Port Development
In response to the demand of the market for a transhipment hub that will allow shipping lines to take advantage of the expansion of the Panama Canal KFTL has embarked on a strategic infrastructure development programme. This will include the expansion of Berth capacity, upgrading of our equipment and systems as well as the improvement of our technological support and the growth and optimization of our workforce.
For shipping lines seeking to access the markets of the East Coast of North and South America Kingston Jamaica, and by extension KFTL is located at the most optimal point after exiting the Panama Canal. A ship exiting the Panama Canal, can reach KFTL within 2 days. Leaving KFTL, it only takes 2 days to reach the Port of Miami. The location of KFTL therefore, affords shippers the opportunity to save a significant amount of expense and time – elements critical in any supply chain. Shipping lines connecting at KFTL are able to take advantage of easy and convenient access to markets in Europe, Asia and America, thus providing a more diverse product to their customers.
Having assumed control of the Terminal in July 2016, KFTL has taken a number of significant steps to increase the availability of equipment and improve the efficiency of our internal operations. This has contributed to a significant increase in berth productivity and a decrease in average truck turn-around time to below 30 minutes. Since handover, KFTL’s performance is regularly in the Top Five worldwide ranking for crane productivity on its customers’ vessels.
Civil Works
Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) prides itself on delivering quality service to its customers while continuously improving our operational effectiveness and efficiency. Based on this commitment, a decision was taken to invest in new technology that will enhance our service delivery. We do not see technology as a mechanism only to improve cost effectiveness and operational efficiency, but as an investment to increasingly improve the experience our customers.
The latest technology will further enhance the Terminal’s reputation for reliability and efficiency, which will increase our customers’ confidence that their business is in capable hands.
By upgrading the information and communication technology infrastructure through the implementation of high-speed fiber optic and Wi-Fi systems, our new state of the art Terminal Operating System (TOS) will provide us with an optimized container terminal environment with real-time redundant communication from ship to shore. Changes in vessel operations or yard planning will be instantaneous and secure.
It is our goal that, through the use of technology, our customers will also be impacted positively so that they can be efficient and timely in delivering the best service to their customers every time.
The upgrade of the infrastructure of KFTL is aimed at strengthening the quay wall thereby allowing the quay to accommodate the larger and heavier ship-to-shore cranes which will be able to service the larger mother vessels calling at KFTL. This critical aspect of the Terminal’s development project started in October of 2016 and will be executed over a 18-month period. In the interim KFTL continues to service the needs of its customers.
A Phase 2 development plan will follow the completion of the above described Phase 1:
Summary of KFTL Development Project
| Terminal characteristics | Presently | Phase 1 | Phase 2 |
| Draft access channel | 13 m | 14.7 m | 15.5 m |
| Draft turning circle | 13 m | 14.7 m | 15.5 m |
| Draft berth | 13 m | 14.7 m | 15.5 m |
| Quay length | 2,400 m | 2,400 m | 2,400 m |
| Total land space | 102 ha | 102 ha | 102 ha |
| Terminal Operating System | Cosmos | NAVIS | NAVIS |
| Rated Capacity | 2.8 mil TEU | 3.2 mil TEU | 3.6 mil TEU |
Equipment Upgrade
Dredging
The ability of terminals in the Caribbean and Latin American region to accommodate the New Panamax Vessels transiting the Panama Canal is, to a large extent, impacted by the draft available at the terminal. Under the Port Development Plan, KFTL will widen and deepen the Kingston Harbour access channel, the turning circle and the terminal basin to accommodate vessels with a draft of up to 14.7 meters.
The dredging campaign, which is guided by extensive environmental impact studies, involves the removal of over approximately 7 million cubic meter of dredge material. Dredging began on January 5th 2017 and is anticipated to last for approximately 8 months.
Technology Upgrade
Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) prides itself on delivering quality service to its customers while continuously improving our service delivery. Based on this, a decision was taken to invest in technology that will satisfy the needs of our customers. We do not see technology as a benefit only to ourselves, but an investment to increasingly improve the experience our customers have in doing business with us.
The latest technology will further enhance the Terminal’s reputation for reliability and efficiency, which will increase our customers’ confidence that their business is in good capable hands.
By upgrading the information and communication technology infrastructure through the implementation of high-speed fibre optic and Wi-Fi systems, our new state of the art Terminal Operating System (TOS) will provide us with an optimized container terminal environment with real-time redundant communication from ship to shore. Changes in vessel operations or yard planning will be instantaneous and secure.
It is our goal that, through the use of technology, our customers will also be impacted positively and be efficient and timely in delivering the best service to their customers every time.
