Operations at Kingston Freeport Terminal (KFTL) are set to expand across 15 more hectares under the newly launched Westlands Expansion Project, a US$80-million investment aimed at easing congestion, boosting cargo capacity, and positioning Jamaica as a major force in global trade.

The initiative — a joint effort between the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), KFTL, and CMA Terminals Holding — will deliver new storage space, advanced security upgrades, and an automated cargo gate system, all part of efforts to modernise the port and respond to a 58 per cent surge in cargo volumes since 2016.

Addressing the launch on Thursday, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness said the development is a strategic step to keep pace with shifting global shipping patterns and reinforce Jamaica’s long-term strategy to become a leading trans-shipment hub in the Caribbean and the Americas.

“This is a strategic expansion and, by reducing vessel waiting times and increasing cargo throughput, we are positioning Jamaica to capture a greater share of global shipping activity and cement our place as a logistics leader in the region,” Holness said.

He explained that phase one of the project will focus on land preparation across the 15-hectare site, including strengthening soil conditions, improving drainage to eliminate flooding, and upgrading port security systems.

The project, he added, is part of a broader plan to ensure that Jamaica’s port does not become “uncompetitive”.

“Jamaica is now a serious player in global shipping. The second pillar of the strategy is to ensure that we have enough space to expand. Without adequate land to grow and evolve, even the most efficient ports can become landlocked and uncompetitive and this is why the second component of our overall strategy is the expansion of the footprint of the port,” he said.

Holness added that phase two is expected to begin without delay upon completion of the first phase.

He also used the occasion to reaffirm the Government’s wider infrastructure development plans tied to port growth, including the relocation of Tinson Pen Aerodrome to Norman Manley International Airport.

That move, he explained, will free up additional land for port-related activities and allow for the realignment of Marcus Garvey Drive, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving logistics efficiency between Portmore and Downtown Kingston.

“The Westlands Agreement to be signed today, alongside the Tinson Pen relocation, will ensure that the Port of Kingston will not only grow, but will grow without any constraints in the near future, meaning that after this is done, you can look forward to accelerated growth of the port,” he said.

Port Authority of Jamaica President and CEO Professor Gordon Shirley noted that the project represents a key opportunity to improve Kingston’s competitiveness in global logistics.

He said that the expansion project will bring a 25 per cent increase in terminal storage space, which will enable Kingston to handle more cargo.

“This will significantly improve the competitiveness of the terminal, which will be able to accommodate cargo that is currently bypassing the port from its existing shipping lines, and will allow it, in addition, to attract new business from other customers. It will also allow for a modern, highly automated domestic gate to be installed, substantially improving the rate at which domestic cargo can be processed and released. The development of the Westlands will create an important additional basis for competitiveness for Kingston in comparison to the space-constrained competitors,” said Shirley.

He noted that while the work to prepare the land for the container storage will take place in phases, the aim is to begin construction immediately.

Captain Jedrez Mierzewski, CEO of KFTL, echoed those sentiments as he underscored the scale of the expansion and the company’s continued investment in both infrastructure and human capital.

He revealed that more than 730 cubic metres of soil will be moved during the preparation of the Westlands site, describing the volume as staggering.

“If you fill up, with this soil, the National Stadium, still some will be left,” Mierzewski said, illustrating the magnitude of the project.

He also pointed to significant investments made over the years, including upgrades in LED lighting for safety, new ship-to-shore cranes, and the arrival of 14 new hybrid straddle carriers expected within two weeks. These, he said, will allow the terminal to efficiently handle the largest vessels able to pass through the Panama Canal.

Beyond equipment, Mierzewski highlighted the focus on training and talent development, noting that more than 450 Jamaicans have been hired and over 600 operators trained to date, adding that some of these operators have even been deployed overseas to share their skills.

“We are especially proud that some of our own trained operators went to Nigeria to train operators there. This is a strong reflection of the talent, professionalism, and global capacity we are building here in Jamaica. We deliver, we grow, we are getting better every day. This direct support by the Government allows the local business to grow. We will continue to improve, we will reduce our carbon footprint, but most importantly, we will continue to serve Jamaica’s economy and our customers better, faster, and stronger,” he said.