Frederiksted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands (U.S.)
Frederiksted, St. Croix is the historic "Freedom City" and main cruise port, renowned for its role in the 1848 emancipation and vibrant Danish colonial heritage.
Port Overview
Frederiksted is located on the west coast of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and serves as one of the island’s two main towns. It is home to St. Croix’s only dedicated cruise ship pier and one of its two deepwater ports, making it strategically important for tourism and maritime trade. Frederiksted is smaller than Christiansted, with a population under 1,000 in the town proper. The port’s annual TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) container capacity is modest, typically handling less than 10,000 TEUs per year, reflecting its role as a regional gateway rather than a major cargo hub.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Frederiksted, St. Croix’s main port facility is the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility, featuring a 1,526-foot deepwater pier that accommodates two large cruise ships simultaneously. The terminal provides basic passenger amenities, public restrooms, and access to ground transportation. Cargo operations are limited, with no dedicated container terminals or advanced cargo equipment like cranes or AGVs. The pier is equipped with a specialized fendering system suitable for submarines and offers potable water services.
Container Terminals
Frederiksted, St. Croix’s main container terminal is the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Port and Transshipment Center at Krause Lagoon. It has 2 berths, each accommodating vessels up to 525 feet and drafts up to 30 feet. The facility handles containerized and roll-on/roll-off cargo, with a maximum gross tonnage of 142,000 GT. Automation is minimal, and the terminal is operated by the Virgin Islands Port Authority.
Port Services
- Container handling: Limited; the port primarily serves cruise ships but can accommodate small cargo and container operations.
- Cargo operations: Basic cargo handling for general goods and supplies.
- Ship services: Berthing, pilotage, water supply, and waste disposal available for visiting vessels.
- Warehousing: Minimal on-site warehousing; most cargo is handled directly for local delivery.
- Customs: U.S. Customs and Border Protection services provided for all arriving vessels and cargo.
Global Connectivity
Frederiksted, St. Croix, is primarily a cruise port serving the U.S. Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean region. The Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility accommodates major cruise lines, connecting St. Croix to ports in the U.S. mainland, Puerto Rico, and other Caribbean islands. The port is a regular stop on Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries, facilitating passenger and limited cargo movement to key markets in North America and the Caribbean basin.
Port Statistics
Frederiksted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands (U.S.) – Key Port Statistics
- TEU Throughput: Frederiksted is primarily a cruise and general cargo port; container throughput is minimal and not ranked among major container ports globally.
- World Ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top container ports.
- Number of Berths: 2 berths at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility.
- Area: The pier is 465 meters long; port area is compact, focused on cruise and small cargo operations.
- Shipping Lines: Serves cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, and occasional general cargo carriers.
