Amid global trade volatility Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL) demonstrated resilience in the first half of 2025, growing revenues by 17 per cent to $6 billion — an increase of $884 million when compared to that of the same period in 2024.

Net profit for the six-month period climbed to $1.7 billion, up 21 per cent year on year. Notably, results for the second quarter, which accounted for more than half of the consolidated performance, delivered revenues of $3.2 billion and a net profit of $922 million.

The company’s performance was driven by strong outturns from the Terminal Operations Division, its largest business segment, which contributed some $4.6 billion in revenues — increasing by 29 per cent or $1 billion as profit for the segment surged by 46 per cent to $1.3 billion.

With nine deep-water berths and expansive open storage facilities, the company continues to strengthen its competitive advantage as a regional cargo hub. This growth is underpinned by ongoing investments to expand its multi-purpose terminal to support long-term efficiency and customer demand.

“The results were driven by strong growth in motor units handled, increased container activity, higher volumes in bulk, and breakbulk operations,” Chairman Jeffrey Hall said in a recent quarterly report to shareholders.

For the reporting period, the Logistics Services Division — facing several headwinds, on the other hand — recorded a decline in profit due to increased costs associated with enhanced safety and security protocols, technology upgrades, and regulatory reforms. However, revenue for the division grew modestly by 6 per cent to $2.1 billion.

In addition to higher operating costs and system changes driven by regulatory adjustments, the company also cited a slowdown in logistics activity, particularly for less-than-container load cargo, as a key factor affecting performance. The decline, the company said, however reflects broader economic challenges taking place among some of Jamaica’s main trading partners.

Hall, further commenting on the company’s outlook, said that while the global trade environment remains complex — affected by new tariffs and shipping charges — Jamaica’s strategic location, which positions the country to benefit from emerging logistics trends continues to auger well for business.

He said that despite recent developments which continue to challenge and disrupt established supply chains and trade routes for shipping lines, cargo owners and broader economies, KWL’s strategic focus on expanding its role as a terminal and logistics center sees it aggressively mobbing to advance its digital transformation, infrastructure upgrades, and sustainability initiatives.

Celebrating 80 years of operations the chairman said the company also remains focused on service excellence, powered by partnerships. As part of expansion efforts, the company recently completed it construction of a new logistics warehouse even as it continues to scale operations within the Special Economic Zone.

Following its acquisition of a 27 per cent in Cargo Handlers Limited, with the option to increase shares to 40 per cent, the company believes its shareholding in the primary stevedore at the Port of Montego Bay, will help to further support its expansion of logistics services.

“Looking ahead, the company will pursue disciplined organic growth, while proactively seeking strategic partnerships and other external ventures that position us to capitalise on emerging opportunities. We look forward to partnering with Cargo Handlers in their ongoing development of a range of logistics activities that serve communities in north and western Jamaica,” Hall said.

HALL….the results were driven by strong growth in motor units handled, increased container activity, higher volumes in bulk, and breakbulk operations