Belize's Ports: A Gateway To The Caribbean

Belize, a country in Central America, has several ports through which boats enter. The two main ports that handle import-export trade are the Port of Belize and the Port of Big Creek. The Port of Belize is the largest port in the country and is located in Belize City. It handles about 95 to 98% of the nation's imports and exports. The Port of Big Creek, on the other hand, is the second-largest port in the country and is primarily used for banana exports.

The Port of Belize handles 95-98% of the country's imports and exports

Belize has several ports through which boats can enter. The Port of Belize, located in Belize City, is the country's largest port and handles 95-98% of the country's imports and exports. It is the main seaport of Belize and handles around 45,000 TEU annually, mainly through container and container freight station operations. The port also deals with some liquid and dry cargo.

The Port of Belize is crucial to the country's economy and supply chain. In 2002, the Belizean government handed over the management of the port to Port of Belize Limited, granting them the right to operate the port and provide port services for three decades. Currently, the government and the port authority are planning to expand the port and construct a new terminal to handle bulk goods more efficiently.

The port has faced operational challenges due to congestion, with a narrow dock entrance, a small pier with sharp turns, and a wharf that can only accommodate one ship at a time. These limitations have reduced port productivity and increased costs. However, improvements have been made, including the computerization of port systems and the development of an online portal for shipping agents to track shipments and containers.

The Port of Belize is well-connected by roadways, and goods are efficiently distributed by cranes and trucks. It provides various port services, including 24-hour navigation aid, pilotage, and storage facilities. The Belize Coast Guard ensures port security, and the port is also equipped with firefighting equipment.

In addition to the Port of Belize, the country has other ports that contribute to its economy. The Port of Big Creek in southern Belize is the second-largest port and is primarily used for banana exports. The Commerce Bight Port, located near Dangriga, was previously an important deep-water port but is currently non-operational. Fort Street Tourism Village is a small tourism port that attracts many visitors annually.

The Port of Big Creek is the second-largest port in Belize

The Port of Big Creek is the only deep-water port in Belize and is well-equipped to handle various types of cargo. It has three berths alongside the mainland and boasts 4,205 meters of fully buoyed channel entrance and a turning basin, dredged to a depth of 11 meters. The port is ISPS certified and offers essential infrastructure such as docks, cranes, storage facilities, communication systems, and navigation systems.

The port is of significant importance to Belize's banana industry, serving as the main port for exports. In addition to bananas, the port also handles other agricultural products, crops, and bulk cargo. Citrus fruits, crude oil, shrimp, fertilisers, and chemicals used in agriculture are among the goods exported and imported through the port. The port is also the departure point for oil extracted from the fields of Spanish Lookout, and Belize Natural Energy has an oil storage facility onsite.

The Port of Big Creek provides a range of services, including barge services, rental services, stevedoring, pilotage, and security. It is accessible by land, air, and sea, making it a convenient hub for import and export activities. The port is committed to staying ahead of industry demands and driving the country's growth through adaptive solutions.

In August 2017, the Belizean government signed an agreement for the development of a new cruise ship docking facility in Belize City, which will enhance the country's cruise tourism industry. However, the Port of Big Creek remains a crucial component of Belize's logistics infrastructure, facilitating the import and export trade that is vital to the country's economy.

Belize's Commercial Bight Port is not operational

Belize has several ports through which boats enter the country. However, as of 2020, the Commerce Bight Port, also known as Commercial Bight Port, is not operational. This port is located about 1.5 miles south of Dangriga in the Stann Creek District of Belize.

Historically, the Commercial Bight Port played a significant role as a deep-water port in the 1900s. It was used for shipping bananas, mail, and mahogany to New Orleans and the United States. However, in 1941, the port was hit by a hurricane and underwent reconstruction. The port continued to be utilised until 2013, after which the lease with Port of Belize Limited was abrogated, and the port was closed.

The closure of the Commercial Bight Port led the citrus and oil companies that previously relied on this port to shift their operations to the Port of Big Creek for their exports. The Port of Big Creek, located in southern Belize, is now the country's second-largest port and plays a crucial role in the banana industry. It handles various agricultural products, crops, and bulk cargo.

The Port of Belize, located in Belize City, is the largest port in the country. It handles the majority of Belize's commercial imports and exports. Tourism is a significant part of Belize's economy, and the transportation of goods is facilitated by ports and ferries. Despite the closure of the Commercial Bight Port, Belize continues to efficiently manage its import and export trade through its other ports and transportation infrastructure.

The country's cruise port terminal is located at Belize's Tourism Village

Belize is a popular stop on Caribbean cruise itineraries, and its cruise port terminal is located at Belize's Tourism Village. The village has a beautiful sea view and a small village offering many fun-filled activities for tourists.

The cruise port of Belize City has a range of world-class attractions, including the Mayan archaeological sites of Xunantunich, Altun Ha, and Lamanai. The city also offers wildlife adventures in the ocean and lush tropical forests. However, these attractions are located between 33 miles and 78 miles from the cruise terminal.

At the Tourism Village, there are taxis available, but they do not use meters, so passengers must negotiate the price in advance. A popular way to travel between the city and the cruise port is by water taxi, which can be hired at the Marine Terminal. Rent-a-car offices are also available, but local roads are in poor condition.

The cruise port terminal has four terminal areas: Terminal Area 1 "REEF", Terminal Area 2 "JAGUAR", Terminal Area 3 "MAYA", and Terminal Area 4 "PIRATE". The terminal areas feature bars and eateries, tour and car rental booths, and duty-free shops.

Belize's Tourism Village is the city's main shopping area, with a variety of stores, shops, and restaurants. The village is safe and is a famous cruise port located on the southern side of Belize, known as Harvest Caye. This port allows cruise ships to dock without the need for tenders.

The village offers high-quality services and Caribbean waters for tourists to enjoy. There is a marina, a beach with canopies, a salt lagoon, and a lighthouse. The project to develop this port cost 50 million USD and was completed in 2016.

The Belize Port Authority manages the country's ports

The Belize Port Authority (BPA) is a statutory body established in 1980 that currently falls under the portfolio of the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics. The Authority is administered by a Board of Directors, with the Ports Commissioner responsible for daily administration and operations.

The BPA is responsible for regulating and implementing new ways to better serve the maritime interests of Belize. The country's ports are important elements in the overall national transportation network. The BPA offers a range of online services, including information on maritime affairs, and procedures for applying for permits and licences.

The main port, Port of Belize Ltd., is located in Belize City. It is the largest port in the country, where the majority of Belize's commercial imports and exports are processed. The port is ISPS compliant and has a designated Port Facility Security Officer.

Other ports in Belize include the Port of Big Creek, a deep-water facility in southern Belize, primarily used for banana exports, and the Commerce Bight Port, located about 1.5 miles south of Dangriga, Stann Creek District, used for citrus exports. However, as of 2020, the latter is not operational.

Belize City's cruise port terminal is located at Belize's Tourism Village. Cruise ships anchor in the bay as the waters near the coast are shallow. Passengers are tendered to the port via high-speed boats, a journey of approximately 20 minutes.

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