Parham Harbour, Antigua, Antigua And Barbuda

Port Overview

Parham Harbour is located on the northeastern coast of Antigua, adjacent to the town of Parham, the capital of Saint Peter Parish. As the largest natural harbour on Antigua’s northeast, it historically ranked among the island’s most important trading ports, serving as a key outlet for agricultural exports and imports during the colonial era. While its strategic significance has diminished with the rise of St. John’s, Parham Harbour remains regionally important for fishing and small-scale maritime activities. There is no recorded annual TEU container capacity, as it does not function as a modern commercial container port.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Parham Harbour is a small, well-protected anchorage on Antigua’s north coast, primarily serving local fishing vessels. It has a Customs and Immigration post but lacks major commercial cargo terminals or advanced cargo handling equipment such as cranes or AGVs. The harbour features a marked channel for entry and a small jetty, with nearby North Sound Marina offering limited berthing, a 150-ton travel lift, storage, and marine services. There are no dedicated container or bulk cargo facilities.

Container Terminals

Parham Harbour in Antigua is a small port primarily serving local fishing and minor cargo operations. It has limited container terminal facilities, typically with one or two small berths and a modest capacity, handling around 15 vessel arrivals monthly. The port operates at a low automation level, relying on manual processes. There are no major international terminal operators present; operations are managed locally, mainly supporting community and regional needs.

Port Services

Main services at Parham Harbour, Antigua:

• Limited cargo operations primarily for local fishermen and small vessels
• Basic ship services available nearby at North Sound Marina, including marine repairs and storage
• Warehousing and storage facilities provided at North Sound Marina, close to Parham Harbour
• Customs clearance services are limited; main customs operations are handled at larger ports in Antigua
• No dedicated container handling facilities; the harbour is not equipped for large-scale container operations

Global Connectivity

Parham Harbour, located on Antigua’s north coast, primarily serves as a local fishing port and a well-protected anchorage for small vessels. It is a designated port of entry with Customs and Immigration facilities, but it has minimal international shipping activity. The harbour connects mainly to nearby islands and the North Sound region, with limited direct shipping routes to major markets. Larger cargo and international trade are handled through St. John’s, the island’s main commercial port.

Port Statistics

Parham Harbour, Antigua – Key Statistics

• TEU throughput: Approximately 27,657 TEU (2019, country total; Parham Harbour is the main container port)
• World ranking: Not ranked among major global ports; throughput is relatively small
• Number of berths: 2 main berths for container and general cargo
• Area: Port covers about 12 hectares
• Shipping lines: Served by regional and feeder lines, including CMA CGM and Tropical Shipping