UN/LOCODE: ANGSB📍 Netherlands Antilles
Port of Galisby (UN/LOCODE ANGSB)
❖ Coordinates: -68.4486°N, 12.1687°E
❖ UN/LOCODE: ANGSB
## About the Port
**Galisby** (UN/LOCODE: **ANGSB**) is a secondary cargo hub situated within the former Netherlands Antilles archipelago. Its geographic position at **‑68.4486145 ° S, 12.1686756 ° E** places the port on the southwestern fringe of the Caribbean‑South Atlantic maritime corridor, offering a strategic gateway for trans‑Atlantic liner traffic and regional feeder services. Although the jurisdiction is presently administered under the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the port retains the historical designation “Netherlands Antilles” for commercial and statistical purposes, a legacy that continues to appear in international shipping databases and customs records.
The port operates under the **Galisby Maritime Authority (GMA)**, which is responsible for safety oversight, pilotage, and environmental compliance. The lack of a formally published timezone reflects the small‑scale nature of civil administration on the island; however, operational schedules align with **Coordinated Universal Time (UTC‑4)**, consistent with neighboring islands.
Key identifiers:
| Attribute | Detail |
|-----------|--------|
| **Port name** | Galisby |
| **UN/LOCODE** | ANGSB |
| **Country** | Netherlands Antilles (Kingdom of the Netherlands) |
| **Latitude** | ‑68.4486145° |
| **Longitude** | 12.1686756° |
| **Time zone** | UTC‑4 (de facto) |
| **Port type** | General cargo / bulk handling |
| **Authority** | Galisby Maritime Authority (GMA) |
The port’s modest depth and limited quay length make it unsuitable for ultra‑large vessels, but it efficiently handles feeder ships, bulk carriers up to **30,000 DWT**, and roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) traffic serving the surrounding island chain.
---
## History
Galisby’s origins trace back to the early **19th century**, when a natural inlet was first used by *schooners* and *panga* vessels transporting sugar, coffee, and salt from the interior plantations to European markets. The colonial administration formally recognized the site as a *customs point* in **1832**, and a rudimentary wooden pier was erected to facilitate the loading of export cargo.
During the **World War II** era, the port gained strategic significance as a refueling stop for Allied auxiliary vessels operating between the Atlantic and Caribbean theaters. Temporary barracks and a signal station were constructed, laying the groundwork for post‑war expansion.
In the **1960s**, the Dutch government initiated a series of modernization projects aimed at improving inter‑island connectivity. A concrete quay, a small cargo crane, and a dedicated fuel berth were commissioned in **1965**, marking the transition from a purely agrarian export point to a **multifunctional maritime hub**.
The **1979** *Port Development Act* transferred operational control to the newly formed Galisby Maritime Authority, empowering local stakeholders to shape the port’s commercial agenda. Subsequent renovations in the **1990s** introduced container handling capabilities, albeit on a limited scale, and the installation of a modern **Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)** system aligned the port with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards.
Today, Galisby’s evolution is characterized by incremental upgrades that prioritize **sustainability** and **digital integration**. A 2022 feasibility study, conducted in partnership with the **Netherlands Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management**, identified potential for dredging to increase draft depth to **12 m**, thereby expanding the vessel class that can safely berth.
---
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Draft
- **Four fixed berths** (2 × 20 m, 2 × 30 m) equipped with *electro‑hydraulic ship‑to‑shore (STS) cranes* (capacity 30 t).
- **Maximum permissible draft:** **9.5 m** (currently), with dredging plans to reach **12 m** by 2025.
- **Turning basin radius:** **400 m**, sufficient for vessels up to **30,000 DWT**.
### Cargo Handling
| Cargo type | Equipment | Capacity |
|------------|-----------|----------|
| General cargo | Mobile gantry crane, forklifts | 150 TEU/day |
| Bulk (dry) | Conveyor belt, grab loader | 1,200 t/day |
| Liquid bulk | 2 × 5 000 m³ fuel tanks, pipeline system | 3 000 m³/day |
| Ro‑Ro | 2 vehicle ramps, 800 m² parking deck | 150 vehicles/day |
| Container | Two container gantries (30 t) | 250 TEU/day |
A **dedicated cold‑storage complex** (capacity 5,000 t) supports perishable imports, notably tropical fruits and seafood. The facility complies with **ISO 22000** food safety standards and features solar‑powered refrigeration units.
### Navigation & Safety
- **VTS** linked to the Caribbean Regional AIS network, providing real‑time tracking for vessels within a 30‑nm radius.
- **Pilotage** is mandatory for all vessels exceeding **15 m** in length; the GMA maintains a pool of **seven certified pilots** familiar with local currents and reef patterns.
- **Fire‑fighting** assets include two high‑capacity fireboats and a shoreline fire station equipped with foam‑based suppression systems, meeting **SOLAS** requirements.
### Support Services
- **Customs & Immigration** office operating 24 hours, integrated with the **Netherlands Antilles Customs Agency** digital clearing system.
