CariPorts II is moving toward the introduction of a common environmental certification framework for Caribbean ports, with its first certifications scheduled for 2027. Technical workshops held in Kingston, Jamaica, in July 2026 marked a further step in preparing participating ports to apply the regional standards developed under the programme.
Kingston Workshops Support the Certification Process
The Kingston workshops brought together port representatives from Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Guadeloupe, alongside the Port of Miami. Hosted by Kingston Wharves Limited and organised under the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA), the sessions focused on environmental management, climate resilience and the practical requirements of the CariPorts II labelling process.
Kingston Wharves also confirmed its participation as a pioneer port, having signed an agreement to support the initiative’s environmental capacity-building and standards development.
Mark Williams, CEO of Kingston Wharves Limited, highlighted the challenges facing Caribbean ports, particularly the growing exposure to extreme weather events and the need to improve energy efficiency. His remarks placed the technical workshops within a broader effort to strengthen environmental management across the region.
Building a Common Environmental Certification Framework
Led by the Grand Port Maritime de la Guadeloupe in partnership with the Caribbean Shipping Association, CariPorts II aims to establish a shared environmental label that reflects the operational conditions and climate vulnerabilities of Caribbean ports.
The programme builds on the groundwork established during CariPorts I, shifting the focus toward the application of common assessment methods and the preparation of participating ports for certification.
Its Pioneer Ports Program combines technical workshops, exchanges between ports, expert guidance and individual support. These activities are intended to help participating authorities understand the requirements of the future label and incorporate environmental performance assessments into their operations.
Speaking during the Kingston workshops, Andre Rochester, Council Member of the Caribbean Shipping Association, emphasised the importance of developing regional solutions rather than relying solely on approaches established elsewhere.
“We are shaping our own approach grounded in island realities, regional climate challenges, and the priorities of our own port community,” Rochester said.
The initiative is co-financed through the Interreg Caribbean programme, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Its regional approach seeks to establish consistent methods of environmental assessment while recognising differences in port size, resources and operating conditions.
First CariPorts II Certifications Targeted for 2027
According to the Grand Port Maritime de la Guadeloupe’s project schedule, the second half of 2026 is dedicated to launching the labelling process, following the recruitment of pioneer ports and initial technical activities earlier in the year.
The programme anticipates sharing its first results and examples of good practice during the first half of 2027, with the first environmental certifications targeted for the second half of that year.
The Kingston workshops form part of the preparatory work supporting these milestones. They provide participating ports with opportunities to examine assessment methods, exchange operational experience and prepare for the application of the regional framework.
The planned certification system is intended to help Caribbean ports measure environmental performance using comparable criteria while addressing local climate and infrastructure challenges.
As of October 2026, the published programme establishes a timetable for the first certifications, but does not confirm that any port has already received the CariPorts II environmental label.
FAQ
What is the purpose of CariPorts II?
CariPorts II aims to establish a common environmental certification framework for Caribbean ports, supporting consistent environmental assessments, climate resilience and improved port management practices.
Which ports participated in the CariPorts II workshops in Kingston?
The July 2026 workshops included representatives from Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Guadeloupe, along with the Port of Miami.
When are the first CariPorts II certifications expected?
According to the official project schedule, the first CariPorts II environmental certifications are planned for the second half of 2027, following initial results and knowledge-sharing activities earlier that year.
Who coordinates and finances CariPorts II?
The programme is led by the Grand Port Maritime de la Guadeloupe in partnership with the Caribbean Shipping Association. It is co-financed through Interreg Caribbean with support from the European Regional Development Fund.
