The Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) has completed the capital dredging of the shipping channel within the Kingston Harbour. The dredging, which was scheduled to be completed in 9 months, was completed 1.5 months ahead of schedule and fulfilled all conditions outlined in its Environmental Permit issued by the National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA).

The dredging facilitated the deepening of the nautical access to allow the Port of Kingston to accommodate larger New Panamax container vessels, which will now be passing through the region following the recent expansion of the Panama Canal.

The final handover of the upgraded Nautical Access to the Port Authority will occur in the coming weeks pending the completion of verification surveys and the reinstatement of Navigational Aids.

KFTL, which is the new concessionaire for the Port of Kingston, started the dredging in January 2017 under the terms of its concessionary agreement with the Port Authority of Jamaica.