Arawak Cay, Bahamas

Port Overview

Arawak Cay is a 100-acre man-made island located just west of downtown Nassau, Bahamas. It is home to the Nassau Container Port, the country’s primary cargo gateway, making it strategically vital for national imports and exports. As the largest container port in the Bahamas, Arawak Cay handles approximately 100,000 TEU annually, supporting both local commerce and regional transshipment. Its proximity to major shipping lanes and the capital city enhances its importance in Bahamian maritime logistics.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Arawak Cay, Bahamas, hosts the Nassau Container Port, featuring three main terminals: a 32-acre container terminal, a 9.6-acre breakbulk terminal, and a 7.3-acre bulk terminal. Facilities include three container vessel berths, 2,468 feet of bulkhead, 60 reefer points, and a 25,000 sq. ft. warehouse. Equipment includes three Liebherr cranes, three mobile cranes, two container cranes, and five reach stackers. The port does not currently use AGVs.

Container Terminals

Arawak Cay’s Nassau Container Port features three container berths totaling over 1,168 feet, with a terminal area of 32 acres and a draft of 28 feet. Annual container capacity is approximately 100,000 TEU. The port uses modern management systems and semi-automated operations, including three Liebherr cranes and advanced tracking. Major operators include Arawak Stevedoring Limited, Tropical Shipping, MSC, and Betty K Agencies.

Port Services

• Container handling: Modern facilities for container loading, unloading, and storage.
• Cargo operations: Bulk, break bulk, and general cargo services, including project cargo.
• Ship services: Vessel berthing, inspection, and support for shipping lines.
• Warehousing: Onsite storage and deconsolidation facilities for various cargo types.
• Customs: Onsite Bahamas Customs office for entry processing, inspections, and documentation.

Global Connectivity

Arawak Cay Port in the Bahamas serves as the primary commercial shipping hub for New Providence and acts as a key gateway for distributing goods to the Family Islands. It connects with major regional and international ports, handling container, bulk, and breakbulk cargo. The port is served by leading ocean carriers such as MSC, Tropical Shipping, and Hoegh Autoliners, with regular shipping routes to the United States, the Caribbean, and global markets.

Port Statistics

Arawak Cay, Bahamas – Key Port Statistics

• TEU Throughput: Approximately 136,000 TEUs annually
• World Ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top container ports
• Number of Berths: 2 main container berths (800 ft and 600 ft)
• Area: 32 acres (container terminal), 7 acres (bulk terminal), 10 acres (break bulk terminal)
• Shipping Lines: MSC, Tropical Shipping, Betty K Agencies, Mailboat Company, Bahamas Ferries, Abaco Shipping, RORO Company

Arawak Cay serves as Nassau’s primary commercial port, handling most containerized and bulk cargo for New Providence and the Family Islands.