Kingston port to be dredged ahead of big projects

Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited, KFTL, will start dredging to deepen the seafloor at the port of Kingston, ahead of big projects slated for this year.

“We have significant projects planned for 2023,” said Kingston Freeport, manager of the Kingston Container Terminal cargo port, but declined to give details, saying it was “still in confidential negotiations” with its partners.

“In the interim, we can confirm our continued upgrade and expansion of the terminal’s major equipment,” the company said.

Kingston Freeport manages Jamaica’s largest cargo port under concession.

The French-owned company said it would conduct and pay for the dredging but declined to put a value on the project. The dredging will start in March and finish in April.

“This dredging exercise will ensure we maintain the depth for vessels which we currently serve,” KFTL added.

Last October, the port company announced that it purchased 19 straddle carriers valued at some US$20 million. It represented another phase of investment to expand and upgrade services at the terminal under its agreement with the Jamaican Government. Straddle carriers lift, move, and stack shipping containers.

KFTL has operated the Kingston port for over six years.

In April 2015, the Government of Jamaica, through the Port Authority of Jamaica, entered into a 30-year agreement with CMA CGM of France to develop, maintain, and operate the Kingston port. KFTL assumed control of the terminal in July 2016.

Just over 1,380 vessels docked at the port of Kingston in 2022 compared to 1,455 in 2021. The terminal has a carrying capacity of 2.8 million standardised shipping containers or TEUs.

business@gleanerjm.com