KARULINK – EMERGING SUSTAINABLE FERRY TRANSPORT SYSTEM
DAIC HOSTS STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS ON SUSTAINABLE FERRY TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Karulink Project Team, along with the DAIC at the various March 14th, 2025 consultations
Roseau, Dominica – May 09, 2025 – The Dominica Association of Industry & Commerce (DAIC) is excited to announce the successful hosting of key stakeholder consultations which took place on March 14th, 2025, regarding the potential development of a new green-powered ferry transport system.
This initiative seeks to enhance regional connectivity, promote sustainable transport, and stimulate local economies through a low-carbon maritime network in territories, including Guadeloupe, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Kitts & Nevis.
The consultations, facilitated by the DAIC, brought together representatives from a broad spectrum of sectors, including the Discover Dominica Authority, Invest Dominica Authority, Dominica Hotels & Tourism Association, and other key stakeholders. The meeting focused on the feasibility of the eco-friendly ferry service, which is part of the European Union co-funded INTERREG Caribbean KARULINK project.
The KARULINK project, spearheaded by the STEP Group of Guadeloupe, is aimed at establishing an environmentally sustainable ferry network by 2027. The project intends to:
- Promote low-carbon transport to reduce the environmental impact of inter-island travel.
- Stimulate the tourism economy by increasing regional travel options.
- Create local job opportunities and foster workforce development in the maritime and transport sectors.
- Enhance regional trade by providing new direct maritime routes linking the islands of Guadeloupe, Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, and St. Kitts & Nevis.
- Raise public awareness of environmental issues and encourage eco-friendly behaviors.
During the consultation, Christelle Hoton-Trefle, Business Development, Marketing & Communications Director for the STEP Group, shared insights into the project’s progress and the significance of sustainable transport in the Caribbean.
“We are here [in Dominica]”, she stated, “to meet with the stakeholders who will help improve and shape this project,”. “Karulink is an opportunity for Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, and St. Kitts & Nevis, aimed at developing sustainable transport connections”, said Hoton-Trefle.
She continued, emphasizing the importance of collaboration adding, “We are here for the first time to discover each other and to see what we can do. Right now, we’re having general meetings and after that we will be there concerning communication, promotion with tourism & for the population, and on the other meetings, more concerning technical infrastructure, ports etc., which will permit the project to be economical and meet the reality of needs.”
The consultation also marked a key milestone in the project’s development, with stakeholders expressing interest seeing the development of this venture.
The overarching aim of the project is to strengthen inter-island connectivity, creating new ferry routes that will link the islands within this territory and stimulate trade, travel, and tourism. The proposed service is expected to contribute to economic growth by providing a reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional transport methods.
President of the Chamber, Brenton Hiliare, revered the potential of this new venture & noted the timeliness of the partnership. “This initiative comes at a crucial time when sustainable solutions must align with economic advancement. A green-powered ferry system not only strengthens Dominica’s position in regional trade and tourism, but also signals our readiness to lead on climate-smart innovation. The DAIC is proud to support this collaborative effort that merges connectivity with sustainability for the long-term benefit of our people and businesses.”
As the project moves forward, further consultations and discussions will take place, involving both public and private sector partners to ensure the ferry system is designed to meet the needs of the islands’ economies and residents. Through this initiative, the Caribbean region stands to benefit from enhanced connectivity, reduced environmental impact, and a stronger, more sustainable tourism sector.
The DAIC is committed to supporting the success of this project and will continue to collaborate with local and international stakeholders to ensure that Dominica plays a pivotal role in this transformative regional effort.
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