Logistics services in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines logistics overview: modes, trade and gateways

Cargo moves in and out of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines mainly by sea and air. Kingstown is the only listed seaport, with a small port handling seagoing traffic and a cargo pier depth of about 11 meters. Argyle International Airport (SVD) and four other airports handle scheduled air services. With exports of about 37 million USD and imports of about 509 million USD, shippers typically combine ocean or air transport with local trucking across a short coastline of about 84 km.

The country’s container throughput is about 24,400 TEU, reflecting a modest but active maritime flow. Liner shipping connectivity is limited, with an index of about 5.18 in 2021, so services and schedules may be less frequent than in larger Caribbean hubs. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a merchant marine fleet of about 830 ships across bulk carriers, container ships, general cargo, oil tankers and other vessel types, which connects it to regional and global trades.

When selecting freight forwarders in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, shippers should focus on experience with Kingstown port and Argyle International Airport, since these are the main gateways. Container volumes are modest at about 24,400 TEU and liner connectivity is low at about 5.18, so a forwarder’s ability to secure space and manage transshipment routes matters.

Customs performance is close to the world median, with a customs score around 2.6 compared with a global median of 2.6, but process efficiency can still vary by shipment. Trade is concentrated with partners such as the USA, Croatia, Barbados, Italy, Trinidad & Tobago, China, St. Lucia and others, so it helps if the forwarder regularly handles these lanes. A shipping line with an office in Kingstown, such as CMA CGM, can be part of the routing options your forwarder uses.

Containerized sea freight uses Kingstown as the main gateway. This small port is the only listed seaport and has cargo pier depth around 11 m, suitable for regional container vessels. Container throughput is about 24,400 TEU in 2024, placing the country 155th of 168 worldwide and 34th of 38 in its region. Liner shipping connectivity is modest, with an LSCI of 5.18 in 2021, so services often depend on feeder links to larger hubs. CMA CGM operates with an office in Kingstown, providing options for both FCL and LCL shipments via regional consolidation.

Air freight in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines moves through five airports with scheduled service: Argyle International Airport (SVD), Canouan Airport (CIW), J F Mitchell Airport (BQU), Mustique Airport (MQS) and Union Island International Airport (UNI). Argyle International Airport is the primary international gateway.

With exports of about 37 million USD and imports of about 509 million USD, air cargo is typically reserved for higher-value or time-sensitive items within this trade mix. It is especially relevant for urgent shipments to and from key partners such as the USA, Barbados, St. Lucia and European markets.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not landlocked and relies on short road links to connect seaports and airports with shippers and consignees across its islands. Kingstown port and Argyle International Airport are linked by local road transport.

The country’s coastline is about 84 km, keeping inland road legs relatively short. Road haulage usually forms the first and last mile for containers and air cargo, supporting door-to-port and port-to-door services across the islands.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the WTO. The average applied tariff is about 9 percent, which affects landed costs for imports. For customs clearance, the basic documents are the commercial invoice, packing list and transport document, whether shipping by sea or air.

Customs performance is close to the world median. The customs component of the logistics performance index is about 2.6, while the world median is 2.6. Overall logistics performance is about 2.7, matching the world median, and infrastructure, tracking, international shipments and timeliness scores are also near these levels. This suggests shippers can expect procedures and lead times similar to many mid-performing countries.