Advancing Caribbean Port Futures: Insights from the 25th PMAC AGM in Curaçao
The 25th Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC) Annual General Meeting and Conference, held in the vibrant port city of Willemstad, Curaçao, brought together more than 250 delegates from across the region. Under the guiding theme “Caribbean Port Infrastructural Modernization, Technological Innovation, Humanization, and Environmental Stewardship,” this year’s AGM underscored the region’s commitment to building smarter, greener, and more inclusive ports.
A Strong Opening for Strategic Dialogue
The Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC), officially established in Antigua in 1998 as the successor to the Port Management Association of the Eastern Caribbean (PMAEC), founded in 1988, commenced its latest meeting on an uplifting and forward-looking note. Chairman Mr. Darwin Telemaque and Mr. Humberto de Castro, Managing Director of the Curaçao Ports Authority, opened the session with heartfelt remarks celebrating the organisation’s achievements and expressing confidence in its continued progress. Their messages were followed by a keynote address from Acting Minister of Economic Development, Mr. Charles Cooper, who formally declared the meeting open.
Together, these opening statements set a constructive and forward-looking tone, emphasizing the pivotal role that Caribbean ports continue to play in the region’s economic development and integration.
Spotlight on Digitalisation Progress
ADVANTUM’s Communications and Marketing Executive, Tsahai Morgan, delivered a presentation on behalf of the Digitalisation Working Group, showcasing the findings of the annual digitalisation survey. This session mapped out the tangible strides Caribbean ports are making toward digital transformation, highlighting gains in process automation, digital cargo tracking, and integrated port community systems. The presentation also provided a snapshot of regional readiness and collective ambition, reinforcing digitalisation as a cornerstone of modern port management.
Strategic Focus Areas & Key Takeaways
The conference served as a hub of forward-looking insights and collaboration. Some of the most compelling themes included:
- Driving Decarbonization: Delegates engaged in practical discussions around the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2026 decarbonization targets, examining emerging technologies and policies for greener port operations.
- Modernizing Port Infrastructure: Sessions explored how advanced data systems, smart sensors, and AI can enhance port efficiency and security.
- Fostering Talent & Equity: With a strong emphasis on closing the maritime skills gap, speakers highlighted the importance of leadership development and gender equity in port administration.
- Championing Sustainability: Case studies presented bold initiatives and financing solutions to support eco-conscious infrastructure development.
A Platform for Growth, Networking, and Shared Vision
Beyond the formal agenda, the PMAC AGM was a celebration of professional connection and knowledge exchange. From hallway conversations to focused working sessions, the event fostered a culture of collaboration. For ADVANTUM, a pioneer software development company aiming to digitise and streamline the shipping and logistics processes, and a proud member of PMAC, it was a valuable opportunity to engage with peers, discuss shared challenges, and walk away with actionable strategies for the months ahead. The discussions also echoed key themes from ADVANTUM’s recent article on Improving Port Congestion with Port Management Software, highlighting how digital tools can reduce bottlenecks and enhance operational efficiency. To learn more about ADVANTUM’s suite of solutions visit www.advantumpcs.com to book a free one hour demo.