From December 5, 2026, to April 4, 2027, the MSC World Europa will come alive to the rhythms of French Caribbean islands music with the Zouk@Sea by MSC festival. For its third edition, eighteen weeks of musical entertainment will take place on sailings departing from Fort-de-France and Pointe-à-Pitre, featuring artists, live bands, and DJs from Martinique and Guadeloupe. The lineup brings a variety of French Caribbean islands musical styles aboard an international cruise ship: zouk, compas, Creole traditions, urban music, cadence, dancehall, shatta, soca, and DJ sets.
A different lineup every week
Zouk@Sea by MSC operates on a simple principle: each week, an artist, band, or DJ performs on the cruise. Departures are scheduled for Saturdays from Fort-de-France and Sundays from Pointe-à-Pitre. The season will kick off on December 5 and 6, 2026, with SOS Kantik and a lineup dedicated to Chanté Nwèl. Silonvan will take over on December 12 and 13, followed by DJ Raptor on December 19 and 20, and then DJ Moulinex on December 26 and 27.
In January 2027, La Finekip is scheduled for January 2 and 3, followed by Emosyon on January 9 and 10. Misié Sadik, Jessye Belleval, and Zouk’n Groove will take the stage on January 16 and 17. The following weekend, on January 23 and 24, Kwaxikolor will share the stage with Jocelyne Béroard. Thierry Lof and C’Zigla will close out the month on January 30 and 31.
Jocelyne Béroard and Several Generations of Zouk
Jocelyne Béroard’s participation gives this third edition a particularly intergenerational dimension. With Kwaxikolor, the artist—who is closely associated with the history of the group Kassav’—will perform a repertoire rooted in the legacy of zouk. Misié Sadik, Jessye Belleval, and Zouk’n Groove will blend urban sounds, Creole music, and contemporary zouk. While the festival’s name highlights zouk, the lineup extends far beyond this genre.
February: Live Shows, Birthdays, and DJ Sets
DJ Fab will kick off February with shows on February 6 and 7. Kaf Kon’s will follow on February 13 and 14 with an acoustic set featuring Creole covers, audience interaction, and a festive atmosphere. On February 20 and 21, Tanmpo Klassik Live will celebrate its tenth anniversary. DJ Stonekilla & Friends will then take the stage on February 27 and 28.
From Jean-Michel Galva to MKG to close out the season
March will once again bring together a variety of musical styles. Jean-Michel Galva & Koezyon are scheduled to perform on March 6 and 7 with a repertoire blending zouk, cadence, and traditional French Caribbean islands influences. Maty will take the stage the week of March 13 and 14, followed by DJ Raptor & Friends on March 20 and 21. Jean-Marc Ferdinand, billed as a true French Caribbean islands party starter, will perform on the departures on March 27 and 28. MKG will wrap up the lineup on the cruises on April 3 and 4, 2027. However, the schedule is subject to change. The official poster notes that certain artists may be replaced or absent without prior notice.
The MSC World Europa Deployed to the French Caribbean islands
This third edition coincides with the deployment of the MSC World Europa to the French West Indies during the winter of 2026–2027. The ship will depart from Fort-de-France and Pointe-à-Pitre, two ports that will play a central role in this season. MSC Cruises is presenting this initiative as a way to strengthen its regional presence. According to figures released by the company, the French Caribbean islands welcomes 43% of the world’s cruise passengers and accounts for 36% of global cruise capacity.
These figures position Zouk@Sea by MSC within a sector where the region already plays a major role. But the project’s cultural significance lies elsewhere: in the opportunity it offers artists from Martinique and Guadeloupe to perform each week in a venue frequented by travelers from diverse backgrounds. Patrick Pourbaix, CEO of MSC Cruises France, explains that the goal is to transform every cruise into “a true celebration of the French Caribbean islands way of life.” The musical program thus becomes a central part of the onboard experience.
A mobile showcase for French Caribbean islands scenes
For passengers, Zouk@Sea by MSC will combine French Caribbean islands port calls with concerts, live performances, and musical evenings. For the featured artists, the ship offers a stage that’s different from the festivals, venues, and events typically held on land. The project, however, raises a broader question. Can an onboard program become a genuine vehicle for promoting Caribbean music, rather than just entertainment tied to the trip?
For eighteen weeks, the MSC World Europa will host Christmas traditions, zouk artists, live bands, and DJs. From SOS Kantik to MKG, this season will above all showcase the diverse French Caribbean islands music scene, which is able to preserve its heritage while showcasing its most contemporary sounds.
Zouk@Sea by MSC is a music festival at sea organized by MSC Cruises aboard the MSC World Europa. For its third edition, the event will feature a different artist, live band, or DJ from Martinique or Guadeloupe each week. The lineup will showcase a variety of Caribbean musical styles, including zouk, compas, Chanté Nwèl, cadence, dancehall, shatta, soca, and Creole urban music.
The Zouk@Sea by MSC season will run from December 5, 2026, to April 4, 2027. Cruises will depart every Saturday from Fort-de-France, Martinique, and every Sunday from Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. A different musical lineup will feature each week aboard the MSC World Europa. However, announced artists are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
The lineup will feature SOS Kantik for the Chanté Nwèl, Silonvan, La Finekip, Emosyon, Misié Sadik, Jessye Belleval & Zouk’n Groove, Kwaxikolor feat. Jocelyne Béroard, Thierry Lof & C’Zigla, Kaf Kon’s, Jean-Michel Galva & Koezyon, Maty, Jean-Marc Ferdinand, and MKG. Tanmpo Klassik Live will also celebrate its tenth anniversary on board. Several DJs will be participating in the season, including DJ Raptor, DJ Moolinexx, DJ Fab, and DJ Stonekilla & Friends.
In Paris, amid startups and major tech events, an idea that originated in Martinique has just received national recognition. MiBelBoat was honored on June 17 at VivaTech 2026 as part of France Travail’s first “Challenge Innov’ Outre-Mer.” The startup aims to use artificial intelligence to better connect travelers, water sports operators, and maritime professionals in the Caribbean.
