Great Inagua, Bahamas
Great Inagua, Bahamas is renowned for its vast salt production and as home to the world’s largest West Indian flamingo colony.
Port Overview
Great Inagua is the southernmost and third largest island in the Bahamas, covering approximately 596 square miles. Located about 55 miles from Cuba, its strategic position near major shipping lanes enhances its maritime importance. The island’s only port, Matthew Town, serves as a key hub for salt exports, notably from the Morton Salt facility. While Great Inagua is not a major container port, its annual TEU capacity is modest, primarily supporting local and industrial needs rather than large-scale transshipment.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Great Inagua’s main port facilities are centered at Matthew Town, featuring a small fixed dock with around 8–10 berths for vessels up to 160–180 feet and a maximum draught of about 3 meters. The port primarily handles bulk salt exports via a jetty in Man of War Bay. There are no container terminals, heavy cranes, or automated guided vehicles (AGVs); cargo handling is basic, supporting mainly small cargo and local fishing vessels. Amenities are limited to fuel, water, electricity, and basic services.
Container Terminals
Great Inagua, Bahamas does not have a dedicated container terminal. The port primarily serves local fishing vessels and small cargo ships, with basic infrastructure and limited cargo handling capacity. There are no specialized container berths, no significant container throughput, and no advanced automation. Major international container operators are not present at this port; operations are focused on supporting local economic activities.
Port Services
- Container handling: Limited; the port primarily handles bulk salt exports rather than containerized cargo.
- Cargo operations: Focused on dry bulk cargo, especially salt exports, with basic facilities for loading and unloading.
- Ship services: Basic services available, including fuel (on request), docking, showers, toilets, and waste disposal.
- Warehousing: Minimal; storage is mainly related to the salt industry, with no large-scale general warehousing.
- Customs: Customs and immigration services are available, but located several kilometers from the dock.
Global Connectivity
Great Inagua, Bahamas, is connected through its port, which primarily serves as an export hub for salt. The island lacks a natural harbor but has a jetty for salt exports. Shipping routes are limited, focusing on regional trade rather than major international markets. Connectivity is mainly local, with some regional trade links within the Caribbean. The port accommodates small vessels, limiting its global shipping reach.
Port Statistics
Great Inagua, Bahamas – Key Port Statistics
- TEU Throughput: Extremely low; fewer than 10 containers handled per quarter, indicating annual throughput well below 100 TEU.
- World Ranking: Not ranked among major global container ports.
- Number of Berths: 1 main berth at Matthew Town.
- Port Area: Small-scale facility; precise acreage not published, but limited to basic cargo operations.
- Shipping Lines: Serviced by occasional feeder and tramp vessels; no regular major container line calls.
