Port Overview

Jamaica’s strategic location and the fact that it is situated on a natural harbour makes the terminal’s core business container transshipment. 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 transshipment 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 transshipment and 10% considered as domestic.

es 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/transshipment 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 the 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 the 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 must always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) (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.

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Port Overview

Kingston Wharves Limited is a multipurpose port terminal operator, connecting Jamaican importers and exporters to over 20 international ports in the Caribbean, Latin and North America. Strategically located at the Port of Kingston, the Kingston Wharves Terminal operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The port has existed since 1945, and following the 1995 expansion, Kingston Wharves Terminal now encompasses 1600 m of berthing space and 22 ha of open storage, with 30,000 m² of covered warehousing and cold storage.

The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), established by the government, manages the port.

Port website: http://kingstonwharves.com.jm/

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

 

Port Picture

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

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

Port Performance

The side of Kingston Port operated by Kingston Wharves Limited is primarily used and recognized as a multipurpose terminal. It handles containers, RoRo, bulk cargo, general cargo, and additional commodities.

 

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

For information on port rates and charges, please see the following link: http://kingstonwharves.com.jm/charges/

Berthing Specifications

The total length of continuous quay measures 1,655m (5,430 ft). Vessel Draft: 9m (29 ft) to 13m (42 ft).

On-Dock Open Storage: Approximately 250,000 square meters or 2,694,000 square ft ft. On-Dock Transhipment Car Park: 48,562 sqm or 522,720 sq. ft.

On-Dock Warehouse Storage: 16,680 square meters or 180,00 square ft. ft.

Off-Dock Storage: 20,000 sqm or 215,000 sq. ft.

Reefer Plugs: 172 at 440 volts

General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment

The port equipment is managed by the government.

Container Facilities

 

Customs Guidance

For information and guidance on customs at Kingston Wharves Ltd, please see the following links:

 

https://kingstonwharves.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Infographic-Carg…

https://kingstonwharves.com/steps-to-clearing-cargo/

 

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

Terminal Information

MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL

Kingston Wharves is the leading multipurpose port terminal and logistics provider adjacent to Jamaica’s capital city.  It operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.   

GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING

The terminal has availability for 2 Silos with a capacity of 4,500 mt each.  They are connected through a conveyor belt and 2 grain elevators. Dispatch is done manually. There are hoppers and clam shells available at the terminal.

MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL

Currently, Kingston Wharves Limited Terminal operates three multipurpose warehouses with a combined space of 165,000 sq. ft.

Port Security

Since its enactment in July 2004, Kingston Wharves Limited operates an international port facility with certification under the International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. 

The terminal incorporates closely monitored electronic access controls, wide ranging closed-circuit video surveillance, modern radiation portal monitors and x-ray examinations through a number of Vehicle and Cargo Inspection Systems (VACIS) deployed at the facilities.

Port Overview

Historically, Falmouth has been a unique cruise destination, located on the north coast of Jamaica, 22 miles east of the world-famous resort city of Montego Bay. The cruise terminal comprises approximately 28 acres of reclaimed lands and previously existing shoreline, and commenced operations in March 2011. Since 2014 the port has averaged over 700,000 annual cruise passenger arrivals from around 179 cruise calls. This facility is solely dedicated to cruise vacationers and facilitates the undertaking of shore-side excursions for cruise guests.

This state-of-the-art cruise terminal is a joint venture development between the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. It includes a two-berth pier and can accommodate the largest cruise ships in the world. The terminal was developed as the first thematic cruise terminal in the Caribbean, and consists of wide and varied retail offerings and entertainment. The Port Authority of Jamaica holds management responsibility for port operations, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines manages the retail space.

The border control and law enforcement agencies of the Government of Jamaica maintain a presence during cruise operations. They include: (1) The Jamaica Customs Agency JCA, (2) The Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), (3) The Jamaica Constabulary Force (marine police and regular law enforcement), (4) The Department of Health, and (5) Quarantine Unit.

Port website: http://www.cruisejamaica.com

Port Picture

Areas identified in port picture:

• Town of Falmouth
• Terminal Building – managed and occupied by PAJ.  It also has offices for Customs, the Ministry of Health, Immigration, and Quarantine.
• North Berth/South Berth at Falmouth Cruise Ship Terminal.
• Commercial area on the port managed by Falmouth Jamaica Land Company Limited (FJLCL), a subsidiary of Royal caribbean Cruise Limited (RCCL).

Contacts of Key Companies

The Port Authority of Jamaica engages the following contractors to provide services for the operations of the cruise terminal, in furtherance of its business;

1. The Port Security Corps (PSC): this governmental security organisation offers security services at Free Zone, airports and shipping terminals. The PSC is responsible for access control, CCTV monitoring, berth patrol, X-Ray machine operations and passenger / crew screening at the Falmouth Cruise Ship Terminal.
   Tel: (876) 967-5366 – 9 Email: mdpsc@cwjamaica.com
2. B. International offers fork lifting and linesmen services for the Falmouth Cruise Ship Terminal. Tel: (876) 758-3636 or 7852 Email:Keisha.samuels@bintageltd.com
3. Marksman Limited is a registered private security company, a member of the Guardsman Group. Marksman is contracted by the Port Authority of Jamaica to provide dispatching services for cruise guests and vehicles embarking on sightseeing and excursion activities.
   Tel: (876) 926-3600 Email: repsteine@guardsmangroup.com

Port Performance

Falmouth is located at 18° 30’N, 77° 38.5’W. The port is situated in a resort and tourist centre, and is the chief town of the parish of Trelawny, County Cornwall.