An award for a startup from Martinique
VivaTech 2026 is taking place June 17–20 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. For MiBelBoat, its participation in this trade show took on special significance right from the first day. The Martinique-based platform received the “Technology Passport” award during the awards ceremony for the Challenge Innov’ Outre-Mer, organized by France Travail. The project is led by Alexis Mompert and Aurélien Filin. Their goal is simple to state but more complex to achieve: to provide the Caribbean boating industry with a digital tool capable of connecting offerings, operators, itineraries, and travelers.
This topic touches on a very specific sector: boat trips, charter services, water-based activities, marinas, tourism professionals, and customers looking for an easier way to make reservations.
A market that remains fragmented
In many Caribbean regions, access to water sports is still facilitated through fragmented channels: a phone call, a WhatsApp message, an email exchange, or a local recommendation. This personal touch is part of the culture of service, but it can also limit operators’ visibility.
MiBelBoat is based on this observation. According to the startup, the Caribbean’s boating offerings remain difficult to organize on a regional scale. For travelers, it’s not always easy to compare experiences, understand itineraries, or book at the right time. For industry professionals, the fragmentation of sales channels can complicate the management, marketing, and tracking of business. This is where digital tools come into play in the Caribbean. The challenge goes beyond booking. The goal is to make an already active but still underconnected industry more transparent.
AI as a Field Tool
MiBelBoat is a Caribbean-based boat rental platform powered by artificial intelligence. The solution aims to integrate several features: booking, management, itineraries, and nautical concierge services. The goal is to simplify the customer experience while helping operators better organize their offerings.
AI is becoming a tool for sorting, automating, and guiding users. It can help organize information, streamline requests, assist in choosing an experience, or make certain tasks less burdensome for professionals. For the Caribbean, where the sea serves as a space for work, transportation, recreation, and identity, this issue also touches on how these regions make the most of their resources.
An idea born from experience at sea
MiBelBoat draws on the experience gained through Boat Paradise, a company specializing in premium boating experiences in the Caribbean. This venture allowed the founders to identify the needs not only of customers, but also of operators, marinas, and tourism stakeholders. The project isn’t driven solely by a technological trend. It’s rooted in real-world use. Booking a boat trip, planning an itinerary, managing a request, tailoring an experience to a season or a specific audience—these details are what build a platform’s value.
This close connection to the local community also gives the project a more human dimension. Behind MiBelBoat lies a desire to transform a local experience into a regional resource.
A Blue Economy Challenge
The award received at VivaTech comes at a time when Caribbean regions are seeking to better structure their marine-related sectors. Tourism, boating, services, digital technology, and employment: the blue economy cannot remain just a general concept. It must generate tools, opportunities, and revenue for local stakeholders. MiBelBoat aims to contribute to this momentum by helping operators gain visibility and facilitating access to water-based experiences year-round. The goal remains a cautious one: to better organize existing resources, reduce dependence on scattered networks, and build—from Martinique —a solution capable of resonating throughout the entire Caribbean region.
The award received in Paris does not solve all the challenges. Above all, it brings attention to a key question: Who is building the platforms that will organize the Caribbean’s resources, industries, and experiences in the future? With MiBelBoat, Martinique offers one possible answer. It now remains to be seen how this recognition can be translated into tangible benefits for both maritime operators and travelers.
MiBelBoat is a startup based in Martinique that is developing a Caribbean platform dedicated to boating experiences. Its goal is to better connect travelers, boating operators, marinas, and tourism professionals. The platform uses artificial intelligence to streamline booking, request management, itinerary planning, and nautical concierge services.
MiBelBoat won an award at VivaTech 2026 as part of France Travail’s “Innov’ Outre-Mer” Challenge. The startup was recognized for its digital solution, developed in Martinique and tailored to the Caribbean boating industry. This recognition highlights an overseas innovation capable of addressing a concrete need: making the boating industry’s offerings clearer, more accessible, and better organized.
MiBelBoat’s goal is to reduce fragmentation in the Caribbean’s marine tourism sector. Today, many reservations are still made by phone, WhatsApp, email, or direct contact. By centralizing listings and using AI to streamline the experience, MiBelBoat aims to help operators gain visibility and give travelers better access to marine experiences.
A challenge shared by the entire region
In response to the recurring Sargassum strandings affecting many Caribbean territories, the SARSEA project (Sargassum Regional Strategies for Ecosystem-based Actions) has been bringing together regional institutions, experts, and local governments for several years around a common goal: to strengthen these territories’ capacity to anticipate, manage, and make the most of this phenomenon. Led by Expertise France and the Commission of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with support from the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union, and local partners such as the Guadeloupe Region, the program promotes the sharing of experiences and the development of solutions tailored to Caribbean realities.
Dominica, a hub for regional trade
Faced with a common challenge, an increasing number of territories in the region are coming to see cooperation as one of the most effective ways to make progress. With this in mind, a series of regional meetings was recently held in Dominica, bringing together government representatives, technical experts, regional organizations, civil society actors, and professionals from several Caribbean islands.
These discussions provided an opportunity to share on-the-ground experiences, identify best practices already in place, and explore new courses of action to improve the management of Sargassum strandings throughout the region
Martinique and Guadeloupe Share Their Expertise
This spirit of cooperation continued through a study mission organized in Martinique and Guadeloupe. A delegation composed of representatives from nine Caribbean states and territories was invited to learn about the locally developed systems for monitoring, collecting, and managing Sargassum strandings.
In particular, participants were able to observe environmental monitoring systems, offshore containment systems, early-warning tools, and several initiatives aimed at utilizing these algae. This field trip highlighted the expertise developed over the years by stakeholders in Martinique and Guadeloupe who face this phenomenon on a recurring basis.
Toward a More Resilient Caribbean
Beyond the technical aspects, these meetings reflect a broader goal: to strengthen the resilience of Caribbean regions in the face of contemporary environmental challenges.
