KINGSTON
- Latitude: 17.9685 •
- Longitude: -76.785 •
- Caribbean Sea •
- Port in Jamaica
Address: Jamaica
Marine Port Description and Specification: Kingston, Jamaica
General Overview
Kingston Harbour is the largest natural harbor in the Western Hemisphere and plays a critical role in Jamaica's economy. The port facilitates a variety of maritime activities, including cargo shipping, passenger transit, and various logistics services. It is strategically positioned to serve routes across the Americas, with significant connections to North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Location
- Latitude/Longitude: Approximately 17.9714° N, 76.7924° W
- Timezone: UTC -5 (Eastern Standard Time)
Key Facilities
Kingston Container Terminal (KCT):
- Designation: Major container transshipment hub.
- Capacity: Over 2.8 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually.
- Quay Length: Approximately 2,600 meters.
- Depth: Up to 15.5 meters (51 feet).
Newport West:
- Designation: Main cargo handling area.
- Activities: Handling of bulk, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargo.
- Facilities: Warehouses, container freight stations, and customs facilities.
Port Royal:
- Designation: Passenger terminal and cruise ship dock.
- Activities: Cruise tourism, historical tours.
- Facilities: Modern passenger amenities, historical exhibits.
Petrojam Terminal:
- Designation: Petrochemical and bulk liquid terminal.
- Products: Crude oil, refined petroleum products.
Port Operations
- Navigation: A well-marked channel with a depth of up to 15.5 meters and comprehensive navigational aids.
- Harbor Pilotage: Compulsory, provided by the Port Authority of Jamaica.
- Towage and Mooring: Available for all types of vessels.
- Working Hours: Generally, 24/7 operations; specific terminals may have set operational hours.
Logistics and Connectivity
- Road Access: Efficient road networks linking the port to major cities and industrial zones.
- Rail Access: Limited rail connectivity, primarily for bulk transport.
- Air Access: Close proximity to Norman Manley International Airport, facilitating air-sea linkage.
Economic Role
- Trade: Kingston port is the primary gateway for Jamaica’s import/export activities.
- Employment: Significant source of employment for the local population.
- Contribution: Major contributor to national GDP through various port-related activities.
Security and Safety
- ISPS Code: Adherent to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
- Surveillance: Advanced security measures including CCTV, patrols, and access control.
- Emergency Services: Onsite safety and emergency response teams.
Environmental Initiatives
- Waste Management: Comprehensive waste collection and disposal systems.
- Pollution Control: Measures in place to monitor and control marine pollution.
- Sustainability: Initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprint and promoting green practices.
Future Developments
- Expansion Projects: Plans for expanding terminal capacities and upgrading infrastructure.
- Technological Upgrades: Implementation of advanced port management systems and automation technologies.
- Sustainable Practices: Increased focus on environmental sustainability and renewable energy sources.
Contact Information
- Port Authority of Jamaica
- Address: 15-17 Duke Street, Kingston, Jamaica
- Phone: +1 (876) 922-0290
- Website: www.portjam.com
This detailed overview of Kingston's marine port illustrates its significance, facilities, operations, and future potential, underlining its pivotal role in the maritime and economic landscape of Jamaica.