La Romana Port to Begin Remodeling and Security Upgrades

The Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) is preparing to begin remodeling and upgrading the La Romana Port in October after the project completes the required legal procedures and certifications from the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic.

Apordom Executive Director Alejandro Campos announced the planned work during a supervision visit to the terminal, describing the port as a strategically important facility for both commercial activity and national security in the eastern Dominican Republic.

Port Upgrade Linked to Regional Security

Campos said the intervention responds to a long-standing demand from different sectors in La Romana, while emphasizing that security will be a central objective of the project. The port’s location makes it an important point for coordination with the Armed Forces and for protecting the country’s eastern coastline.

“Beyond commercial operations, the main point here is security. It is a critical node where everything in the eastern part of the country is reinforced,” Campos said.

The project is expected to strengthen coordination between port authorities and the country’s security institutions. Juan Bienvenido Crisóstomo Martínez, commander general of the Dominican Navy, highlighted the importance of interinstitutional cooperation to protect the coastline and increase patrols in response to potential threats along the shore.

Tourism Growth Driving Port Activity

The planned improvements come as La Romana continues to expand its role as a tourism and economic center. One of the developments cited by Apordom is the expansion of the cruise terminal by Central Romana, which is expected to allow the facility to accommodate Oasis-class cruise ships, among the largest vessels operating in the global cruise industry.

Authorities also pointed to strategic agreements with international cruise line MSC involving new investments in Isla Catalina. The Catalina pier has already been delivered, with additional facilities being developed under the supervision of the relevant regulatory authorities.

These projects connect the port infrastructure in La Romana with the wider tourism economy of the region, where cruise activity and destinations such as Isla Catalina contribute to visitor flows and local commercial activity.

Authorities Stress International Port Security Standards

Second Ventura García of CESEP, the country’s port security coordination body, reaffirmed the commitment to strict compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, the international framework governing security measures for ships and port facilities.

The security focus is particularly relevant as ports handle a combination of commercial, cruise and maritime activities. Strengthening infrastructure and maintaining international security standards are intended to support the safe operation of the terminal as activity in the region expands.

La Romana Mayor Eduardo Kery thanked President Luis Abinader and port authorities for responding to a demand that, he said, had persisted for years. He linked the planned works to the livelihoods of local families, commercial activity and public security in the city.

With the project scheduled to move forward in October once the outstanding legal and certification requirements are completed, the La Romana Port is set for an upgrade that combines infrastructure improvements with security priorities as the eastern Dominican Republic continues to attract tourism and investment.