Against a backdrop marked by the effects of climate change, the preservation of ecosystems, and the need to protect coastal economies, regional stakeholders are seeking to develop responses tailored to the realities of island life. Sharing experiences, pooling knowledge, and developing joint projects are now seen as essential tools.
A Strengthened Partnership for Coordinated Action
This commitment to working together was also demonstrated by the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between Expertise France and the Guadeloupe Region. Through this partnership, the two institutions aim to strengthen the coordination of their efforts, promote the sharing of expertise, and support the development of innovative solutions that will benefit the entire Caribbean region.
The goal is clear: to avoid duplication of effort, improve the flow of knowledge, and encourage a more coherent approach to a phenomenon that extends far beyond administrative boundaries.
Building Tomorrow's Solutions Together
Sargassum is one of the many challenges facing the Caribbean today. Yet, beyond the difficulties it causes, it also highlights the ability of these regions to collaborate, innovate, and learn from one another.
Through these meetings, field missions, and regional partnerships, a vision of the Caribbean based on solidarity, the sharing of expertise, and collective action is gradually taking shape. Faced with a common challenge, the answer now seems clear: a stronger Caribbean is built together.
Sargassum poses a major challenge for the Caribbean because its strandings affect multiple territories at once. It impacts coastlines, tourism, fishing, coastal ecosystems, and the quality of life for affected communities. Since the phenomenon transcends administrative boundaries, local responses are not always sufficient. Regional cooperation makes it possible to better anticipate arrivals, share management methods, and develop solutions tailored to island realities.
The SARSEA project supports Caribbean regions in implementing joint strategies to address the sargassum problem. It promotes the sharing of experiences among institutions, experts, local governments, and on-the-ground stakeholders. Its goal is to strengthen these regions’ capacity to monitor Sargassum strandings, organize collection efforts, test containment methods, and explore ways to repurpose the seaweed. The project takes a regional approach, allowing each island to learn from the solutions developed by others.
Martinique and Guadeloupe regularly face sargassum strandings. This experience has enabled them to develop monitoring tools, early-warning systems, collection mechanisms, and initiatives to put the sargassum to good use. In the article, these two territories are presented as sources of expertise for other Caribbean states and territories. Their role is therefore significant, as they demonstrate how local experience can inform a collective response across the Caribbean.
In Fort-de-France, a shipwreck doesn’t need to be brought to the surface to tell a story. Sometimes all it takes is a photo, an object, or a personal account. During European Archaeology Days, Martinique chose the sea as a gateway to its history. In the gardens and spaces of the “Department of Cultural Affairs”, the exhibition “Diving into the Blue, Where Shipwrecks Lie” showcased a heritage that is often invisible: the one that lies beneath the water.
European Archaeology Days as seen from Martinique
European Archaeology Days took place on June 12, 13, and 14, 2026. In Martinique, this event took on a special significance. It wasn’t just about discussing excavations, ruins, or conservation. It was about reminding people that the island also holds a part of its history in its seabed, its bays, its beaches, and its sand.
The Department of Cultural Affairs placed the sea at the center of this local edition. This choice coincided with the 60th anniversary of DRASSM, the Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research, established in 1966. Centered on this theme, visitors could view images of shipwrecks, recovered artifacts, and the work of those who preserve these historical traces.
Jean-Sébastien France: A Passion Born in 1991
Jean-Sébastien France plays a key role. As president of the Association for the Research and Promotion of Martinique’s Underwater Archaeological Heritage, he does not present himself as an archaeologist. He speaks first and foremost as a man whose life has been shaped by a single encounter. In 1991, in southern Martinique, he took part in the discovery of an underwater archaeological site. Underwater, he saw anchors, cannons, and objects that time had deposited there. That day, he says, he felt “overwhelmed by history.” Underwater archaeology often begins with an emotional connection before evolving into research.
The association he chairs was founded in 2017. It now has about twenty members. Its goal is clear: to highlight a heritage that has long been overlooked and to raise awareness among the people of Martinique about this part of their shared history.
Wrecks, but above all, memories
The most powerful line from the interview can be summed up in a few words: “The sea doesn’t just hold shipwrecks; it also holds memories.” A shipwreck isn’t just a pile of metal or wood. It’s a trace of passage, of travel, of trade, of war, and sometimes of tragedy. An object found underwater always raises questions. Who made it? Which ship did it belong to? Where did it come from? Who lost it? Were there any missing people? Amateur divers, photographers, and organizations can spark this curiosity. Archaeologists then bring the methodology, the archives, the measurements, and scientific rigor.
During European Archaeology Days, this interplay between emotion and science found a public platform. Visitors were unable to go down into the bay of Fort-de-France or the harbor of Saint-Pierre themselves. But they were able to view these seabeds in a new light, thanks to the images and artifacts on display.
Through the lens of photographer Jacques-Yves Imbert
The exhibition owes a great deal to photography. Photographer Jacques-Yves Imbert is one of those artists whose vision allows the general public to gain access to a world that is otherwise difficult to reach. In underwater archaeology, images document, convey, and preserve a record.
Jean-Sébastien France reminds us: nothing remains unchanged at sea. Salt, currents, swells, sand, and coral transform shipwrecks. Some will eventually disappear. Photographs then become witnesses for future generations. They also make this heritage accessible to those who do not dive.
The Sikorsky S43B: A Story of the Islands
Among the most striking stories, that of the Sikorsky S43B gives tangible form to this submerged memory. This seaplane carried passengers between the islands. During a landing in Fort-de-France Bay, the sea was rough. The aircraft lost stability, hit the water, and capsized. Today, the wreck lies upside down at the bottom of the bay.
This site requires caution. The bottom is muddy. Any sudden movement can stir up the water and reduce visibility. A photogrammetric image was used to reconstruct the seaplane in 3D from several hundred photos. Here, technology helps us understand without causing damage.
European Archaeology Days: Heritage for Culture and Tourism
The European Archaeology Days also highlight another idea: tourism in Martinique can be enriched by deeper stories of its heritage. Martinique is not defined solely by its beaches, gardens, distilleries, or hills. It is also defined by its shipwrecks, maritime routes, remains buried beneath the sand, Native American traces, and memories linked to slavery.
