Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the launch of the groundbreaking and contract signing for the Westland Port Expansion Project at the Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) marks a defining moment in the continued transformation of Jamaica’s logistics and shipping landscape.

He emphasised that the project’s groundbreaking ceremony symbolises literally and figuratively a new phase of growth, opportunity and national ambition. “The commencement of the Westlands Expansion Project represents a vision that is materialising,” Holness said.

The prime minister further expressed that when he first assumed office in 2016, he established a clear vision for the Port Authority of Jamaica to transform Kingston into the fastest-growing transhipment hub in the Caribbean and the Americas. “That vision was grounded in Jamaica’s unique geographic location, the underutilised potential of our deepwater harbour and the investments that had already been made. But it was also a deliberate effort to create a new engine of growth in shipping and logistics, one that would generate jobs, attract international capital and build resilience into our economy.”

He emphasised that this project was not just a vision but a structured strategy. “In 2016, we executed the landmark concession agreement with Kingston Freeport Terminals Limited, triggering over US$400 million in investments in terminal infrastructure, including cranes, straddle carriers and high-tech operating systems. Another US$50 million is being invested this year in additional equipment to enhance operational throughput. The investments have gone beyond infrastructure and equipment.

“The KFTL has implemented an advanced terminal operating system, integrated geopositioning and geofencing capabilities and, overall, its security architecture. These investments have paid off. The KFTL’s cargo volumes have grown by 58 per cent since 2016. Berth moves and crane moves exceed global performance measurements. The company maintains a preventative maintenance compliance rate of over 97 per cent. And importantly, the company’s workforce has grown by more than 50 per cent, creating 500 new high-quality, high-paying Jamaican jobs,” Holness continued.

The prime minister indicated that these investments catalyse further investment and further success, noting that Kingston Wharves Limited has also been making similar improvements. “The Kingston Wharves Limited, which is the neighbouring terminal at the Kingston Port, has undertaken significant investments themselves of over US $56 million. It has emerged as the largest and fastest-growing automobile logistics hub in the region, with further investments now going into a major automotive storage and processing facility.”

As a result of these combined investments, Holness boasts that Kingston has moved up the Lloyd’s list of top 100 ports and has been named among the top 10 fastest-growing terminals globally in 2023. “These are undeniable results. Jamaica is now a serious player in global shipping,” he said.

The prime minister stated that the second pillar of the Westland Port Expansion Project is to ensure that there is enough space to export. “Without adequate land to grow and evolve, even the most efficient ports can become landlocked and uncompetitive. This is why the second component of our overall strategy is the expansion of the footprint of the port.

“The Westlands project will add essential acreage to KFTL, allowing for expanded cargo storage with new berth facilities and the introduction of a modern automated gate system for domestic cargo. The first phase, covering 15 hectares at a cost of US$80 million, will focus on strengthening soil conditions, eliminating ponding and flooding, upgrading security, and setting the stage for seamless high-volume operations. The second phase will follow without delay upon the completion of the first,” Holness added, while noting that by reducing waiting times and increasing cargo throughput, Jamaica will be positioned to capture a greater share of global shipping activity and cement its place as a logistics leader in the region.