Portsmouth Port

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Portsmouth Port in Dominica, commonly referred to as Longhouse Jetty, is a recognized port of entry located on the island’s northwest coast in the town of Portsmouth, Saint John Parish. Set along Prince Rupert’s Bay, one of the Caribbean’s most naturally sheltered harbours, the port is strategically important for trade, fishing, and maritime security. Although smaller in scale than Roseau’s Woodbridge Bay Deep Water Harbour, it provides vital services for communities across northern Dominica.

Portsmouth Port's Geographic location and facilities

Portsmouth Port lies within Prince Rupert’s Bay, a deep-water bay historically valued for its anchorage and protection. The jetty at Longhouse is a concrete pier designed to accommodate small to medium-sized cargo vessels, fishing fleets, and passenger craft. The site hosts customs and immigration offices, handling areas for goods, and basic docking infrastructure. While it lacks the large-scale container facilities of Roseau, its location makes it a convenient access point for northern towns and villages.

Portsmouth has long been central to Dominica’s maritime history. During the colonial era, the British considered moving the capital from Roseau to Portsmouth because of the natural advantages of Prince Rupert’s Bay. Though those plans did not materialise, Portsmouth remained a hub for shipping and trade. In the latter half of the twentieth century, the construction of the Longhouse Jetty reinforced Portsmouth’s role as a secondary port, ensuring that maritime services were not concentrated solely in the capital.

Customs, trade, and fishing activity

As a port of entry, Portsmouth Port operates under the Customs (Control and Management) Act, with customs and immigration officers stationed on-site. Its primary roles include:

• Cargo operations – Handling imports and exports on a smaller scale, including building materials, agricultural products, and household supplies.
• Fishing support – Serving as a landing point for fishing vessels, reinforcing Portsmouth’s reputation as a seafood hub for local and regional markets.
• Customs and immigration services – Providing entry clearance and inspections for vessels calling at Prince Rupert’s Bay.
• Maritime security – Supporting surveillance against smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and unauthorized maritime movement.

Contemporary importance

Portsmouth Port remains crucial for the economic life of northern Dominica. It offers redundancy to Roseau’s port, ensuring that essential imports and exports can continue even if the capital’s harbor faces disruption. The facility also supports Portsmouth’s role in tourism, with Prince Rupert’s Bay frequently welcoming yachts and smaller passenger vessels. Though modest in scale, Portsmouth Port symbolizes both the historic and ongoing importance of maritime infrastructure in sustaining the island’s economy and security.