But this heritage comes with a rule: Do not touch. Do not take anything. These objects belong to our shared history. Perhaps this is the most important lesson left by these European Archaeology Days: learning to look at the sea differently not as a backdrop, but as Martinique’s fragile library.
European Archaeology Days is an event dedicated to exploring archaeological heritage. In Martinique, the 2026 edition highlighted the sea, shipwrecks, underwater artifacts, and traces of heritage preserved on the seabed. The event gave the public a better understanding of a part of Martinique’s history that is often hidden from view—located beneath the sea, in the bays, on the beaches, and beneath the sand.
Underwater archaeology is important to Martinique because it reveals fragments of history that cannot be seen from land. Shipwrecks, anchors, cannons, ancient artifacts, and submerged remains tell the story of maritime routes, shipwrecks, trade between the islands, and Martinique’s ties to the Caribbean. This heritage is fragile, as salt, sand, waves, and coral can gradually alter it or cause it to disappear.
The ARVPAM, chaired by Jean-Sébastien France, works to raise awareness of Martinique’s underwater archaeological heritage. The association serves as a link between divers, photographers, institutions, archaeologists, and the general public. Its role is to raise awareness among the people of Martinique about this underwater heritage, to highlight the value of artifacts and shipwrecks, and to emphasize that this heritage must be protected, studied, and preserved in accordance with scientific standards.
On June 2 and 3, 2026, public and economic players from Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis sat around the same table in Guadeloupe to work on a very concrete question: how can we better connect nearby islands, whose exchanges are still hampered by transport breaks? The first KARULINK steering committee is not yet launching new lines. It is setting up a method, partners and a timetable to examine the feasibility of regular maritime passenger services.
A first COPIL to move from principle to method
This meeting marks an important milestone for KARULINK, a European territorial cooperation project co-financed by the European Union as part of the INTERREG Caribbean 2021-2027 program. Discussions focused on three areas: feasibility studies for future maritime services, the development of more environmentally-friendly transport solutions, and prospects for economic and tourism cooperation between the partner territories.
This framing is essential. There’s more to a sea link than simply putting a ship out to sea. We need to study the possible flows, the ports involved, land connections, operating costs, standards, security, timetables, ticketing and passenger reception. The entire travel chain needs to be considered. This is one of the challenges of the project’s intermodal approach: to make it easier for passengers to switch from one mode of transport to another.
A Guadeloupean project with a Caribbean scope
KARULINK is led by the STEP Group in Guadeloupe, with several economic and institutional partners: the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce, the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce, the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Communauté d’Agglomération La Riviera du Levant and the Ville de Bouillante. The project is scheduled to run until December 31, 2027.
Data published by INTERREG Caraïbes indicate a period running from January 4, 2025 to December 31, 2027, with a total cost of 1,868,743 euros, including 1,143,896 euros from the ERDF and 444,535 euros from the EDF. These amounts place KARULINK within a structured, financed and European framework, with measurable objectives.
The sea as a space for cooperation
The appeal of KARULINK lies in its starting point: the sea can once again become a space for traffic, work and cooperation between nearby islands. The project aims to strengthen connectivity within the Guadeloupe archipelago, while exploring new routes to Dominica, Antigua and St. Kitts. It also combines broader objectives: stimulating the tourism economy, promoting low-carbon transport, creating local jobs and developing training in maritime and land transport professions.
This is an important dimension for the Eastern Caribbean. The territories concerned share geographical proximity, commercial exchanges, family ties, tourist traffic and economic needs. Yet regional mobility remains a sensitive issue, as it depends on public decisions, private operators, technical constraints and fragile economic balances. KARULINK should therefore prove that cooperation can produce concrete solutions.
A response to the challenge of regional integration
The project is part of the “A more connected Caribbean” priority of the INTERREG Caribbean program. This priority includes a specific objective dedicated to sustainable, intelligent and cross-border mobility. It corresponds to the stated ambition of reducing obstacles to inter-island mobility and promoting economic, tourist and human exchanges.
For Guadeloupe, the stakes are also strategic. As one of Europe’s outermost regions in the Caribbean, it is seeking to better integrate into its regional environment. KARULINK gives it a pivotal role, not to speak on behalf of other territories, but to build useful, realistic and sustainable links with them.
The next stage will be decisive
At this stage, the available information points to feasibility studies, coordination between partners and preparation of the next steps. Future routes have yet to be defined: routes, frequency, fares, ships, ports and operating partners.
This is where KARULINK will be needed. If successful, the project could provide the Eastern Caribbean with a concrete example of maritime cooperation, at the service of inhabitants, visitors, businesses and territories. June 2 and 3, 2026 have not yet changed the transport map. But they did lay a foundation stone: that of Caribbean mobility conceived from within the region, with its constraints, needs and ambitions.
KARULINK is a European territorial cooperation project designed to strengthen maritime connectivity between several territories in the Eastern Caribbean. It brings together Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis, with a concrete objective: to study the establishment of regular maritime passenger links, improve transport intermodality and facilitate economic, tourist and human exchanges between the islands.
The KARULINK project mainly concerns Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and Saint Kitts and Nevis. On the Guadeloupe side, it involves Groupe STEP, the Communauté d’Agglomération La Riviera du Levant and the Ville de Bouillante. The project is in line with a regional approach: to better link geographically close territories, which are still hampered by transport, coordination and organization constraints for maritime flows.
KARULINK is important because it addresses a central issue in the Caribbean: the difficulty of moving easily between islands that are nevertheless neighbors. By working on maritime services, more sustainable transport solutions and better cooperation between public and private players, the project can help strengthen regional integration. It can also support tourism, economic exchanges, family ties and the movement of people in the Eastern Caribbean.
Facing an illuminated 6,000 TEU vessel operating in the middle of the night, on the ninth floor of the Poséidon, with a bird’s eye view of the Fort-de-France terminal, the launch of the PCRF XL maritime service supported by CMA CGM offered a revealing scene of the transformation underway.
