President Abinader announces US$531.5 million investment in port infrastructure

President Luis Abinader announced a historic public-private investment of US$531.5 million in port infrastructure, reinforcing the Dominican Republic’s position as a rising regional logistics and maritime hub. Key highlights include:

Over US$170 million allocated to upgrade ports in Azua, Barahona, Puerto Plata, Pedernales (Cabo Rojo), and Samaná. Major projects include a US$101M investment in Puerto Plata and cruise terminal expansions in Barahona and Cabo Rojo.

• Institutional Progress: The Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) achieved financial recovery, doubling monthly revenues and securing a RD$250M annual surplus. Legal certainty improved with 60% of port land now titled.

  
  

• Human Capital & Sustainability: The Port Training Institute was launched with RD$10M to improve workforce capacity. The Green Ports Program advances sustainable practices such as LED lighting and recycling systems.

  
  

• Cruise Sector Growth: The country expects 2.6 million cruise passengers and 510 ships by the end of 2025, confirming its status as a top global cruise destination.

  
  

  Strategic Projects:

• Manzanillo Port: US$100M+ to expand trade.

• Arroyo Barril: US$68M for cargo.

• Boca de Yuma: US$204M in upgrades.

• Samaná Bayport: US$12M cruise terminal.

• Ferry San Pedro–Puerto Rico: US$12M investment.

• Puerto Duarte APP: US$68M—the first public-private port partnership.

  Completed Piers: New docks across Río San Juan, Miches, Boca Chica, Luperón, and more.

  
  

  Fishing Industry Reform: RD$730M invested in 25 fishing docks (19 complete), benefiting over 1,500 families. Codopesca formalized the sector, issuing 28,970 fisher licenses, supporting 69 cooperatives, and producing 69,359 metric tons of fish worth RD$3B.

  
  

  Aquaculture Development: 430 projects registered, nearly a million tilapia fingerlings distributed, and RD$700M invested in the eel sector.

  
  

These efforts reflect a national strategy to improve competitiveness in global trade, modernize infrastructure, support coastal communities, and drive sustainable economic growth.