Antigua and Barbuda may quickly be a part of an revolutionary, fossil fuel-free ferry community, as a Guadeloupe-led initiative assesses the feasibility of launching an environmentally pleasant inter-island transport system.
The initiative, geared toward establishing a sustainable ferry service, is a part of the INTERREG Caribbean KARULINK mission, which is funded by the European Union and executed by the Guadeloupe-based personal transport firm STEPS.
A delegation from Guadeloupe lately visited Antigua as a part of the continuing feasibility research, which started in January 2025 and is about to conclude in December 2027. The research focuses on the opportunity of connecting Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Guadeloupe by a clean-energy ferry system. The Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce is an investor within the mission.
The feasibility research entails collaboration with key native stakeholders, together with the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, the Division of Marine Providers (ADOMS), the Ministry of Tourism, and different related border safety and legislation enforcement companies. Discussions have centered on figuring out the viability of the ferry system and figuring out potential ports and harbors for the pilot part.
Darwin Telemaque, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, expressed his pleasure over the potential partnership with STEPS, notably in supporting a full-scale decarbonization of port amenities. The objective is to transition all of Antigua and Barbuda’s ports to function on renewable and non-fossil gas power sources. “The federal government is getting ready the house to facilitate this environmental transition,” Telemaque acknowledged.
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The Inexperienced Ferry Undertaking aligns with regional targets set by CARICOM and the Organisation of Japanese Caribbean States (OECS), fostering financial integration and sustainable improvement. H.E. Clarence E. Pilgrim, Everlasting Secretary throughout the Ministry of Overseas Affairs and Commerce, emphasised the significance of enhancing financial ties throughout the Caribbean area. “This mission contributes to a extra interconnected, economically vibrant area,” he stated, highlighting the emphasis on sustainable transport to cut back environmental affect whereas boosting financial development.
Pilgrim additionally famous the potential for improved transportation networks, that are important for facilitating the free motion of products, providers, and folks throughout the Caribbean. “Small island creating states (SIDS) face distinctive challenges, and strengthening transport hyperlinks is important in responding to international financial shifts,” he added.
Martin Cave, Government Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce, voiced sturdy assist for the mission, citing its potential to reinforce commerce and transportation whereas complying with Worldwide Maritime Group (IMO) laws. “This mission gives a chance for experience and information switch,” Cave stated. “It may enhance how we service buses and different transport programs, because the coaching part is a crucial a part of the research.”
The initiative additionally requires shut coordination between all stakeholders to make sure its success. Christelle Flory, guide for Axellens, emphasised the significance of working collaboratively to determine the brand new maritime route. “We’ve been transporting over three million passengers, so this group has a wealth of experience,” Flory remarked.
As a part of the broader KARULINK mission, the ferry community will leverage smaller ports throughout Guadeloupe to facilitate seamless, sustainable inter-island journey. The long-term imaginative and prescient is to develop a complete technique for opening new maritime routes which might be each environmentally pleasant and economically viable.
Upon completion of the mission, if deemed viable and worthwhile, the accountability for persevering with the ferry service will fall to the person governments of the taking part nations.
The French delegation included Gilles Lima, Chairman/Founding father of the STEP Group; Christelle Flory, Axellens Guide to the INTERREG Caribbean KARULINK Undertaking; Anais Pierre-Justin, STEP Undertaking Officer; and Christelle Trefle-Hoton, STEP Enterprise Growth Director. The subsequent cease for the delegation is Dominica, adopted by St. Kitts within the coming weeks.