Under the terminal’s spotlights, port straddlers and containers move to the rhythm of night-time operations, providing a glimpse of the logistical infrastructure that links Martinique to the rest of the world on a daily basis.
But behind this port mechanism lies a broader question: what if these new maritime routes, beyond transporting goods, were also helping to redefine the place of Caribbean territories in the region’s economic and cultural exchanges?
On a regional scale, these connections could also facilitate the organization of traveling exhibitions, as well as the transport of works, instruments or audiovisual productions between islands – a logistical reality often decisive for cultural projects in the Caribbean.
Supported by CMA CGM, the PCRF XL service is part of a gradual transformation of maritime links between Europe, the French Caribbean territories, the regional Caribbean and Latin America.
Over the past twenty years or so, the vessels operating on these routes have undergone several major changes: from 1,700 TEU units until 2006, then 2,200 TEU vessels, followed by 3,500 TEU vessels, to the 6,000 TEU container ships now deployed by CMA CGM since 2026.
This increase in capacity illustrates a change in scale. It also accompanies a broader ambition: to strengthen the position of the French Caribbean territories in the major maritime flows linking Europe, Latin America and the entire Caribbean basin, as part of a strategy supported in particular by CMA CGM.
A strategic position between the Caribbean and Latin America
This strategy is largely based on the region’s geographical position. Situated close to the major shipping routes linking Europe, North America, Latin America and the Panama Canal, Martinique and Guadeloupe occupy a pivotal position between several economic areas, a position also emphasized by CMA CGM in its logistics analyses…
As Guillaume de Chastellux reminded us at the project presentation:
“The West Indies are the gateway to the Caribbean. We’re at the crossroads of Latin America, facing the Panama Canal with its opening onto the Pacific Ocean, and with Europe and the Mediterranean on the other side.”
In this context, the modernization of port infrastructures and the arrival of larger vessels are not just technical developments. They are also helping to reposition the French Caribbean territories in regional and even international trade.
The maritime hub project led by CMA CGM in partnership with the Grands Ports Maritimes de Martinique et de Guadeloupe aims to increase the overall transhipment capacity of the two islands to approximately 300,000 TEU per year 68,000 today.
Looking at opportunities on a regional scale
In addition to infrastructure, CMA CGM’s management team emphasized the regional dimension of this development at a presentation organized by CMA CGM.
Guillaume de Chastellux put it explicitly:
“I absolutely invite all our customers and partners to get out of their territory and look at the opportunities in the region – trade, industry, processing, re-export, consolidation of goods. The whole field of possibilities is very broad.”
This invitation to broaden horizons refers directly to the regional dynamics of the Caribbean and Latin America. In this area, made up of archipelagos, coastlines and continental territories, the sea remains a central vector for trade, a fact that CMA CGM regularly emphasizes in its regional development strategies…
Strengthening maritime connections can not only facilitate trade flows, but also encourage new cooperation between territories.
Territorial and cultural roots
While the logistical dimension of the project is central, the event also served as a reminder that the Group’s actions are part of a wider territorial environment. Through its foundation and local initiatives, CMA CGM supports a number of social, cultural and environmental projects in the French Caribbean territories.
These commitments include support for the Yole ronde de Martinique a nautical discipline emblematic of Martinique’s maritime heritage and a living symbol of the relationship between the sea and the island’s identity.
The Group also supports professional integration initiatives for young people, notably through programs run with the RSMA. The company is also involved in a number of solidarity initiatives with local organizations such as the Food Bank and the Red Cross. This commitment is complemented by environmental initiatives, notably to preserve the mangrove swamp.
A new stage in Martinique's maritime role
Today, three CMA CGM shipping lines serve the port of Fort-de-France. On the horizon 2027 this number is expected to rise to six lines as part of a wider network of some nineteen lines operating in the Caribbean zone. This development could strengthen Martinique ‘s position in regional trade, facilitating connections between the Caribbean islands, Central and South America and Europe.
As these connections develop, another question arises: how these new maritime routes could, in time, also contribute to the wider influence of Caribbean territories in the region and beyond.
The Caribbean lies at the crossroads of major shipping routes linking Europe, North America, Latin America and the Panama Canal. Improved maritime connections can therefore facilitate trade, strengthen regional economic relations and increase the flow of goods between the islands and neighboring continents.
The PCRF XL service aims to modernize maritime links between Europe, the French Caribbean territories, the regional Caribbean and Latin America. The use of 6,000 TEU vessels will increase transport capacity and improve logistics efficiency in the region.
Their geographical position at the heart of the Caribbean basin is a strategic advantage. Located between Europe, Latin America and the shipping routes of the Panama Canal, they can serve as transshipment hubs for redistributing goods to neighboring islands and regional markets.
The RORC Caribbean 600 returned this Monday, February 23, 2026 for its 17th edition, starting from English Harbour, Antigua. Organized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, this 600-nautical-mile non-stop offshore race has established itself as one of the major events on the international sailing calendar. In less than two decades, it has established itself as a benchmark event in the Caribbean, attracting a prestigious fleet and crews from all over the world every year.
For this 2026 edition, 57 boats have been entered, bringing together nearly 500 sailors from over thirty countries. From Mini 6.50s to 100-foot maxi yachts, the diversity of the boats entered testifies to the appeal of the race and its unique positioning, both accessible to experienced crews and feared by the biggest names in offshore sailing.
A spectacular and demanding Caribbean course
The principle of the RORC Caribbean 600 has remained unchanged since its creation: start and finish in Antigua, for a 600-nautical-mile non-stop course around eleven Caribbean islands. On the map, the route looks crystal-clear. At sea, it proves particularly complex.
After the start from English Harbour, the fleet headed north to the Anguilla Channel, before beginning a gradual descent south to Les Saintes in Guadeloupe, before heading back up to Antigua. Along the way, the crews passed Barbuda, Nevis, Saint-Kitts, Saba, Saint-Barthélemy, Montserrat and Redonda. This route offers a condensed view of the realities of Caribbean sailing, where the beauty of the scenery goes hand in hand with constant technical challenges.
