergers taking place and witness more slot chartering by lines as they try to cushion the effects on their bottom line in order to survive.”

He said there had been a 50 per cent decline in motor vehicle imports and a 15 per cent fall in general cargo handled at the Port of Bridgetown. As a result, the government was asking companies to do all in their power to reduce lay-offs so that families would be able to meet their commitments.

Despite the economic gloom, the SAB is actively pursuing dialogue with the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) in Jamaica and tertiary educational institutions in the country to deliver training courses. The association will also continue with its careers showcases so that Barbadians can appreciate the potential of the shipping industry and the jobs that are available to qualified people.

“We are planning to host an IMDG training course in conjunction with the CMI so that it would give [SAB] members the opportunity to upgrade their skills,” said Mr St Hill.

Agreement

Barbados Port Inc and the SAB reached an agreement with the Barbados Workers Union on a new three-year wage settlement from November 2009 to 31 May 2011. However, negotiations will continue. The SAB president said talks would continue “as we seek to improve conditions of employment for both parties”.

He said one area for discussion would be the introduction of a new period of work, applicable only during the cruise ship season when required. The new work period would be from 1900 hrs to 0200 hrs with no extension of overtime instead of the regular shift from 1600 hrs to 2300 hrs with a possible extension to 0200 hrs to complete operations. These discussions were prompted by the fact that cruise vessels normally depart Bridgetown between 1600 hrs and 1800 hrs so that there is no berthing space for cargo vessels all day while cruise ships are in port.

Reports are that the cruise season will be healthy in the year ahead with a growing number of vessels using Bridgetown as a home port. Home porting has become a growing business for Bridgetown.