The ministry confirmed that Don Andres will operate the route in collaboration with Gulf Shipping.

Gulf said under the arrangement, it and Don Andres would initiate a direct maritime connection, offering a swift two-day transit between T&T and the ABC Islands.

Gulf said, “This new bi-weekly service marks a crucial step in linking the region and providing faster, more efficient shipping solutions.”

The ministry also said the new route will commence on September 20, 2024. It will be a fortnightly service which will facilitate the movement of goods between T&T and the ABC islands in under two days.

Gulf Shipping, in its statement on the development, said it was proud to announce a significant expansion of its services, which furthered its commitment to enhancing regional trade and connectivity.

Emma Tom, head of Business Development at Gulf, said, “Historically this has been a two or three-week transit. By offering a direct, two-day service between Trinidad and the ABC Islands, we’re not just cutting down transit times—we’re bringing communities closer together, fostering stronger economic ties, and making it easier for businesses across these regions to thrive.”

Tom added that since the confirmation that this arrangement has gone forward, there has been significant interest within the business community about the development.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the business community, Port Authority and the Ministry of Trade, which underscores the importance of this initiative. This is a big win for exporters of produce and goods with shorter shelf lives, who will now have access to faster and more reliable shipping options. Our specialised reefer (refrigerated containers) and RoRo (roll on/roll off) capabilities ensure that we’re meeting the diverse needs of our customers and truly closing the trade gap that has existed for far too long,” said Tom.

Gulf explained this agreement resulted from over a year of on-going dicussions.

“Recognising the need for faster, more reliable shipping in the Caribbean, both parties saw mutual benefits in establishing a direct service with high demand from the business community,” the company told the Business Guardian via email.

Responding to questions, the shipping company added, “The agreement was a joint effort following a 2022 request from a trader. Identifying a market gap for direct, reliable service to the ABC islands, Gulf Shipping took proactive steps, leading to successful negotiations with Don Andres.”

Gulf said the Ministry of Trade ensured the agreement aligned with national and regional trade policies, facilitating necessary permissions. “Their involvement was crucial, with Minister Gopee-Scoon meeting Don Andres to express interest and support,” said the company.

The ministry confirmed that Don Andres will operate the route in collaboration with Gulf Shipping.

Gulf said under the arrangement, it and Don Andres would initiate a direct maritime connection, offering a swift two-day transit between T&T and the ABC Islands.

Gulf said, “This new bi-weekly service marks a crucial step in linking the region and providing faster, more efficient shipping solutions.”

The ministry also said the new route will commence on September 20, 2024. It will be a fortnightly service which will facilitate the movement of goods between T&T and the ABC islands in under two days.

Gulf Shipping, in its statement on the development, said it was proud to announce a significant expansion of its services, which furthered its commitment to enhancing regional trade and connectivity.

Emma Tom, head of Business Development at Gulf, said, “Historically this has been a two or three-week transit. By offering a direct, two-day service between Trinidad and the ABC Islands, we’re not just cutting down transit times—we’re bringing communities closer together, fostering stronger economic ties, and making it easier for businesses across these regions to thrive.”

Tom added that since the confirmation that this arrangement has gone forward, there has been significant interest within the business community about the development.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the business community, Port Authority and the Ministry of Trade, which underscores the importance of this initiative. This is a big win for exporters of produce and goods with shorter shelf lives, who will now have access to faster and more reliable shipping options. Our specialised reefer (refrigerated containers) and RoRo (roll on/roll off) capabilities ensure that we’re meeting the diverse needs of our customers and truly closing the trade gap that has existed for far too long,” said Tom.

Gulf explained this agreement resulted from over a year of on-going dicussions.

“Recognising the need for faster, more reliable shipping in the Caribbean, both parties saw mutual benefits in establishing a direct service with high demand from the business community,” the company told the Business Guardian via email.

Responding to questions, the shipping company added, “The agreement was a joint effort following a 2022 request from a trader. Identifying a market gap for direct, reliable service to the ABC islands, Gulf Shipping took proactive steps, leading to successful negotiations with Don Andres.”

Gulf said the Ministry of Trade ensured the agreement aligned with national and regional trade policies, facilitating necessary permissions. “Their involvement was crucial, with Minister Gopee-Scoon meeting Don Andres to express interest and support,” said the company.

The PSTA with Curaçao will allow for the full utilisation and expansion of existing relations, including air transportation, said the Ministry.

The Ministry further underlined that before this arrangement, T&T had already developed a good trade rapport with Curacao, but was expectant that the new shipping deal would enhance the trade potential between the islands, which had already been boosted by Caribbean Airlines’ service to Curacao.