Pointe A Pitre, Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe's vibrant economic capital and Caribbean port where Creole culture thrives.
Port Overview
Pointe A Pitre, located on Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe, is a strategic Caribbean port. It serves as a major hub for cargo and cruise ships, handling a variety of goods including sugar, bananas, and minerals. The port is well-protected and handles approximately 154,500 TEUs annually. Its strategic location supports trade with Europe and other regions. As Guadeloupe's largest town, Pointe A Pitre is a key economic center, benefiting from its sheltered harbor and favorable geographic position within the Caribbean archipelago.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s main port facilities include the Jarry Port logistics platform with nine specialized docks, including a ro-ro dock and three gantry cranes. The port features extensive dry and refrigerated warehouse space, supporting container, bulk, and general cargo operations. For cruise traffic, Pointe-à-Pitre offers three dedicated berths and two modern cruise halls. The port is equipped with state-of-the-art security systems and towing and pilotage services, but does not currently use AGVs.
Container Terminals
Pointe-à-Pitre’s main container terminal at Jarry features 9 specialized docks, including dedicated container berths, with a total quay length of about 1,200 meters. The terminal handles up to 250,000 TEU annually. It is semi-automated, equipped with 3 gantry cranes and advanced surveillance systems. Major operators include Guadeloupe Port Caraïbes, with regular services from carriers such as Marfret and CMA CGM.
Port Services
- Container handling: Modern container terminals with gantry cranes and overpanamax vessel access.
- Cargo operations: General cargo, bulk, ro-ro, and specialized docks for various goods.
- Ship services: Towing, pilotage, berthing assistance, and ISPS-compliant security.
- Warehousing: Extensive dry and refrigerated warehouse facilities, including one of the largest in the Caribbean.
- Customs: On-site customs clearance and inspection for efficient cargo processing.
Global Connectivity
Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe is a major Caribbean hub with direct maritime connections to Europe, North America, and other Caribbean islands. Key shipping lines such as CMA CGM, Marfret, and Seatrade link the port to destinations including France, the United States, and regional ports. The port primarily serves the Caribbean, European, and North American markets, supporting both import and export flows, especially for goods like bananas, sugar, and rum. Regular container, ro-ro, and cruise services ensure strong connectivity to major global trade routes.
Port Statistics
Port of Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe – Key Statistics
- TEU throughput: Approximately 154,500 TEU annually
- World ranking: 179th globally by port connectivity
- Number of berths: Multiple berths, including a dedicated container terminal at Pointe Jarry
- Port area: Classified as a large port
- Shipping lines: Regular service by major multipurpose and refrigerated container lines, especially to Europe
