Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands
Cayman Brac is renowned for its dramatic limestone bluff, caves, and world-class diving amid rich wildlife.
Port Overview
Cayman Brac is the second largest of the Cayman Islands, located in the western Caribbean about 145 km northeast of Grand Cayman. Measuring approximately 19 km long and 2 km wide, it is renowned for "The Bluff," a prominent limestone ridge. Strategically, Cayman Brac serves as a regional hub for maritime and air transport, supporting local trade and tourism. Its annual TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) container capacity is modest, primarily handling inter-island cargo and supplies rather than large-scale international shipping. The port’s operations are vital for the island’s connectivity and economic sustainability.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Cayman Brac’s main port facility, Creek Dock, features a single dock handling general cargo, Ro-Ro, and occasional tanker vessels. The port supports lightering operations and offers basic cargo handling, cold storage, and market facilities. Equipment is limited; there are no large container cranes or automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Operations are manual, suitable for small-scale cargo and vessel traffic, with working hours on weekdays and Saturday mornings.
Container Terminals
Cayman Brac’s container terminal features a single berth with a dock length of 200 feet and water depth ranging from 15 to 25 feet. The port is very small, handling limited container and general cargo volumes. Automation is minimal, with operations relying on fixed cranes and forklifts. The terminal is operated by the Port Authority of the Cayman Islands, with no major private operators present. Capacity is suitable for small vessels, with a maximum draft of approximately 4 meters.
Port Services
- Container handling: Limited; primarily general cargo and Ro-Ro operations.
- Cargo operations: Import and export of various cargo types, including food supplies and construction materials.
- Ship services: Water, fuel, medical assistance, pilotage for larger vessels, and basic vessel support.
- Warehousing: Basic storage facilities available for cargo.
- Customs: On-site customs and immigration clearance required for all vessels and cargo.
Global Connectivity
Cayman Brac is primarily connected by sea to Grand Cayman and Little Cayman, serving as a regional link within the Cayman Islands. The port handles mainly Ro-Ro and containerized cargo, with occasional cruise ship calls. Shipping routes from Cayman Brac primarily serve the Caribbean region, with onward connections to major markets in North America and Europe via transshipment through Grand Cayman. The port’s connectivity is regional, supporting local trade and limited international cargo movement.
Port Statistics
Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands – Key Port Statistics
- TEU Throughput: Cayman Islands total is approximately 40,800 TEU (2022); Cayman Brac handles a small fraction of this, with limited container operations.
- World Ranking: Not ranked among major global container ports.
- Number of Berths: 1 main commercial berth.
- Port Area: Compact; specific area not published, but the port is small and primarily supports local trade.
- Shipping Lines: Served by regional shipping lines connecting with Grand Cayman and select Caribbean routes.
