Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands (U.S.)
Christiansted is a historic waterfront town on St. Croix known for its Danish colonial architecture and vibrant harbor.
Port Overview
Christiansted is the largest town on St. Croix, the largest island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Strategically located on the northeastern coast, it served as the capital of the Danish West Indies. The town's historic significance and well-preserved architecture make it a notable cultural site. However, specific details about its annual TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) capacity are not readily available, as it is not primarily known as a major container port. Instead, it is recognized for its historic and cultural importance.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Christiansted’s main port facility is the Gallows Bay Marine Facility, featuring a 400-foot dock with a 13-foot draft for small cargo vessels, ferries, and yachts. It offers a roll-on/roll-off ramp, limited covered and open storage, and passenger amenities. Cargo handling equipment such as forklifts is available via ship agents. There are no large container terminals, ship-to-shore cranes, or automated guided vehicles (AGVs) at this port.
Container Terminals
Christiansted, St. Croix’s main container terminal is the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Port and Transshipment Center. It has two berths, each accommodating vessels up to 525 feet, with a total dock length of 1,000 feet and a maximum draft of 30 feet. The annual container handling capacity is approximately 75,000 TEU. The terminal is semi-automated, featuring modern cargo handling equipment. Major operations are overseen by the Virgin Islands Port Authority.
Port Services
- Container handling: Limited container services available for small cargo vessels and inter-island shipments.
- Cargo operations: Breakbulk, heavy equipment, vehicles, and general cargo handling; roll-on/roll-off ramp and forklifts via ship’s agent.
- Ship services: Pilotage, limited ship repairs, provisions, fuel, water, garbage disposal, and agency support.
- Warehousing: Limited covered and open storage areas for cargo.
- Customs: Full customs and immigration clearance as a designated port of entry.
Global Connectivity
Christiansted, St. Croix, is a small but strategically located seaport in the U.S. Virgin Islands, serving as a first port of entry for maritime traffic in the region. Its harbor accommodates vessels up to 500 feet, with channel depths of 11–15 feet, and offers essential port services including fuel, water, and provisions. The port primarily connects St. Croix with nearby Caribbean islands and the U.S. mainland, supporting both regional trade and limited international shipping. While not a major global hub, it plays a vital role in local logistics, tourism, and the movement of goods within the northeastern Caribbean.
Port Statistics
Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands (U.S.) – Key Port Statistics
- TEU Throughput: Less than 10,000 TEUs annually; not ranked among major U.S. container ports.
- World Ranking: Not ranked in global container port listings.
- Number of Berths: 2 main cargo berths (Wilfred ‘Bomba’ Allick Port and Gallows Bay).
- Port Area: Compact; primary facilities are Wilfred ‘Bomba’ Allick Port and Gallows Bay Terminal.
- Shipping Lines: Served by regional and feeder lines; not a direct call for major global carriers.
