Formal Title Options:

• Statement Regarding the Harbor Incident Impacting Imported Frozen Goods
• Clarification on the Harbor Incident and its Effects on Imported Frozen Goods

The Statia Government addresses public concerns regarding the spoilage of perishable goods at the Charles A. Woodley pier on July 23, 2025. A cargo vessel carrying the island’s weekly supplies arrived later than scheduled, leading the shipping agent to postpone offloading until the following morning. The Government emphasizes that the delay was solely the decision of the shipping agent and not due to any restrictions imposed by port authorities. Upon the vessel’s arrival, government personnel promptly connected the refrigerated containers (reefers) to the port’s power supply to maintain the integrity of the perishable goods overnight.

One of the reefers, containing frozen goods, experienced power failure despite being connected at two separate power points. A second reefer, containing chilled goods, was successfully connected and remained operational until the following morning, awaiting routine health inspections before offloading. Technical staff immediately investigated the issue with the malfunctioning reefer and determined that the problem stemmed from internal electrical faults within the container itself, not the port’s electrical infrastructure. These internal faults significantly hampered the container’s ability to receive power, even with proper external connections.

The Government maintains that all relevant parties, including the cargo agent, were promptly informed about the situation, specifically the electrical malfunction of the frozen goods container. Although customs and harbour personnel expressed their willingness to facilitate after-hours clearance to expedite the offloading process and minimize potential losses, the shipping agent opted to proceed with offloading the next morning. The decision to delay, despite the known electrical issues, was based on the understanding that the container’s insulation would suffice to preserve the goods overnight. This decision ultimately rested with the shipping agent, not the Government.

The Statia Government acknowledges the frustration experienced by importers who suffered losses due to the spoilage and expresses sympathy for their predicament. Recognizing the gravity of any disruption to the island’s food supply chain, the Government underscores that its harbour personnel acted swiftly, responsibly, and within their established mandate throughout the incident. The Government reiterates that the decision to postpone offloading until the next morning was made by the shipping agent, not the Government. The port authorities were prepared to facilitate immediate offloading had the agent chosen that course of action.

The Government reaffirms its commitment to supporting the island’s business community and enhancing the reliability of essential infrastructure, including the port facilities. To this end, a significant upgrade of the port is slated to begin before the end of 2025. This comprehensive upgrade encompasses several key improvements, including the reinforcement of the container yard, the installation of five additional reefer connection points to enhance capacity and redundancy, and the implementation of modern fire protection systems to ensure the safety and security of the port and its cargo. These improvements are designed to mitigate future risks and ensure the efficient and reliable handling of perishable goods.

The Statia Government expresses gratitude to all individuals and entities involved in responding to the incident and thanks the public for their continued trust. They aim to provide transparent communication and accountability regarding the incident and to proactively address the underlying issues to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The planned port upgrades demonstrate a commitment to improving the island’s infrastructure and bolstering the reliability of the supply chain for the benefit of the community and the business sector.