The difficulty of the RORC Caribbean 600 lies mainly in the effects of relief and local weather phenomena. Winds can accelerate sharply as you pass certain capes, then drop in intensity in areas sheltered by mountainous islands. Inter-island currents, venturi effects in the canals and long night-time sailing require constant vigilance. In this race, detailed knowledge of the terrain and strategic anticipation can prove decisive.
A top-class international fleet
As every year, the race brought together a fleet of seasoned professionals and highly experienced amateur sailors. The fast maxi-yachts and multihulls attract a great deal of media attention, especially when it comes to winning in real time. Their power and speed make them major players in the show, capable of completing the course in just a few days when conditions are favorable.
But the sporting interest of the RORC Caribbean 600 also lies in the intermediate classes, notably the Class40s and IRC boats. In these categories, the differences are often determined by regularity, precision of maneuvers and management of weather transitions. Every mile sailed can have a direct impact on the final rankings on corrected time. The presence of smaller boats, such as the Mini, is a reminder that this race is first and foremost a human challenge. Sailing such a non-stop course demands considerable physical and mental endurance.
Caribbean participation reinforces race identity
The presence of sailors from the French West Indies lent a particularly strong regional dimension to this edition. Sailors from Martinique and Guadeloupe took part in the race, notably aboard the Class40. Martinique Horizon. Their participation underlines the growing strength of offshore sailing in the Caribbean and the willingness of local talent to compete against the best international teams.
For these skippers, the RORC Caribbean 600 represents much more than a competition. It’s an opportunity to measure themselves against the highest standards, to gain experience on a technical course, and to raise the profile of the Caribbean nautical industry. In a region where the sea is at the heart of people’s identities, their commitment helps to promote local maritime know-how.
Antigua, a strategic hub for international sailing
The choice of Antigua as the starting and finishing point for the RORC Caribbean 600 is a logical one. Over the years, the island has established itself as one of the Caribbean’s sailing capitals. Its port infrastructure, favorable February weather conditions and maritime culture make it an ideal venue for a race of this scale.
Beyond the sporting aspect, the event generates significant economic spin-offs for the region. Crews, technical teams and accompanying staff often stay for several weeks, contributing to the activity of marinas, hotels, restaurants and nautical services. In this way, the RORC Caribbean 600 contributes to Antigua’s international reputation and, more broadly, to the promotion of the Caribbean as a leading offshore sailing destination.
A race revealing Caribbean excellence
Over the years, the RORC Caribbean 600 has become a veritable barometer of the region’s nautical excellence. It highlights the capacity of Caribbean territories to host top-level international sporting events, while at the same time promoting their unique maritime features.
This race also illustrates how the sea links islands together. By circumnavigating eleven territories in the space of a few days, crews cross a common maritime space that transcends administrative boundaries. In this way, the RORC Caribbean 600 embodies a form of Caribbean continuity, where navigation becomes a vector of regional connection.
The 2026 edition now under way
The start of the 17th edition was given on Monday February 23rd at 11am local time from English Harbour. From the very first hours of the race, strategic choices began to influence the hierarchy. The passages to the north of Antigua and in the inter-island channels are among the most closely scrutinized zones, as they can create significant gaps.
In the days to come, the race should offer a constant spectacle of high speeds, tactical repositioning and crew endurance management. This 2026 edition promises to be one of the most open in recent years, with a dense international fleet and weather conditions likely to throw up some surprises. For observers of the Caribbean sailing scene, the RORC Caribbean 600 remains a structuring event. Over and above its sporting performance, it embodies the region’s maritime vitality and its place in major international competitions.
The 17th edition kicked off on Monday, February 23, 2026 from English Harbour in Antigua.
The race covers 600 nautical miles non-stop around eleven Caribbean islands, from the north of Anguilla to Guadeloupe before returning to Antigua.
It raises the region’s international profile in offshore sailing, promotes Caribbean sailors and generates economic spin-offs for Antigua and the territories it crosses.
Schoelcher Nautical Week is currently at the heart of the nautical news in Martinique. For its 34th edition, the competition organized by the Cercle Nautique de Schoelcher confirms its status as a major event in Caribbean light sailing. Since Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Schoelcher waterway has welcomed a particularly high level of participation and a diversity of delegations rarely seen in recent years.
A strong mobilization for the Schoelcher 2026 Nautical Week
The Schoelcher Nautical Week is experiencing an exceptional mobilization. Around 150 competitors have signed up for this 2026 edition. Including the organizing teams, referees, coaches and volunteers, nearly 200 people are mobilized on the water during the four days of competition.
Such a level of participation had not been achieved for several years. The enthusiasm shown by clubs and delegations confirms the growing appeal of the Schoelcher Nautical Week, which continues to establish itself as a strategic stage for many young and experienced sailors.
A remarkable international presence
The regional and international dimension of this event is confirmed by the presence of numerous delegations. Among the territories represented are Switzerland, Belgium, Saint Kitts, Sint Maarten, Saint Martin, Guadeloupe, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Lucia, France and Antigua. This diversity reinforces the competition’s influence beyond Martinique. For some participants, this is their first experience of sailing outside their home territory. For others, with more experience, it represents an important preparation stage for national and international events.
The Guadeloupe delegation is particularly noteworthy for its size. With nearly fifty representatives, it was the largest on Martinique’s waters, illustrating the close sporting ties between the Caribbean territories.
A formative event for young sailors
In addition to sporting performance, the Schoelcher Nautical Week also fulfills an essential mission of training and exchange. For many young racers, the competition represents a first international outing and an opportunity to sail on a body of water renowned for its technical skills. Schoelcher is known for its wind variations and demanding conditions. Sailors must constantly adjust their strategies, which makes this event a privileged learning ground for young light sailing talents.
The coaches present emphasized the importance of these trips for the sporting development of young athletes. Sailing outside their usual environment allows them to gain experience, build confidence and raise their level of competition.
