OUR HISTORY
With the coming of steam engines, seaports in the Caribbean experienced a transformation that was to lead to dramatic and fundamental change.
Steam-powered ships brought change to the Caribbean faster than the North-east Trades ever did. Trans-Atlantic crossings no longer took two months but instead two weeks.
Sails and towering masts disappeared from Caribbean ports. They were replaced by motorised ships puffing billows from smokestacks. With this technological advancement came rapid economic expansion. Faster transit times expanded the range of items that could be effectively transported by ships.
When the CSA was formed in 1971, the sun had already set on the most significant attempts at building intra-regional political alliances … the West Indies Federation and the Caribbean Free Trade Area. And the Caribbean Community, CARICOM, — the economic alliance that survived the millennium — had not yet seen its first sunrise.
Yet, it was already a new day for Caribbean shipping.
The emphasis on regional maritime development
The Association prioritizes the exchange of information and ideas which is essential to aiding members improve efficiency, production and output.
The highest quality service.
The CSA is committed to the expansion of Caribbean shipping through the training and education of its members and their staff with comprehensive, relevant, and advanced programmes.
The voice of Caribbean shipping.
Representing over 100 members and national associations, the Caribbean Shipping Association is the definitive authority on regional maritime affairs.
1960
The need for a regional association to monitor, discuss and share information in support of the growth and development of Caribbean shipping was accepted.
1969
Delegations from the national shipping associations of Trinidad, Barbados and Bermuda visited Jamaica where they hoped to learn from its association which had successfully negotiated with hostile unions for the mechanization of the Port of Kingston. Later that year, representatives from five national associations met in Port of Spain, Trinidad, for an informal meeting to discuss labour contracts, labour practices and other issues within the industry.
1970
During the fourth such informal meeting, a decision was taken to form the Caribbean Shipping Association, with a steering committee selected to draft plans.
1971
The Caribbean Shipping Association was formed to create a voice for regional shipping interests and to enable the exchange of information and best practices. First Annual General Meeting was held in Nassau, Bahamas on October 19 where representatives from Antigua, the Bahamas and St Vincent were admitted to membership.
1973
The CSA widened the scope of annual general meetings to include technical papers by international shipping authorities. In that same year, it also added training, particularly for managers, as part of its remit in contributing to the industry’s development.
1977
A new constitution, which opened membership to ship owners and operators, was implemented at the seventh annual general meeting held in Puerto Rico.
1981
Ludlow Stewart becomes first CSA President to outline plans for Association in acceptance speech.
1983
First international speaking engagement accepted by a CSA President. Introduction of the Caribbean Port Awards