Limiting Conditions

Controlling depth: The entrance channel was dredged in 2009 to a depth of 12.6 m with a width of 200 m at its narrowest point, which is marked by beacons.

Navigable width: The dredged entrance has a navigable width of 300 m.

Berths: Depth alongside: 11.3 m.  Maximum ship’s draught: 10.1 m

Tenders: Tender service is not available.

Maximum size of vessels handled: 360 m in length, with a draft of 10.6 m.

Local weather: NE winds prevail by day, SE by night. NE winds are strongest between May and October.

Arrival Information

Port Radio: Port Radio is connected through the pilots. Pilots communicate on local VHF radio channel 16 and 11.

ETA: Notice of ETA should be sent 96, 48 and 24 hours in advance. Pilot requires 24 hours’ notice.

Pilotage: Pilotage is compulsory and available day and night. Arrangements can be made through the Pilotage Department in Kingston. Pilot boards one mile NE of harbour entrance or Lat. 18° 30.6’N Long. 77° 38’W. Pilotage charges are calculated according to GRT.

Tugs: Tugs may be available from Montego Bay. 10 hours lead time is required and it will take three hours from Montego Bay.

Harbour

Falmouth Harbour is a small, deep basin within a break in the reef, in the vicinity of North Rock (approximately one cable north of the Cruise Ship Berth).

The ship channel is oriented in a NE-SW direction and is well marked by 11 navigational marks (three red starboard hand buoys, two beacons, five green port hand buoys and one beacon), together with two range lights.

A triangular shaped pier consisting of a north and south berth is located at the south-western end of the channel. At the extreme northern end of the berth there are two mooring dolphins.

The small craft jetty is located to the north-west of the cruise ship pier.

Natural conditions

Current: A westerly set, up to three knots may be experienced at the entrance. However, occasionally an easterly current may be observed. Inside the basin when the sea breezes blow continuously for some days, a current sometimes sets windward at a rate varying with the force of the wind. The strength of this current sometimes overcomes that of the winds, such that small vessels at anchor often ride with their stern to the wind.

Prevailing wind is NE. However, N to NW winds may be experienced during the winter months which send a heavy sea into the bay.

This port is a dedicated cruise operation and as a result, humanitarian operations will require special arrangement for cargo handling and storage. Most of these services are available in the port of Montego Bay.

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

As previously stated, the port of Falmouth is a dedicated cruise operation. Therefore, there is no information available in respect to discharge rates, break bulk or terminal handling charges. These charges are available at the Port of Montego Bay, which is a cargo, as well as a cruise port.

Berthing Specifications

Further berthing information provided under “Port Performance”.

Port Handling Equipment

The forklifts located on the port are owned and managed by a private company.

Container Facilities

This port is solely operated as a port of call for cruise vessels and does not offer facilities for containerized operations.

Customs Guidance

The Jamaica Customs Agency maintains a presence at the port facility during the entire duration of the berthing of a vessel at this port.

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

Terminal Information

MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL

This terminal facility is a dedicated cruise facility with two berths: North – 11.6 m in depth, and South – 10.6 m.

MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL

N/A

Stevedoring

Stevedoring service is not available at this port but may be secured in Montego Bay. Port Handlers Limited, the management company for the Montego Bay Port offers this service.
Contact: Anthony Bowen Tel: (876) 979-8101. Email: anthonybowen123@gmail.com

Hinterland Information

The Port of Falmouth’s hinterland encompasses the parishes of Trelawny, St. James and St. Ann.  As this is a dedicated cruise port, items are generally not moved from the port. Notwithstanding, any item that is removed from the port is transported in motor vehicles (cars or buses).

Port Security

The Port Authority of Jamaica is a signatory to the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) and leads the port’s security arrangements through a Port Facility Security Officer, who reports to the Vice President for Security and Safety.

 

Airport Overview

The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) is one of Jamaica’s global gateways and is reputed to be the busiest airport for business travel. It also borders the Kingston Harbour.

Norman Manley International Airport is owned by the Government of Jamaica and operated by PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL) since October 10, 2019. Under the Airports Authority Act of 1974, the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) remains the authority on all aerodromes. PACKAL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP), based in Guadalajara, Mexico, operates and maintains the airport under a 25-year concession agreement signed in November 2018.

The airport’s business network is comprised of over 70 companies and government agencies, with over 3,500 people directly employed at the airport.

Airport Picture

  

 

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

Company                                                                    Telephone

Airlift Handlers Ltd                                                    1-876-924-8434

Airways International                                               1-876-924-8269

AJAS Ltd                                                                      1-876-924-8092

Jamaica Dispatch Services                                      1-876-924-8500

Worldwide Flight Services                                      1-876-924-8630-1

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Jamaica Airport Companies Contact List

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator

The Norman Manley International Airport plays a critical role in the economic development of Jamaica, and is the premier gateway to the nation's capital, Kingston. The airport caters to over 1.7 million passengers, with an approximate 4% average growth rate. It handles over 70 percent (17 million kgs) of the island's airfreight.

 

Runways

Runway #12/30 has one parallel taxiway with four linked taxiways, including one high-speed exit, competitive ground handling and fueling services.

Helicopter Pad(s)

Airport Infrastructure Details

Airport Operating Details

Customs Guidance

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

Storage Facilities 

 

Airfield Costs

FUEL SERVICES CHARGES

Jet A1, without icing inhibitor.

100/130 MIL Spec, low lead, aviation gasoline (BLUE).