LAUSR

PurposeThe maritime port in Guadeloupe, a French island in the Lesser Antilles, is set to be transformed into a major logistics hub catering to the Greater Caribbean and the Lesser Antilles. The increase in shipping generated by expansion of the Panama Canal and the development of the cruise industry are the two main factors which contributed to the shift in the Island's policy that aims to capitalise on the increase in the expected shipping traffic in the region. This article examines various areas and policies which have been implemented so far by the Port of Guadeloupe and considers the innovative ways used to achieve its objectives and raises the question as to whether the Guadeloupian development in the logistics area is likely to be a force to be reckoned with in the Caribbean region.Design/methodology/approachThe approach employed involves the analysis of material extracted from published articles and information from periodic progress reports obtained from the Port of Guadeloupe.FindingsThe study showed that the Port of Guadeloupe had implemented various changes to achieve its objectives of becoming a major logistics hub in the region and “the smart port” of the Caribbean, which is likely to represent a challenge to Jamaica's aspiration to be the major port in the Caribbean.Research limitations/implicationsMuch of the published information accessed on the Guadeloupian Port and elsewhere is written in French, which could limit access to English speakers in conducting related research.Practical implicationsRapid logistic port development is taking place in the shipping arena in the French-speaking Caribbean and the Guadeloupian logistic hub's aim to be the number one “smart port” in the region could be realised sooner than expected.Social implicationsIf the Port of Guadeloupe achieves its objectives, it could impact on jobs in the shipping industry in the English-speaking Caribbean and affect people's standard of living.Originality/valueThe question as to whether the Port of Guadeloupe is a threat to other Caribbean ports has not yet been explored and the findings of this investigation would be useful to other port authorities.