St. John’s, Antigua – The first leg of a feasibility study for a clean-energy inter-island ferry network has been successfully completed in Antigua and Barbuda, marking a major milestone in a Guadeloupe-led initiative to create a fossil fuel-free maritime transport system in the Eastern Caribbean.

A delegation from Guadeloupe recently wrapped up its visit to Antigua as part of the INTERREG Caribbean KARULINK project—an EU-funded effort spearheaded by Guadeloupe-based transport company STEPS. The visit officially concludes the project’s initial contact phase with Antigua and Barbuda, where groundwork discussions were held with national stakeholders to explore the viability of establishing a green ferry link between Antigua, Guadeloupe, Dominica, and St. Kitts.

Key meetings were held with representatives from the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS), the Ministry of Tourism, law enforcement bodies, and border security agencies. These discussions focused on port readiness, harbour suitability, and regulatory frameworks for accommodating clean-energy ferry operations.

Port Authority CEO Darwin Telemaque welcomed the project and expressed enthusiasm about future collaborations with STEPS, especially in advancing port decarbonization goals. “You are coming into a space where the environment is prepared by the government to facilitate the transition,” he said, referring to the country’s commitment to adopting renewable energy at all ports.

The project aligns closely with regional development strategies, including CARICOM and OECS objectives for enhanced economic integration. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, H.E. Clarence E. Pilgrim, emphasized that improved maritime connectivity will help fulfill the vision of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). “This is more than transportation—this is about economic resilience and regional sustainability,” he noted.

The Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce, an investor in the feasibility study, also signaled strong support. Executive Director Martin Cave highlighted opportunities for trade, training, and transport reform that the project presents. “There will be expertise transfer, which means the benefits can go beyond ferries—perhaps even influencing how we service other transport sectors like buses,” Cave said.

Antigua served as the first point of engagement for the KARULINK mission, which will now continue to Dominica and St. Kitts in the coming weeks. Consultant Christelle Flory of the Axellens Firm, which supports the project, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “We’ve already transported over three million passengers in our existing network, so we know this can work—but it will require strong partnerships across all islands,” she stated.

KARULINK’s broader aim is to design a regional maritime strategy powered by sustainable technologies and smaller port access. If the study—running from January 2025 to December 2027—proves viable, each participating country will be responsible for implementing its own ferry service model.

The French delegation to Antigua included STEP Group Chairman and Founder Gilles Lima, STEP Business Development Director Christelle Trèfle-Hoton, STEP Project Officer Anaïs Pierre-Justin, and Consultant Christelle Flory.