The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) is accelerating the reconstruction of the Ocho Rios Cruise Port in St. Ann following severe storm damage, in a bid to restore the facility to full operation by July 2025.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Professor Gordon Shirley, is confident about this timeline being met, emphasising the PAJ’s commitment to supporting local businesses grappling with the port’s current closure.

The Ocho Rios Cruise Port has been a vital hub for tourism and local commerce. But its recent incapacitation due to a flood surge earlier in the year has posed significant challenges for stakeholders dependent on cruise ship arrivals.

Professor Shirley acknowledges the impact of this setback on Ocho Rios business interests, and assures that the PAJ is “doing everything within its power” to expedite the restoration of services at the port.

He tells JIS News, however, that despite the setbacks, the PAJ has managed to mitigate potential losses by rerouting cruise ships to other local ports.

The CEO points out that while the Ocho Rios Port’s main terminal remains under construction, the services at the neighbouring Reynolds Pier, also in Ocho Rios, have been stepped up to accommodate some ships, while ensuring that the tourism flow remains relatively stable.

“The main thing is that we have not lost any ships,” Professor Shirley notes, while highlighting the PAJ’s strategic planning in crisis management.

Ships unable to dock in Ocho Rios are being facilitated at the Falmouth and Montego Bay ports, demonstrating the organisation’s adaptability in the face of adversity.

Professor Shirley says to support local transport operators, the PAJ has also initiated arrangements allowing them to capitalise on the rerouted business, adding that the Authority is seized of the challenges experienced by the stakeholders who rely heavily on cruise tourism for their livelihoods.

“We have made arrangements for the Ocho Rios transport operators to still get some of the business from the out-of-town ports. This initiative is aimed at providing some relief to the local economy during the port’s downtime, ensuring that affected stakeholders can continue to operate,” he tells JIS News.

The CEO maintains that the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as with another cruise season approaching, the PAJ is hard pressed to ensure Ocho Rios is ready to welcome back ships and tourists.

He says the ongoing construction and repair work are being prioritised to ensure that the port can handle the influx of passengers expected next year.

 “We are in overdrive,” Professor Shirley declared, while underscoring the PAJ’s proactive approach to resolving the prevailing issues.

He points out that the drive to reopen the Ocho Rios Cruise Port is not only about restoring a crucial tourist destination, but also revitalising the local economy.

“The port serves as a significant source of income for many businesses and workers in the area, from vendors to tour operators. The PAJ recognises that the quicker the port can rebound, the sooner local businesses can return to their regular operations, ultimately benefitting the entire community,” Professor Shirley states

The CEO says that as the agency navigates this challenging period, collaboration between various stakeholders will be essential, underscoring the importance of communication and cooperation with local businesses, Government entities and contractors involved in the reconstruction.

“It’s vital that we all work together to overcome these challenges and ensure that Ocho Rios can thrive once again,” he remarks.

Professor Shirley adds that the PAJ is aware of the broader implications of the port’s closure, particularly considering the competitive nature of the cruise industry.

Noting that other Caribbean destinations are vying for the attention of cruise lines, he emphasises that maintaining Ocho Rios as a preferred stop is crucial for the region’s tourism landscape. “The swift recovery of the port is therefore not just a local priority, but a regional necessity,” the CEO adds.

Meanwhile, Professor Shirley says the PAJ remains optimistic about the future of the Ocho Rios Cruise Port.

He notes that with the ongoing commitment to expedite the repairs and support local businesses, there is hope that the port will soon reclaim its status as a premier destination for cruise ships and tourists. “We are dedicated to ensuring that Ocho Rios is ready to welcome back visitors in time for the next cruise season,” Professor Shirley assures.