Every year brings its challenges but the year 2008 will be remembered for presenting more than most. However, the good news for Geest Line and its customers is that the Caribbean trade appears to have weathered the storm and the Geest service that emerges for 2009 is set to be stronger and better.Last year brought both natural and man-made problems that made life difficult for traders exporting goods to the Windward and Leeward Islands.

The ever-emerging threat of extreme weather in the Caribbean again took its toll with shipping lines battling the elements to maintain their schedules. Fortunately, our main islands escaped most of the worst storms this season and Geest was able to keep its ships running largely on schedule to ensure prompt delivery of cargoes.

While it was possible to get a certain degree of warning about weather extremes, few could have foreseen the ferocity with which the economic storm battered virtually every country around the globe.

Exchange rates, high oil prices and the general talk of global recession have affected the majority. In the Caribbean, the high exchange rate between Sterling and the dollar has made UK goods more expensive. Only in Martinique, where euros are used in the same way as France, has there been a cushion from such effects and this has been reflected in our carryings from Le Havre.

Fortunately, the rate now seems to be swinging back in favour of the dollar which will ease the price burden on Caribbean businesses which trade with the UK.

The same trend has followed with oil prices. From over $160 a barrel the price has dropped considerably to ease the pressure on shipping lines' bunker prices. However, it is worth noting that despite the volatile markets our BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) continues to be among the lowest of any line shipping to the Caribbean and we are committed to maintaining this position.

The trading situation on our European services between France and Martinique has not been helped by industrial problems in France. Action by crane drivers has led to significant disruption in the ports but it is pleasing to note that our services emerged relatively unscathed - sailing on time with our booked cargo in place.

Through all those problems Geest Line will look back on 2008 with some satisfaction, with our ships running close to capacity and having overcome the challenges to maintain our recognised reliable and competitive service. Equally, although the eastbound banana cargoes suffered from the spill-over of storms in 2007, the past few months have seen cargoes steadily increase.

2009 will undoubtedly present its own tests as the world grapples with the threat of recession but I believe the experience gained this year will hold Geest Line in good stead to continue serving its customers well over the next 12 months.

Peter Dixon

Operations Director