Wingfoil confirms its rise to prominence
The Schoelcher Nautical Week also highlights the growing popularity of wingfoil, a fast-developing discipline. This category attracts a number of well-known athletes and promises high-level confrontations. The presence of champions and young hopefuls reinforces the sporting intensity on the water. Their participation illustrates the evolution of light sailing towards more modern and dynamic supports, while attracting a wider public.
The weather conditions forecast for this 2026 edition should enable the events to run smoothly. Without extreme winds, but with sufficiently sustained conditions, the competitors have a favorable terrain to express their potential.
A competition running until February 17
Since February 14, the starters have been lining up on the Schoelcher race course. The race committee is planning up to twelve heats per class over the course of the competition, allowing the sailors to fully express their performance. Each day is punctuated by the successive starts of the different classes, offering a continuous sporting spectacle. The organizers provide the coordination and security necessary to ensure the smooth running of the event.
The 34th edition of the Schoelcher Nautical Week will close with an awards ceremony on February 17. The champions of the Schoelcher Nautical Week will be honored alongside all the participants and teams involved.
A structuring event for Caribbean sailing
Over the years, it has established itself as a structuring event for sailing in the Caribbean. It fosters exchanges between clubs, encourages the progress of young athletes and raises Martinique’s profile on the regional sailing scene. The 2026 edition confirms this dynamic. The number of participants, the quality of the delegations and the diversity of disciplines testify to the vitality of light sailing in the region. Running until February 17, the Schoelcher Nautical Week is once again a highlight of the Martinique and Caribbean sporting calendar.
The Schoelcher Nautical Week 2026 takes place from February 14 to 17 in Martinique, with four days of competition on the Schoelcher race course.
Around 150 competitors are taking part in the 2026 event, along with the organizing teams, bringing the total number of people involved to almost 200.
The Schoelcher Nautical Week is a major event in Caribbean light sailing, promoting the training of young sailors, exchanges between territories and preparation for international competitions.
At the heart of the port of Fort-de-France, the Tourelles Cruise Terminal has taken a new step in its evolution by becoming a genuine cultural space. In the midst of Martinique’s carnival season, this reception area is transformed into a lively stage where international visitors, artists and locals meet.
On Saturday February 14, the inauguration of a 200 m² cultural space within the tourelles cruise terminal marked a turning point: making the port a place open to the city, rooted in Martinique’s identity. As soon as they disembark or before boarding, cruise passengers and travelers are immersed in the excitement of Carnival, enjoying an immediate and authentic cultural experience. This initiative comes at a time when cruise tourism is growing steadily in Martinique, confirming the port’s strategic role in the cultural enhancement of the region.
A new cultural space in the heart of the port
Designed as a multi-purpose venue combining culture, conviviality and mediation, this new space at the Tourelles cruise terminal hosts ephemeral exhibitions, artistic encounters and one-off events. Equipped with screens and a digital connection, it is designed to be accessible to cruise passengers and local residents alike.
The objective is clear: to offer international visitors a first cultural immersion on arrival, while offering Martinique residents a space for artistic expression within the port itself. This positioning reflects the desire of the Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique to assert itself as a cultural player in its own right, at the service of the region.
For several years now, Fort-de-France’s cruise terminals have been designed as reception and discovery areas, integrating craft villages and events for passengers in port. However, the opening of this cultural space marks a further step: that of a permanent artistic presence.
When Carnival enters the terminal
To inaugurate this new venue, Carnival was a natural choice. At the start of the carnival season, masks and wearers took over the tourelles cruise terminal in a lively performance combining a parade, music and direct interaction with visitors. The masks, which had been on display for two months, left their immobility behind and went into motion. Crossing the terminal right up to the ships in port, they offered cruise passengers an immediate immersion in Martinique’s carnival imagination.
This encounter between international visitors and local identity transforms the transit area into a genuine cultural experience. Tourists, Martinican families and children present during the school vacations were able to photograph, interact and get caught up in the Carnival atmosphere before even reaching the city. In addition to the show, the initiative was a response to a precise strategy: to enable travelers to discover local crafts and culture as soon as they arrived, but also to offer departing passengers the opportunity to take home a tangible souvenir of Martinique.
Sylviane Enelada's masks: between sea, ecology and memory
At the heart of this immersive exhibition are the creations of visual artist and actress Sylviane Enelada, artistic director of the LAPERKUT association. His work, developed over several years, draws on the marine world to question the relationship between man and his environment. Inspired by the ocean floor, his masks evoke fish, anemones, corals and hybrid creatures. But behind the carnivalesque aesthetic lies a deeper message: the fragility of marine ecosystems and the impact of plastic on the oceans. The dialogue between recycled materials and organic forms becomes a visual metaphor for the relationship between man, the sea and pollution.
Presented at the Tourelles cruise terminal since December, the exhibition has found a natural extension in the carnival movement. Bringing the masks to life, taking them out of the exhibition space and into the public eye, corresponds to a desire to circulate art and create a direct dialogue with spectators. Fourteen exhibitors, wearers and students collaborated on this collective project, combining artistic creation and transmission.
Transmission, craftsmanship and the therapeutic dimension
Behind each mask lies precise handwork: papier-mâché, foam, polystyrene, acrylic paint and patient assembly. At the association, mask-making is also seen as a form of self-expression. For some participants, creating a mask is a way of releasing tensions and emotions, transforming the workshop into a space of liberation and sharing. This therapeutic dimension reinforces the social scope of the project, where art becomes a tool for transmission and cohesion.
Sylviane Enelada’s workshops are part of this approach: to pass on a passion, to initiate the younger generations and to remind them that the mask, present in many cultures around the world, remains a universal symbol of expression and identity.
Tourism, culture and Martinique's identity: a new vision for the port
The event organized at the Tourelles cruise terminal is much more than a one-off. It illustrates a broader evolution: that of a port that positions itself as a crossroads between tourism, culture and citizenship. On an island where Carnival is a major marker of collective identity, the integration of artistic expression within the port enhances the visitor experience while promoting local talent.
