A $213.5m expansion of the Port of Bridgetown has come on stream with the commissioning of Berth 6, a development officials said Thursday will significantly boost Barbados’ cargo capacity, improve efficiency and support growing regional and global shipping demands.

Chairman of Barbados Port Inc. Peter Odle said the new berth represents a major investment in the future of trade, logistics and cruise tourism.

At the official commissioning ceremony, Odle reflected on the port’s history while outlining how the latest expansion positions Barbados to meet growing global shipping demands.