Excelerate Energy mobilises over US$1 million to support Jamaica’s hurricane relief effort
Joins national and international partners to accelerate island's recovery and strengthen community resilience
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Excelerate Energy in partnership with Food For The Poor Jamaica, Project C.U.R.E., World Central Kitchen, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) on Wednesday announced that it has mobilised over US$1 million in critical aid and resources to support relief and recovery efforts across Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The coordinated initiative is helping restore essential services to hospitals, schools, and communities to rebuild infrastructure and provide immediate assistance to those most affected by the storm, the company stated in a press release.
Excelerate said it is using its LNG carrier, the Excelerate Shenandoah, to ship tonnes of vital humanitarian aid and material from Panama to Food For The Poor Jamaica and ODPEM.
It said the shipment includes essential items such as water, food supplies, portable generators, lumber and other building materials. It also contains school supplies including tablets, printers, backpacks and books, alongside beds, large medical tents, mobile care units, and cleaning supplies. Additionally, fishing gear kits and equipment are being delivered to help restore the livelihoods of fisherfolk impacted by the hurricane.
Dr Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, who will be on hand to meet the Shenandoah vessel portside, said: “The support provided through Project C.U.R.E. and Excelerate for medical supplies and mobile health units will play a major role in restoring healthcare services in affected areas. We are deeply grateful for this collaboration, which ensures that our hospitals and clinics can continue serving Jamaicans where they are needed most.”
Working closely with Project C.U.R.E., Excelerate said it is also facilitating the delivery of medical supplies and equipment, including hospital beds, generators, emergency equipment, and medical consumables, to strengthen healthcare capacity across the island. Together with ODPEM and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, these supplies are supporting the recovery of hospitals, clinics and other facilities across affected parishes.
Meanwhile, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Metry Seaga commended Excelerate’s leadership, stating: “This generous support exemplifies the strength of private sector partnerships especially in national recovery efforts. Excelerate’s swift action, both in providing humanitarian support and restoring energy operations, make a big difference in our journey to recovery as a nation.”
World Central Kitchen, which has been on the ground in Jamaica since the hurricane, continues to expand its meal distribution efforts – providing thousands of hot meals to families and first responders — thanks to donation from Excelerate.
In addition, Excelerate is extending enhanced support to its own employees and their families who were impacted by the storm, including counselling services and financial assistance programs to help them return to a sense of normalcy as soon as possible.
“In moments like these, our role goes far beyond that of an infrastructure operator,” said Steven Kobos, President and Chief Executive Officer of Excelerate Energy. “When lives are disrupted and communities are hurting, we have a responsibility—not just to restore energy, but to help people recover and rebuild. We are honoured to stand alongside the Government of Jamaica, our partners and our team to support impacted communities. Their strength and compassion inspire us, and we remain committed to helping Jamaica build a more resilient energy future.”
Earlier this year, Excelerate expanded its global infrastructure portfolio with the acquisition of the integrated LNG and power platform in Jamaica. The integrated assets include the Old Harbour LNG Terminal and Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU), the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant in Clarendon and Montego Bay terminal – all of which has successfully resumed full operations as of November 1st following the passing of the hurricane.
“Excelerate’s leadership and partnership have been instrumental in our efforts to reach those most in need,” said Andrew Mahfood, Chairman of Food For The Poor Jamaica. “Their quick response and ongoing collaboration have made a tangible difference for thousands of vulnerable families who suffered significant loss following the hurricane.”