Jamaica closer to logistics target

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Jamaica’s thrust towards becoming a global logistics hub received a major boost with the launch of a multibillion-dollar shipyard on Monday, January 23.

The project, which is being spearheaded by German Ship Repair Jamaica (GSRJ) on the Sir Florizel Glasspole section of the Kingston Harbour, signals a US$37-million (J$6-billion) injection towards improving the island’s competitiveness in the maritime sector.


The first phase of the shipyard, a place where ships are built or repaired, will be a floating dry dock with steel fabrication and engine workshops that is scheduled for completion by November of this year.

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/...gistics-target

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KWL builds capacity to strengthen competitiveness

Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL), following the build-out of its terminal and logistic infrastructure accompanied by the use of technology, said that it is working to strengthen its competitiveness while positioning its port operation as a key gateway in the Caribbean.

Reporting increased revenues of $9.5 billion at the end of its 2022 financial year — 9 per cent above the prior year — the company said it continues to make capital investments in an effort to improve the functionality of its logistics space and to drive the efficiency of services, this even after incurring major FX losses due to an appreciation of the Jamaican dollar in 2022.

"We continue to develop our infrastructure and digital architecture through a structured programme of berth redevelopment and off dock warehouse construction aimed at relocating cargo storage facilities [and in turn increasing the available yard space on our terminal].

"The berth 7 redevelopment project is progressing well, and destined to deliver modernised berthing capacity, efficiency, and enhanced experience to shipping lines that call our terminal. Specifically, the project will see the expansion of the main berthing area to simultaneously service two post panamax vessels," Chairman Jeffery Hall said in the company's annual report to shareholders.

Having invested over US$60 million to undertake berth redevelopment activities and to expand its warehousing space, the port operator is pushing to make its operations more nimble as it looks to take advantage of the growth in nearshoring opportunities.

https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/busi...mpetitiveness/

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Jamaica must become ‘logistics hub of the region’

Developing Jamaica into a more robust global logistics centre, that connects the Americas to the rest of the world, has been outlined as a key aim of the Andrew Holness administration.

The Government’s intention to promote economic expansion at the Port of Kingston, the seventh-largest natural harbour in the world, was made clear by Senator Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment, and commerce, during a press briefing held yesterday at the corporate office of Kingston Wharves Limited.

It was also disclosed that the Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited would be expanding its infrastructure and supporting equipment to increase its current capacity by 30 per cent.

“The European Union understands that we want to become the logistics hub. We speak English, we’re closer to the Panama Canal, we ship to Europe, and we have people who can be trained. So, that’s the bigger picture,” Hill said.

Hill: Jamaica must become ‘logistics hub of the region’ | Lead Stories | Jamaica Gleaner (jamaica-gleaner.com)