Assess ferry and barge schedules, regularity of sailings, carrier SLAs, and contingency routing to the nearest mainland hubs. Compare average transit times, frequency windows for inbound replenishment, and carrier abandonment/layover risk to model service-level impacts on delivery lead times.

Look for configurable racking, temperature‑controlled zones, secure receiving docks compatible with shore transfers, real‑time WMS with API connectivity, pick‑and‑pack accuracy guarantees, returns processing, and kitting to support omnichannel SKUs and seasonal demand spikes.

Seasonal wind and rain can constrain barge operations and increase lead times; plan buffer stock levels, validated packaging for moisture exposure, alternate routing to mainland transshipment points, and SLA clauses that account for predictable seasonal variance.

Compare per‑pallet and per‑pick rates, storage density (cost per m²), handling fees for shore transfers, fuel surcharges tied to barge schedules, insurance for waterborne transit, and inventory carrying cost to determine true landed cost to customers.