Transforming the Tourelles cruise terminal As a meeting place for cruise passengers and Martinique’s culture, the Grand Port Maritime is laying the foundations for a cultural and digital living space that will evolve over the coming months. A way of asserting that, from now on, the voyage begins at the port, and that it can also be an encounter with the artistic soul of a territory.
The tourelles cruise terminal, thus confirms its role as a bridge between tourism and culture. The tourelles cruise terminal intends to reinforce this artistic immersion at every port of call. For visitors and locals alike, the tourelles cruise terminal becomes a meeting point. With this initiative, the tourelles cruise terminal is part of a sustainable cultural dynamic. In the future, the tourelles cruise terminal could become a key venue in Martinique’s artistic life.
On Saturday February 14, a cultural and carnival event marked the launch of a new 200 m² cultural space with an immersive mask exhibition and an artistic parade in the heart of the terminal.
The mask exhibition was organized by the LAPERKUT association under the artistic direction of Martinican artist Sylviane Enelada, with the participation of artists, wearers and students.
The Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique wants to transform the terminal into a living space, accessible to citizens and cruise passengers alike, to showcase Martinique’s arts, crafts and cultural identity from the moment visitors arrive.
The Conseil de Coordination Interportuaire Antilles-Guyane (CCIAG ) met on December 12, 2025 at Habitation Le PALM in Martinique. This annual meeting, provided for in the French Transport Code, has become a major lever for inter-territorial governance between Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana.
Supported by the French State and the three Grands Ports Maritimes, the CCIAG aims to reinforce the coherence of port policies, support the economic resilience of the territories and ensure the long-term inclusion of the South-Caribbean axis in a dynamic of regional cooperation.
Collegial governance at the service of territories
“The CCIAG is more than a technical body: it’s a forum for strategic dialogue with representatives of the State, local authorities and ports,” emphasizes Bruno Mencé, Chairman of the Board of the Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique.
The CCIAG ensures that port policies are regularly aligned with national guidelines and local needs. Each year, the three ports pool their experience and define joint priorities: safety, connectivity, ecological transition and logistics competitiveness.
Jean-Pierre Chalus, Chairman of the Board of the Port of Guadeloupe, insists that this shared governance allows for concrete monitoring of progress and difficulties:
“Every year, we have an update on the orientations voted collectively, which enables us to point out our progress, our difficulties, and to continue on our way.”
He also emphasizes the growing mobilization of teams around environmental issues:
“There is a lot of enthusiasm from all the ports to invest in energy, ecological and other transitions, serving the sustainable development of our territories.”
Stéphane Tant, Chairman of the Board of the Grand Port Maritime de la Guyane, stresses the importance of this annual meeting:
“It’s a meeting that enables us to exchange views not only between ports, but also with elected representatives, the DGOM (Direction Générale des Outre-mer) and the DGITM (Direction Générale des Infrastructures, des Transports et de la Mer), on our common challenges, our development needs and our roadmap.
He emphasizes that the CCIAG is about more than just the port, it’s about economic development and regional connectivity.
A common roadmap and concrete actions
The 2025-2029 roadmap, defined collectively by all the players within the CCIAG, focuses on major areas such as decarbonization, port safety, innovation and adaptation to climate change. Bruno Mencé explains:
“We have to guarantee an identical level of safety and security in our three ports, corresponding to the needs of our customers and the territories.”
He also stresses the importance of regional cooperation with PMAC (Port Management Association of the Caribbean) to create a Caribbean economic observatory:
“It’s a truly Caribbean project that we’re working on with PMAC, i.e. with all Caribbean ports,” explains Bruno Mencé.
The aim is to gain a better understanding of how shipping lines work, and to identify ways of developing trade with neighboring islands.
Jean-Pierre Chalus points out that this roadmap makes it possible to deal with strategic subjects such as inter-territorial services:
“Regular service to French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique is an important factor for our territories, for both economic and political players.”
He also emphasizes the role of technical meetings held throughout the year between port departments, to ensure continuous progress.
Among the concrete actions already undertaken, he cites the joint signing of a commitment with the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) on the management of invasive exotic species, reflecting the ports’ involvement in shared environmental issues.
Stéphane Tant, highlights the prospects for enhanced cooperation with the The Guianas, within the framework of a biannual conference between French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and two Brazilian states (Amapá and Pará):
“We are leading a cooperation conference of the ports of The Guianas.”
This initiative complements the work of the CCIAG by extending regional connections to South America.
A shared vision: overcoming insularity
The CCIAG has a shared ambition that goes beyond mere coordination between ports. By bringing together port directors, government representatives, local authorities and the chairmen of supervisory boards, this body promotes a global approach to logistics and territorial development.
All participants agreed on one thing: port performance can no longer be thought of in isolation. It depends on broader governance, capable of connecting public policies, economic issues and environmental imperatives. This common framework will enable us to lay the foundations for more resilient, better integrated logistics, geared towards the Greater Caribbean as a whole.
In 2026, this dynamic will continue in French Guiana, at the next plenary session. An eagerly-awaited meeting to deepen this multi-stakeholder cooperation and consolidate the foundations of regional logistical sovereignty.
FAQ
The Conseil de Coordination Interportuaire Antilles-Guyane (CCIAG) is a body set up under the French Transport Code, bringing together the French government, local authorities and the three Grands Ports Maritimes of Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana. Its aim is to coordinate port policies, reinforce regional logistics coherence and support regional economic development.
The 2025-2029 roadmap focuses on several priorities: decarbonizing port activities, safety and security, adapting to climate change, logistics innovation and strengthening regional connectivity, particularly with the Caribbean and the Guyana Plateau.
By promoting shared governance between ports, the French government and local authorities, the CCIAG enables us to move beyond a strictly insular approach. It contributes to structuring more resilient logistics, improving the regularity of maritime services, and placing the Antilles-Guyane territories in a broader regional cooperation dynamic.
