Revitalizing Maritime Services in Sint Maarten: George Pelgrim Leads the Charge

SINT MAARTEN (POINT BLANCHE) – In a visionary move that underscores the future of maritime and stevedoring services in Sint Maarten, George Pelgrim, President of St. Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring (SSS), has spearheaded a transformative program aimed at comprehensive workforce development.

This initiative, titled 'Create the Total Port Worker,' is being implemented in collaboration with the Jamaican-based Institute for Industrial Solutions (IIS), under the adept leadership of CEO and Trainer Osric Forrest, alongside Technical Expert/Assessor Radcliffe Spence.

A stevedore's role, critical in bridging the interface between land and sea, involves the meticulous loading and unloading of cargo on and off ships at port. This task not only demands physical labor but also the operation of sophisticated machinery to ensure the swift movement of goods, directly impacting the efficiency of cargo ship voyages and, by extension, the global supply chain.

Under Mr. Pelgrim's guidance, this program was launched to elevate the skills of 20 dedicated employees of SSS, marking a significant milestone in local maritime training. Initiated on April 5, the program is a compact, intensive experience concluding on April 10, with the participants receiving their international certification in stevedoring. This certification aligns them with international standards and practices, a first for the island of St. Maarten.

George Pelgrim, who has been a pioneering force in the region’s shipping and maritime sector for over four decades, emphasized the critical evolution of stevedoring in the wake of containerized shipping. He highlighted how technological advancements and the introduction of diverse cargo handling equipment have revolutionized the industry. His foresight in tracking and adapting to these changes, while maintaining an active role in the Caribbean Shipping Association and staying informed through the Caribbean Maritime Institute, showcases his commitment to industry excellence.

"This training signifies just the beginning of a broader relationship that aims to expand workforce development solutions across the maritime sector," stated Pelgrim. He further elaborated that this initiative would extend beyond stevedores to include certification for warehouse staff, heavy equipment operators, and maintenance divisions. This comprehensive approach is designed to enhance overall customer satisfaction by embedding principles of efficiency and effectiveness into every layer of operational activity.

Founded on June 23, 1985, St. Maarten Shipping & Stevedoring NV has grown to become the largest inland container haulage transport company in St. Maarten/St. Martin. Today, the company boasts a robust fleet of heavy-duty Granite Mack and Boxloader container Tractor Trucks, supported by over 150 units of its own SSS 20 and 40FT container chassis fleet, providing round-the-clock container and heavy equipment delivery service to its customers.

This progressive training program and the ongoing enhancements in operational strategies under George Pelgrim’s leadership not only fortify the capabilities of SSS but also significantly contribute to the economic vitality of St. Maarten. As the maritime sector continues to evolve, the role of visionary leaders like Pelgrim is indispensable in navigating the future and ensuring the island remains at the forefront of global maritime operations.