Kingston Wharves Continues Expansion into Near-Port Logistics Developments

Multipurpose port operator Kingston Wharves Limited has cemented its position as the leader in driving Jamaica Logistics Hub Initiative, with the announcement of two near port developments. The company announced the development of a 300,000 square feet modular warehouse complex and a proposal to offer Used motor vehicle inspections on the island. These will add to the other logistics facilities already in operation.

Speaking at the Kingston Wharves Limited Annual General Meeting, CEO Grantley Stephenson, announced that the new warehouse complex, will be sited on Ashenhiem Road, hosting two state-of-the-art energy efficient modular and multi-purpose facilities that will include 100,000 square feet of ambient and temperature-controlled storage and 200,000 square feet of dry storage. This will increase the company's capacity for storage and transshipment of goods. The facility will be competitive, built to global standards, and will expand the capabilities of Jamaica's logistics sector, as light manufacturing and more value-added services will be accommodated at the new development.

The warehouse is proposed to be a Special Economic Zone facility and will therefore benefit from its special conditions therefore providing manufacturers and distributors with increased benefits when utilising Jamaica as a logistics hub in the region. Kingston Wharves has noted that the warehouse is being developed for lease or joint venture partnerships.

It was also announced the company is proposing the establishment of a pre-delivery inspection centre at Tinson Pen. The KWL's CEO said this was in response to the recent announcement by the Jamaican government, that used car dealers will have to utilise the services of a company in Japan to do pre-shipment inspections prior to dispatch to Jamaica. It is proposed that the service be done in Jamaica at a lower cost to importers and to also extend the service to regional players.

Kingston Wharves has been a major player in the near port logistics market, having been offering services to leading companies in the distribution, lubricants, hospitality and automobile industries. The company opened in 2017 its Total Logistics Facility offering one stop more efficient services to individuals who are receiving less-than-Container load (LCL) shipments. The company also opened in 2017 the Total Auto Logistics Centre, providing services to the largest new and used car dealers in the island.

In a recent presentation at the Jamaica Investment Forum, Mr Stephenson, reiterated KWL's commitment to the economic development of Jamaica through its continued investments and ensuring the that the port facility provides efficient services to the nation as it seeks to be the fourth node of the worldwide logistics network. The company is focusing on a "Next Step Logistics" Strategy that aims to modernize and expand Jamaica's Logistics sector, while identifying multiple opportunities, building on Jamaica's advantageous location in the Western Hemisphere and proximity to major shipping lanes, logistics centers like the Panama Canal and hundreds of millions of consumers.