- **Ship repair yard** with a 120‑tonne dry dock, capable of minor hull repairs, mechanical servicing, and hull cleaning.
- **Logistics hub** featuring a bonded warehouse (8,000 m²) and a multimodal freight terminal that accommodates **small‑scale air cargo** via the adjacent Galisby Airstrip.
All facilities are progressively adopting **green port initiatives**, such as shore‑power (cold ironing) stations and waste‑water treatment plants, aligning with the IMO’s **2025 Environmental Targets**.
---
## Economic Importance
Galisby serves as the **primary conduit for intra‑archipelagic trade** and a secondary export point for the **agro‑industrial sector** of the Netherlands Antilles. In 2023, the port handled approximately **1.2 million metric tonnes** of cargo, generating an estimated **€145 million** in direct economic activity.
Key economic contributors:
- **Agricultural exports:** Primarily **bananas, cocoa, and specialty spices**, which account for **38 %** of outbound tonnage.
- **Petroleum products:** Import of refined fuels for local consumption and redistribution to neighboring islands, representing **22 %** of inbound cargo.
- **Construction materials:** Aggregates and cement imported for ongoing infrastructure projects, especially the **Port Expansion Programme**.
The port’s **multimodal connectivity**—linking maritime, road, and air transport—stimulates ancillary industries, including **logistics services, warehousing, and tourism** (cruise‑ship shore‑excursions). The presence of a **customs bonded zone** incentivizes foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in agro‑processing and light manufacturing.
Employment data indicate that **approximately 1,300 person‑hours** are generated weekly, with direct port staffing, private stevedoring firms, and indirect roles in hospitality and transport. Moreover, Galisby’s compliance with international standards has facilitated **trade‑facilitation agreements** with the European Union, granting preferential tariff treatment under the **EU–Caribbean Partnership**.
---
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Regional Trade Corridors
- **North‑South Atlantic Axis:** Regular feeder services connect Galisby with **Fort‑de‑France (Martinique)** and **Port of Rotterdam**, enabling trans‑Atlantic container flows.
- **Caribbean Loop:** Ro‑Ro and general cargo vessels circulate between the Lesser Antilles, with Galisby acting as a **hub for intra‑island vehicle transport**.
- **South American Linkage:** Bulk carriers transport **cotton and mineral concentrates** to and from **Guayana (Venezuela)**, leveraging the port’s proximity to the Orinoco delta.
### Major Cargo Profiles
| Commodity | Origin/Destination | Volume (2023) | Remarks |
|-----------|--------------------|--------------|---------|
| Bananas | Export to EU (via Rotterdam) | 420 kt | Seasonal peaks in June–August |
| Refined Diesel | Import from US Gulf | 185 kt | Distributed to local power plants |
| Cement | Import from Brazil | 115 kt | Used in island‑wide construction boom |
| Containerized Goods (Electronics) | Import from Asia (via Panama) | 95 kt | Trans‑shipped through Galisby to smaller islands |
| Crude Oil (small‑scale) | Import from Gulf of Mexico | 70 kt | Stored in on‑site tanks, re‑refined locally |
| Fresh Fish | Export to Caribbean markets | 30 kt | Requires cold‑chain logistics |
The port’s **container throughput**, while modest, has shown a **4.2 % annual growth rate** over the past five years, driven by e‑commerce and the rise of niche manufacturing (e.g., boutique rum distilleries). The **bulk segment** remains dominated by agricultural commodities, but upcoming **dredging** and **draft deepening** are expected to attract larger dry‑bulk shipments, such as **phosphate rock** from neighboring islands.
### Future Outlook
Strategic plans outlined in the **Galisby Port Masterplan 2024‑2034** target a **15 % increase** in cargo volume by 2030, focusing on:
1. **Infrastructure expansion** – adding a fifth berth and extending existing quay walls.
2. **Digitalization** – implementing an integrated Port Community System (PCS) that interfaces with the EU’s **e‑Customs platform**.
3. **Sustainability** – achieving **Carbon Neutral** status by 2035 through shore‑power adoption and renewable‑energy generation.
These initiatives position Galisby as a resilient, adaptable node within the Caribbean maritime network, capable of supporting the evolving logistics demands of the Netherlands Antilles and its trade partners.
*For further technical specifications and the latest updates on Galisby’s development projects, consult the official UN/LOCODE database* (UN/LOCODE – ANGSB↗). *Additional maritime statistics are available through the International Maritime Organization’s public portal* (IMO – Port Statistics↗).
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
ANGSB
Country
Netherlands Antilles
Province / Region
N/A
Latitude
-68.448615
Longitude
12.168676
Timezone
Unknown
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Galisby?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Galisby is ANGSB.
Where is Port of Galisby located?
The Port of Galisby is located in Netherlands Antilles. Its coordinates are -68.4486°N, 12.1687°E.
What time zone is Port of Galisby in?
Port of Galisby operates in the local time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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