Kingston Wharves Limited commissions Global Logistics Centre

The Shipping Association of Jamaica member company, Kingston Wharves Limited on December 16, formally commissioned its Global Logistics Centre at Tinson Pen. This adds to its growing investment in providing logistics services as part of the Jamaica Logistics Hub Initiative. The facility, when complete, will span 18 acres as the first phase of this development with the potential for further expansion.

Speaking at the event, chief executive officer of Kingston Wharves Limited, Grantley Stephenson, spoke to the fact that the company has been focused on the targets that have been set by the Government by the introduction of the Special Economic Zone initiative. He reiterated the point that this is the second initiative following its investment in the over 160,000 square feet Total Logistics Facility that will handle less than container loads cargo.

Announcing that the first phase of the investment will be focused on the auto logistic market for new and used car dealers, Stephenson indicated that Jetcon Corporation Limited is the first occupant providing services for the local and regional markets. He also indicated that ATL Automotive Group will be the next major client to occupy space as of February 2018.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mike Henry, Minister of Transport and Mining congratulated Kingston Wharves Limited "for putting money where their mouth is".

He indicated that this initiative has been in gestation for a number of years but he is very pleased that this is now happening. He stated, "we are seeing the implementation of a cabinet decision to decommission the Aeronautical Training School here to support the Logistics Development with the Port of Kingston. Over time all the current tenants at Tinson Pen will be relocated to provide space to grow the logistics opportunities that are knocking on our doors".
Minister Henry further charged that the country should look to capitalise on the opportunities that are available to us as we position as the Global Logistics Hub. He stated, "through the Logistics Hub Initiative Master Plan, we can make bold steps to our advantage."

Also speaking at the event was the president and CEO of the Airports Authority, Audley Deidrick, who expressed his agency's delight in being able to bring this initiative to fruition. He indicated that the Airports Authority was focused like all others in achieving the Government's objectives.

Stephenson indicated in his presentation the rationale for choosing Tinson Pen as a location.
The choice of Tinson Pen as a location was logical. The facility sits on 80 acres of land which is ideal for a multimodal logistics centre. Additionally, it checked several boxes when we considered options for a logistics centre:

-    The facility would be located less than 10 minutes from the Kingston Wharves Total Logistics Facility. Additionally, other operators within the Port of Kingston would have access to the logistics facilities should they wish to expand their services.
-    30-40 minutes away from the Norman Manley International Airport. With the development of Marcus Garvey Drive to three lanes, this will improve access to the international airport.
-    Highway access. The facility sits on the entrance to the Portmore leg of Highway 2000 and close proximity to Spanish Town Road. This provides ready access to the highway network for domestic distribution as well as public transportation;
-    Rail cargo. Should rail cargo services be reintroduced, the current rail infrastructure exists in close proximity to the facility.

About Kingston Wharves

Kingston Wharves has been named the leading Caribbean multipurpose port six times since 2006 the latest being 2016. The port is undergoing a multi-million-dollar improvement project to position it to take advantage of opportunities in logistics. There are nine deep water berths which facilitate various cargo types including automobiles, container, general break bulk and bulk cargoes.