Today's news that Tropical Shipping has started using the local port for container transhipment is most welcome. While tourism remains the island's main source of income, diversifying the local economy to make it less vulnerable is a long-standing desire.

The move is also quite logical, as St. Maarten is already very much a regional hub for air passengers and cargo. Many people from nearby islands also come here to buy merchandise in view of the duty-free status.

There always has been some transhipment in the form of loose cargo, but doing so with modern containers has allowed Great Bay to join the ranks of other major freight players in the region. In addition to the company involved, the harbour authorities deserve credit for making it possible by, among other things, extending Captain David Quay and purchasing two shore cranes.

Already local mechanics are being certified to maintain and upgrade these cranes rather than having to fly in experts from abroad (see related article). The equipment is said to be in pretty good condition, which is obviously crucial to guarantee the necessary continuity.

The investments made to attract this potentially important business seem to be paying off already, as witnessed by an increase in transhipment figures of 24 per cent last December compared to a year before, while total throughput in 2011 showed an eight per cent hike over 2010.

All in all, Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities clearly are not sitting still and continue to develop, ensuring long-term sustainability as best possible in an increasingly competitive environment. As always: getting to the top is one thing, staying there quite another.