Samaná, DR.- The commencement of the conversion of the Duarte port in Arroyo Barril-Samaná into a cruise terminal marked a pivotal moment in the Dominican Republic, initiated by President Luis Abinader. PDAB Port Investments, Sociedad Gestora SA, undertakes this groundbreaking $68 million project, the first of its kind in the country through a public-private alliance contract.
President Abinader, accompanied by the First Lady Raquel Arbaje, Jean Luis Rodríguez of the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM), Sigmund Freund of the General Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships (DGAPP), Mauricio Hamui of PDAB Port Investments Sociedad Gestora, SA, and various local authorities and business representatives, inaugurated the project.
President Abinader emphasized the transformation of Puerto Duarte de Arroyo Barril into a modern and functional tourist terminal, catering to international trade, cruise ships, and tourism in the Northeast region. Anticipating an initial influx of 300,000 passengers, with a projected annual growth of 25-30%, the President highlighted the success of the public-private alliance model in driving development.
Jean Luis Rodríguez, executive director of APORDOM, emphasized the transparent process that led to the selection of PDAB Port Investments, stating that the cruise terminal symbolizes progress and will significantly benefit the country’s economy and the development of Samaná and its surroundings.
Sigmund Freund underscored the historical significance of this public-private alliance in consigning and transforming a port infrastructure, setting a positive precedent for future projects. Mauricio Hamui celebrated the sustainable transformation of the region, expressing commitment to improving the quality of life for residents through the ITM Group’s involvement.
The project, carried out under Law 47-20, marks the first consignment of a port through a public-private alliance in the Dominican Republic, creating over 1,000 new jobs and positioning the country as a Caribbean Cruise Hub.
Infrastructure details
The Samaná Arroyo Barril terminal, with a 31,850 m² access plaza, gastronomic services, a 24,610 m² water park, and docking docks for two boats, promises to boost tourism, commerce, and employment opportunities in the region. The strategic location makes it an attractive tourist destination, facilitating visits to iconic sites like Cayo Levantado and the Salto de Limón Waterfall. With 161 expected cruise ship arrivals from various locations, the terminal is poised to become a significant hub in the country’s tourist infrastructure, joining other exclusive ports like Amber Cove and Taíno Bay.