Port Authority of Jamaica [PAJ] says disruptions in mainliner service schedules caused by geopolitical tensions, conflicts along major shipping routes, and adverse weather conditions, have led to increased congestion at the port in Kingston.

The PAJ made the revelation in a news release late Thursday in response to what it said were recent media reports regarding supply chain management challenges affecting domestic importers that highlight ships waiting to enter Kingston Harbour and instances of ships bypassing Jamaica due to terminal congestion.

“The PAJ seeks to clarify, contextualize and provide the relevant data to facilitate a full understanding of the situation by all stakeholders,” the PAJ stated.

In highlighting the operational challenges, the PAJ noted that only nine per cent of the 172 mainliners processed in Kingston in 2024 to date have arrived on schedule, with just one of 11 mainliners arriving on time in November 2024.

“To manage scheduling uncertainties, shipping lines have reduced regional stops, concentrating cargo at key ports and using feeder vessels to serve bypassed locations. This strategy has lengthened container dwell times and increased congestion at transshipment terminals across the region, including Kingston. Ports with larger domestic cargo bases, such as Cartagena (Colombia) and Caucedo (Dominican Republic), often receive service priority over Kingston due to their higher local cargo demand,” the PAJ said.

The PAJ further stated that, to prevent gridlock, Kingston’s transshipment terminal prioritises mainliners that balance container delivery and evacuation. As of December 18, 2024, three mainliner vessels were anchored outside Kingston Harbour. One was processed on December 19, 2024, while the others await feeder vessels for cargo evacuation, the PAJ said.

To accommodate increased seasonal demand, additional container pickup slots have been introduced, with only 66 per cent currently utilised. Terminal operating hours have also been extended to include Saturdays, the release stated.

This the PAJ said is against the backdrop of cargo volumes processed in Kingston having surged significantly in recent years.

From 2020 to 2022, volumes increased by 28 per cent, followed by an additional 18.5 per cent growth between 2022 and 2024 (year-to date). Current cargo volumes are over 50 per cent higher than pre-COVID-19 levels.

“This growth reflects significant investments in port infrastructure, equipment upgrades, and operational improvements by Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) and Kingston Wharves Limited, in collaboration with the PAJ and stakeholders in the port and shipping community such as the Shipping Association of Jamaica,” the PAJ said.

The PAJ said it is finalizing agreements with KFTL to expand cargo storage areas, reducing vessel wait times, with construction expected to begin soon. Additionally, it noted that, as announced by the prime minister in his 2024 Budget presentation, plans are underway to relocate domestic aviation operations from Tinson Pen to Norman Manley International Airport and reroute Marcus Garvey Drive to facilitate port expansion.

“This initiative involves partnerships with the Airports Authority of Jamaica and the National Works Agency. Groundbreaking for the 700-acre Caymanas Special Economic Zone is scheduled within three months. Once fully operational, this logistics and industrial hub will feature dedicated transport links to Kingston’s terminals, significantly boosting domestic cargo volumes,” the PAJ said.

The Port Authority added that it remains committed to ensuring efficient, reliable, and sustainable port operations while minimizing supply chain disruptions through continued collaboration with industry stakeholders and positioning Kingston as a leading logistics hub in the region.