Shipping Parts to SXM

Many cruisers will arrive needing a part. Before ordering from overseas, check what's in stock locally — it's often faster and cheaper once you factor in shipping costs and waiting time.

Local chandleries first

Both sides also have hardware stores and electrical suppliers useful for marine work — ask your contractor or marina office for the closest option to your berth.

Before you order anything

Confirm with your marina or boatyard that they accept deliveries on your behalf. Most do — it is standard practice in SXM — but some charge a small handling fee and some require advance notice for large or heavy shipments.

• Use your marina or boatyard's physical address
• Include your boat name and your own name clearly on the shipping label
• Notify the marina office when you place the order so they are expecting it
• For large or heavy items, ask the yard to assist with receipt — they often have established customs broker relationships

Shipping from the USA — Dutch side

The Dutch side is a free port with a well-established supply chain from the United States. No import duty on marine parts and equipment.

International carriers direct to Sint Maarten

FedEx and UPS are the most reliable for tracked, time-definite delivery. USPS is less reliable to Caribbean addresses — use only for low-value, non-urgent items. Amazon ships many items directly to Sint Maarten addresses; check at checkout that your specific item ships internationally.

Typical transit times from the US: 3–5 business days from the east coast. Allow extra time during the December–January peak season when carrier networks are busy.

Local freight forwarders — Dutch side

Key US marine suppliers shipping to SXM

• West Marine — westmarine.com
• Defender — defender.com
• Fisheries Supply — fisheriessupply.com
• Jamestown Distributors — jamestowndistributors.com
• Discount Marine Supplies — discountmarinesupplies.com
• Amazon — check item-by-item for international shipping availability

Shipping from Europe — French side

Saint-Martin is an Overseas Collectivity of France and benefits from EU customs arrangements. EU goods can be shipped VAT-free to Saint-Martin, making European-sourced marine equipment competitive in price.

International carriers direct to Saint-Martin

DHL, FedEx, and UPS all operate reliable air freight services from major European cities. Typical transit time from France, UK, Germany, or the Netherlands: 3–5 business days by air express. Use a Marigot or Sandy Ground address for the French side; either side's address works for most carriers.

Local freight forwarders — French side

Sea freight from France for large items

For large items — engines, generators, masts, large quantities of materials — sea freight from France is significantly cheaper than air. Typical transit time: 3–6 weeks depending on the schedule. SAS handle the full process including receipt at Galisbay and customs clearance. Ask your chandlery or boatyard for their recommended freight agent — they will have established relationships.

Key European marine suppliers

• Accastillage Diffusion / Voiles et Voiliers (France) — large French chandlery with extensive catalogue
• Jimmy Green Marine (UK) — jimmygreenmarine.co.uk
• Barts Watersports (Netherlands)
• Furuno, Garmin, Raymarine, B&G — all have European distributors; check their websites for country-specific dealers

Receiving a package — what to expect

Most packages shipped via FedEx or UPS to Sint Maarten are delivered directly to the marina address with no customs inspection — the free port status means routine marine parts pass through without delay or duty.

Shipments are more likely to be held if they are of unusually high declared value, contain electronic equipment, or have incomplete commercial invoices. If a shipment is held, the carrier's local agent will contact you. A clear commercial invoice with accurate item descriptions and values speeds resolution. Safe Cargo Services on the Dutch side and Sea Air Services on the French side can both assist as customs brokers if you run into difficulty.

Lithium batteries — a special case

• Source locally: Nomad, Electec, Budget Marine, and Island Water World all stock lithium battery banks from major brands
• Sea freight: Slower but avoids air HAZMAT restrictions entirely — practical for a planned refit
• If ordering by air: Use a carrier that explicitly accepts HAZMAT shipments and confirm the current documentation requirements before placing the order

Summary — what to order from where