As the NV Havenbeheer Suriname Port Management Company approaches its 53rd anniversary, it stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation in the region’s maritime sector. Operating the Dr. Jules Sedney Port of Paramaribo, this state-owned limited liability company has undergone significant transformations since its inception. The port has evolved into a vital logistics hub, continually adapting to meet the needs of an ever-changing global economy.

The Dr. Jules Sedney Port serves as the primary maritime gateway for Suriname, playing a crucial role in facilitating trade and commerce for decades. From its early days as a small harbour, it has developed into a landlord port, which means it provides the essential infrastructure and superstructure for its two terminal operators: DPWorld and VSH Transport. This arrangement has allowed the port to optimise its operations while fostering collaboration that ensures efficiency and effectiveness in cargo handling.

Leadership and Vision

At the helm of this dynamic company is CEO Andreas Talea, who took on the role in 2013 after serving as president of the board. Holding an MSc in General Economics with a specialisation in statistics, Andreas’ background includes working at the National Bureau of Statistics for several years before leading the port. This extensive experience has equipped him with the necessary skills to spearhead transformative projects and strategies aimed at modernising and enhancing port operations.

As NV Havenbeheer Suriname management company navigates the complexities of modern port operations, it currently boasts a workforce of 192 employees, comprising 125 men and 67 women. Gender diversity is also reflected in management roles, where out of 34, 20 are men and 14 are women. This inclusive workplace culture fosters innovation and strengthens collaborative efforts which are vital for enhancing port services.

Facilities and Services

The port’s facilities are designed to cater to a diverse array of maritime needs. The quay, currently measuring 600 metres in length, is set for expansion in both the north and south to accommodate growing trade demands. Construction of the northern extension is well underway, while plans for the south expansion are in their preparatory stages. Central to port operations is the Dr. Jules Sedney Terminal, complemented by a support facility dedicated to project cargo and an oil jetty for fuel imports. In line with the port’s forward-thinking approach, a new trucking centre soon to be completed, alongside a logistics centre financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), promises significant improvements to the logistical chain. As Suriname prepares to delve into oil exploration, the company is also investing in infrastructure designed to support this burgeoning industry.

A Competitive Edge

What distinguishes NV Havenbeheer Suriname from other ports in the Caribbean and South America is its geographical advantage. Located outside the typical trajectories of tropical storms, the port maintains a level of safety and stability that many competitors cannot guarantee. Alongside this, the management company’s continuous investment in operational enhancements has not gone unnoticed, with NV Havenbeheer winning several awards that underscore its commitment to excellence in maritime operations. Collaboration with terminal operators is a cornerstone of the company’s operational philosophy, proving that a public-private partnership (PPP) can yield significant benefits. By working closely with these partners, NV Havenbeheer has become adept at streamlining processes and improving efficiency.

Future Projects and Investments

Looking ahead, NV Havenbeheer is poised for major developments. One of the most significant projects is the establishment of a deep-water port and special economic zone in western Suriname, strategically located near the Guyana border. Encompassing a vast 1,500 hectares, this greenfield project is set to capitalise on the burgeoning oil sector in the Suriname/Guyana basin, poised to transform the region's economic landscape.

Internally, the port is also investing heavily in upgrading its systems. A new camera surveillance system and a control room are in the final stages of implementation, significantly enhancing security protocols. An automated gate system is also being integrated into the Port Management System, which will facilitate a seamless transition to a Port Community System (PCS) designed to streamline operations further.

Adapting to Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth unprecedented challenges, especially for international ports. Although the port is still recovering to pre-pandemic cargo volumes, it is not solely attributing downturns to COVID; the broader economic climate in Suriname has also posed hurdles. However, the company remains optimistic, noting an upward trend that suggests recovery is on the horizon.

Political fluctuations often present additional challenges as changes in government can lead to varying policies and approaches that influence port operations. Yet NV Havenbeheer Suriname views these challenges as opportunities for growth, striving to become more resilient while assisting in the creation of clear policies that lay the groundwork for a strategically healthy future for Suriname’s port sector.

Investing in Human Capital

An organisation’s success largely depends on the quality of its workforce and this is an area that Suriname’s port management company has heavily invested into. Having adopted a robust training and development strategy aimed at equipping staff with necessary skills and knowledge, the company is committed to upskilling and developing their teams. By providing in-house training, facilitating participation in webinars, and enabling employees to attend international seminars, the company fosters professional growth. Alongside this, the port has partnered with the Port of Antwerp-Brugge, providing opportunities for workers from different departments to engage in collaborative projects, cultivating a sense of unity while boosting productivity.

“The port of Antwerp has a specialist in every workgroup to assist the workgroups consist of employees of different departments which in itself result in a better integration and understanding of several work processes, but most of all, it gives the employees the ability to interact with each other in a way that would not be possible under normal circumstances resulting in a more cohesive workforce.” Andreas explains to us.

A Vision for the Future

In the coming years, NV Havenbeheer Suriname will embark on a transformative journey. With 11 designated project groups focused on themes such as greening initiatives, digitalisation, and enhancing operational processes, the company is committed to evolving into a more efficient, environmentally-friendly, and community-oriented port.

These projects include innovative waste management solutions, increasing greenery around facilities, and further investments in renewable energy sources such as solar panels. The ambition to adopt electric vehicles and smart technologies reflects a renewed commitment to sustainability.

The CEO envisions a gradual transformation over the next 12 to 18 months, aiming for the successful implementation of these projects. The drive for continuous improvement will not only enhance the port’s operational capabilities but also generate positive impacts across the board, influencing the logistics community in Suriname and beyond.

As NV Havenbeheer Suriname approaches its 53rd year, its leadership remains committed to navigating the evolving landscape of port management. By embracing transformation through strategic investments, upholding a culture of inclusivity, supporting staff development, and committing to sustainability initiatives, the future looks promising. The port is poised to become an even more significant player in the maritime sector, contributing positively to Suriname’s economy and positioning itself as an exemplary model among Caribbean and South American ports.

In an ever-changing world, the continuous evolution of NV Havenbeheer Suriname serves as a reminder that challenges can shape opportunities, heralding a bright future for all stakeholders involved.