A landmark project to establish a fossil fuel-free ferry network in the Eastern Caribbean is gaining momentum, as the initiation phase of the Guadeloupe-led KARULINK project has been successfully completed in Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts, and Dominica.
A team from Guadeloupe visited Antigua and Barbuda to assess the feasibility of a green-energy-powered ferry service under the EU-funded INTERREG Caribbean KARULINK project. Led by Guadeloupe’s private transport company STEPS, the initiative aims to connect Antigua, Dominica, and St Kitts to Guadeloupe with an eco-friendly ferry network by 2027.
Facilitated by the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce, the team met with key stakeholders, including the Port Authority and the Ministry of Tourism, to discuss logistics. They have identified suitable harbours for the pilot phase in 2026. Chamber Director Martin Cave supports the project, highlighting its potential to boost regional trade and align with international maritime regulations.
Antigua was the first stop, but the team also visited Dominica and St Kitts. If the project proves viable and profitable, national governments will decide how to sustain the service long-term.
The broader vision of the KARULINK project is to develop a comprehensive strategy for opening new maritime routes using environmentally friendly solutions. The ferry network will leverage smaller ports around Guadeloupe to facilitate seamless and sustainable inter-island travel.
