Kingston Wharves Limited has thrown its support behind the Government’s plan to transform the Tinson Pen aerodrome in Kingston into a logistics hub, with Chairman Jeffery Hall confirming the company’s readiness to participate in the 100-acre development earmarked for stakeholders in Jamaica’s expanding logistics ecosystem.

The move aligns with KWL’s ongoing investment push, including a US$15-million multi-level car park on which it will break ground shortly, as the company deepens its involvement in automotive logistics and expands its regional reach.

“We are confirming our interest in the Government’s proposal and our willingness to participate and invest,” Hall told the
Jamaica Observer following the company’s annual general meeting at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Wednesday. “This initiative allows us to move further north [and] is very much welcomed. We’ve already redeveloped our berths, opened a new warehouse near Tinson Pen, and now we’re announcing this new car facility. So we are ready to participate alongside the Government and other stakeholders.”

The Tinson Pen initiative was recently reiterated by Prime Minister Andrew Holness during the 2024/2025 Budget Debate, in which he outlined plans to rezone the area for logistics and named Kingston Wharves as a potential partner. Hall confirmed the site’s scale — 100 acres — and said it would be dedicated entirely to logistics activities, with other key players such as the Shipping Association of Jamaica expected to be involved.

A comprehensive site assessment for the relocation of the Tinson Pen aerodrome is nearing completion, President and CEO of the Airport Authority of Jamaica Audley Deidrick told the BusinessWeek on Thursday, and a final report is expected by the end of July. The AAJ is one of three agencies collaborating on the project, alongside the Port Authority of Jamaica and the National Works Agency.

The study, being led by international firm PRT Consulting, will determine whether operations should be moved to the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) or to have a new domestic facility elsewhere in the corporate area. Further, preliminary discussions have signalled some alterations to the road network in the vicinity, including parts of Marcus Garvey Drive and possibly areas as far north as Three Miles.

“We are at the back end now of the conclusion of that site selction exercise,” Deidrick said, noting that the decision will also inform the timeline for relocation and the next phase of stakeholder consultation, including financing arrangements.

“We have some very rough numbers, but we still need to ascertain who will be asked to take responsibility for what components or elements…,” he said.

“This is a matter that I wouldn’t disclose much on at this time because we’re still going to be having further consultations with the stakeholders who themselves are concerned about who will bear the cost of pulling up their operations and settling elsewhere,” he continued.

While PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), the operator of NMIA, is open to accomodating Tinson Pen’s operation, Deidrick acknowledged that there are still concerns about the feasibility of integrating flight training at the busy commercial airport. The outcome of those discussions, along with pending reviews by the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority, will play a role in shaping the Government’s final decision.

For Kingston Wharves, the latest wave of investment marks the beginning of what CEO Mark Williams called “the next chapter” in the company’s evolution. In his address to shareholders, Williams outlined a bold growth strategy, anchored by partnerships, digital transformation and mergers and acquisitions aimed at increasing revenue beyond the 50 per cent growth achieved over the past five years.

As part of that strategy, KWL this week made its first deposit toward the development of a “state-of-the-art” three-storey car park that will be built within the port zone on five acres of land. The facility is expected to nearly double the company’s car-handling capacity, known as CEUs (car equivalent units) and will include value-added features such as battery charging, vehicle cleaning and pre-inspection services.

The company’s financial position reflects its ability to take on such large-scale developments. At the close of the 2024 financial year, KWL held more than $60 billion in assets. Earnings totalled $2.6 billion on revenues which rose 10 per cent year on year to hit the $10-billion mark.

“We’ve moved more than 170,000 vehicles over the past year and have started new partnerships including shipments from India to Jamaica,” Williams said. “This new car park is about preparing for what’s next and doing so with foresight.”

Hall added that automotive logistics is emerging as a major opportunity for Jamaica, especially in the trans-shipment space, where the country is already receiving vessel calls from some of the world’s largest car carriers.

“That business brings significant employment opportunities,” he said, pointing to the range of back-end services needed to handle large volumes of vehicles which includes everything from key tracking and inspection systems integration and damage prevention.

Beyond port infrastructure, KWL is actively exploring acquisitions both locally and within the region.

“The industry is fragmented,” Hall told the BusinessWeek. “Where there is generational change or need for capital, we’re positioning ourselves as a potential buyer to help scale the industry. We’re also looking at regional opportunities.”

Meanwhile, Williams noted that the company continues to explore growth in western Jamaica, particularly through connections to the tourism economy. Still, he reasoned that the most immediate opportunities remain in Kingston.

“We want to replicate our success across the Caribbean and Central America,” he said. “That includes last-mile delivery, product assembly and supply chain technology.”

The company’s roadmap also includes plans to digitise freight forwarding operations and roll out customer-facing tech solutions, including real-time tracking of containers, barrels and customs inspections. Artificial intelligence will also play a role, with KWL planning to implement AI-driven logistics planning to improve operational efficiency.

“This is about increasing visibility, improving customer experience and building loyalty through consistent service,” Williams said.