Saint Lucia: Port operations extends its operating hours amid festival season

Saint Lucia: The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) has informed the general public that the operation hours at Port Castries and Port Vieux Fort during the holiday season will be extended.

As per the update by the Authority, the operating hours for the Cargo Sheds will remain as follows:

• Between December 21 and 23, 2022 – from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

• Between 28 and 30, 2022 – from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

• On December 31, 2022 – from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

SLASPA encourage customers to utilize the services of the appointment system for clearing personal effects. It furthermore asked the public to schedule the appointment through the official website of SLASPA – www.slaspa.com. The Authority also provides another way to make an appointment; one can message through WhatsApp at 285-1091.

To book an appointment, the following items must be offered:

• Customer Name
• Identification Card
• Bill of Lading or Delivery Order
• Mobile Telephone
• Vehicle Registration for pickup vehicle

The Authority further noted that the individuals clearing on behalf of consignees must offer an Authorization Letter along with a xerox of the National Id Card of the consignee. Additionally, an Id Card of the person transacting the business should also be presented. Customers without transportation can obtain the service from operators based at the port.

Customers are also advised of the following:

• An appointment will only be booked once documents have been received from the Shipping Agents and confirmation that your respective cargo has been destuffed.
• Pay attention to the location of the cargo. The appointment system now affords consumers the option to book Sheds 6 as well as 7.
• There is a free storage period of five (5) business days post-destuffing, of which you are advised to clear the cargo. Rent will begin to accumulate after this.
• Customers can reschedule or cancel their appointments at the bottom of their confirmation email.

Persons using the facility are expected to adhere to all port regulations. Some of these include:

• Persons should be modestly dressed
• No children at the port
• One person per transaction
• No disorderly conduct

SLASPA stated, “Elderly, pregnant women, sick and disabled persons are urged to use the services of a broker for clearing personal effects.”