Sint Maarten is emerging as a key logistics hub in the Northeastern Caribbean, complementing its long-standing reputation as a premier cruise destination. Central to this transformation is Caribbean International Maritime (INTERMAR), a leading maritime logistics provider on the island.
Port St. Maarten in Philipsburg serves as the main maritime gateway for both cargo and cruise traffic. In 2025, the port hosted nearly 600 cruise ships, ferrying about 1.6 million passengers—a 16% increase over the previous year. While tourism remains a major economic driver, the port’s expanding role in regional cargo transshipment is gaining prominence.
INTERMAR President George Pelgrim highlighted Sint Maarten’s geographic advantage and well-developed infrastructure as critical factors behind its growing logistics significance. The port’s deepwater facilities, 24/7 operations, and streamlined customs procedures facilitate efficient handover of cargo to smaller feeder vessels destined for neighboring islands. This allows major U.S. and European shipping lines to use Sint Maarten as an initial Caribbean stop.
“Compared with many regional ports burdened by administrative delays, Sint Maarten maintains security without disrupting cargo flows,” Pelgrim said, noting advanced customs and border security systems. Continuous government investment in port infrastructure and logistics services is seen as vital to diversifying Sint Maarten’s economy, which has been heavily reliant on tourism and vulnerable to external shocks.
INTERMAR, founded by Pelgrim more than 40 years ago, has expanded from a small shipping agency to one of the region’s most comprehensive logistics operators. Employing roughly 150 multilingual staff, the company offers integrated services including cargo and cruise agency, port stevedoring, warehousing, third-party logistics, and inland transportation with a fleet of container and cargo vehicles. It manages an average of 1,500 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers weekly, supporting cargo for local consumption and regional infrastructure projects.
The company has also positioned itself as a significant logistics provider for e-commerce shipments on the island. By partnering with major carriers in the U.S. and Europe and investing in dedicated facilities, INTERMAR enables customers to receive online purchases within about a week. Pelgrim emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance digital visibility and operational efficiency through investments in port terminal technology, warehouse management systems, artificial intelligence, and fleet electrification.
Sustainability initiatives are also underway, with the introduction of electric and low-emission equipment and smart yard management designed to lower fuel consumption. Pelgrim stressed the importance of human capital, noting that many staff members have been with the company for decades and that training local talent remains a priority.
Looking ahead, INTERMAR aims to strengthen its regional services and reinforce Sint Maarten’s role as a strategic maritime gateway. Plans include deeper digital integration, expanded 3PL and warehousing capabilities, and further investment in personnel aligned with government efforts to improve infrastructure, including roads and port facilities. Pelgrim expressed openness to partnerships that support the island’s continued growth as a logistics center in the Caribbean.