Port Overview

Jamaica’s strategic location in the Caribbean West Indies, and the fact that it is situated on a natural harbour, makes this terminal’s core business container transhipment.  It is considered the main gateway for containerized cargo.

Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL), a subsidiary of CMA CGM, is responsible for the development, maintenance and operation of the Kingston Container Terminal, through a 30-year concession arrangement between the Government of Jamaica and CMA CGM which commenced on 1^st July 2016.

The terminal seeks to capitalize on the many opportunities available, particularly those afforded by its ideal location, 32 nautical miles off the main trade route coming out of the Panama Canal. With the growing demand for a transhipment hub capable of servicing the larger vessels to be accommodated by the newly expanded canal, KFTL’s place in the market will be solidified with the current improvements to its infrastructure. These improvements include the widening and deepening of the Kingston Harbour access channel, the turning circle and the terminal basin, to accommodate vessels with a draft of up to 15.5 meters. Additionally, the improvements will facilitate the strengthening of the quay wall, thereby allowing the quay to accommodate the larger and heavier ship-to-shore cranes to serve these larger mother vessels.

Shipping lines connecting at KFTL will benefit from increased capability, to take advantage of easy and convenient access to markets in Europe, Asia and America, thus providing a more diverse product to their customers.

90% of the cargo that arrives through this terminal is considered for transhipment and 10% considered as domestic.

Port website: http://www.kftl-jm.com/

Key port information may also be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com

Port Picture

Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited, (the area bordered in yellow), consists of three terminals: the North, South and West Terminals.

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

• Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) who are the landlords of the terminal. Tel: 922-0290.
• Jamaica Customs Agency which conducts the processing of all import/export/transhipment cargo and the examination and release of domestic cargo. Tel: 922-5140.
• Immigration Department which verifies the status of crew and grants access to the island Tel: 469-1605.

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Jamaica Port and Waterways Companies Contact Lists

Port Performance

Since July 2016, KFTL has taken many significant steps to increase the availability of equipment and improve the efficiency of its internal operations. This has contributed to a significant increase in berth productivity and a decrease in average truck turn-around time, to below 30 minutes.

Efficiency is expected to further increase with the deepening of the channel and turning basin. The current draft of 13.5m is expected within the first phase of upgrades to increase to 14.7m to accommodate 14,000 TEU vessels. This will enable the port to accommodate vessels of up 14,000 TEUs. The second phase involves dredging to a depth that will accommodate vessels of 15.5m draft which will enable the port to accommodate fully laden 14,000 TEU vessels.

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges (Public Tariffs)

REEFER CHARGES – ELECTRICITY PLUG & USAGE

The use of the terminal’s reefer plugs/electrical outlets will attract a charge for electricity usage.

The charge is applied per day or parts thereof, per unit, commencing on the day of discharge (all days of the week included), and the day commences at 07:00 hours.

Note: These charges are in addition to the appropriate container handling charge and storage. Work orders must be completed for any request for movement of reefer cargo, and will be carried out as per such request at additional costs (see rate for shifting).

STRIPPING/STUFFING

a. Stripping means unloading cargo from a container

b. Stuffing means loading cargo into a container

c. The act of stripping or stuffing includes checking, removing/attaching relevant seals and labels and the usage of specified labour and equipment (securing material to be supplied by the shipping company).           

Berthing Specifications

Port Handling Equipment

Port equipment is owned and operated by KFTL.

Container Facilities

Containers are stored in the container yard which is approximately 100 hectares in size. Refrigerated containers are stored in one of the two reefer areas on the terminal, and non-refrigerated units (dry vans) are stored in areas dependent on whether they are for transhipment or the domestic market.

Customs Guidance

Customs officers are stationed at the port and their main function is to protect government revenue and facilitate border control.

Processing of documents is immediate, providing that all required documentation is received. In an effort to achieve optimum efficiency in the clearance process it is recommended that importers provide timely and accurate information relating to movement of goods.

For more information on customs in Jamaica, please see the following link: 1.3 Jamaica Customs Information

Terminal Information

MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL

Stevedoring

KFTL performs all stevedoring activities which consist of the loading and unloading of ships and the performance of various tasks required when the vessel is in port, including lashing and unlashing of cargo.

Hinterland Information

Goods are transported out of the port by trucks. Most trucking companies are members of the Port Trailer Haulage Association (PTHA) and all trucking companies operating at the port must be registered with the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ). There are also vessels that depart Kingston and travel coastwise to the north (Montego Bay) that transport cargo to that region of the island.

Contact numbers: PTHA (876) 757-8717; SAJ (876) 923-3491.

Port Security

KFTL operates a hybrid security system consisting of a proprietary security team which works with various arms of local and international law enforcement, as well as private contractors.

There is a strong safety culture in which persons working on the facility are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times (safety vests, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, etc.). There is constant training and a safety induction system for both staff and contractors/visitors to the terminal.