Kingston Wharves leading Caribbean cooperation

Recognised as the leading multi-purpose port in the Caribbean, Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL) was again chosen to host the Caribbean Shipping Association's (CSA) Exchange Study Programme. The programme was held from February 20-24 with eight shipping and logistics professionals from across the region participating.

The CSA study tour is held annually to expose members to best practices in terminal operations across the region. Presentations were made on port security, logistics management, information technology, health and safety, among others. Additionally, the participants were taken on a tour of the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) to underscore the importance of the training to the continued growth of the shipping sector. Dr Fritz Pinnock, executive director of the CMI, also delivered a presentation on the history of shipping in Jamaica.

In addition to an insider's view of the multipurpose operations at the Kingston Wharves Terminal, the group was treated to a tour of the Falmouth cruise ship pier while two of world's largest cruise vessels - Allure of the Seas and Independence of the Seas - were in port . This tour enabled participants to have proximate experience of terminal management, guided by pier manager Mark Hylton.

"The team at Kingston Wharves works overtime to ensure the continued growth of the company" said Grantley Stephenson, CEO. "It is the hard work that garners for us accolades from our various stakeholders, which has positioned us to be chosen the second year in a row for this programme. We are only too willing to share with our fellow partners from across the region".

Participant Sudarmo Toby, assistant operations officer from the Port Authority of St Vincent and the Grenadines, during his vote of thanks to the programme organisers, shared how invaluable the experience was to network amongst shipping industry leaders and to share best practices with his peers across the region. He further stated that "the knowledge garnered in Kingston will be crucial in his country's plan to develop a world-class terminal".

A BROAD RANGE

For completing the week-long programme, participants received certification from the Caribbean Maritime Institute as well as Sensitization and Awareness Certification in International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Kingston Wharves has been named the leading Caribbean Multipurpose port six times since 2006. The port provides a broad range of cargo handling and logistics services with connections to over 20 international ports in the Caribbean, Latin and North America. Trans-shipment logistics services is the major growth sector for the company as it provides just-in-time services to a number of clients. Hoegh Autoliners has appointed KWL as the regional hub for motor vehicles being trans-shipped through the region.