On a recent visit to the Newport East Harbours & Pilotage Department in Kingston, Loop News learnt, by way of a tour, the detail-oriented, masterly work being done at the chief maritime agency of the government of Jamaica, the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ).
The 24-hour non-stop engine secures local waters, provides support for visiting vessels, directs incoming cargo and freight, and communicates with global entities on logistics on the high seas. It’s like a second language.
The PAJ performs other roles daily that include thrusting Jamaica into the global shipping network, connecting her to the Americas, Europe, and Asia, to name a few.
There’s more, Loop News docks at the PAJ!
1 The PAJ is a statutory corporation established by the Port Authority Act of 1972. The PAJ’s primary responsibilities include regulating and overseeing the operation of Jamaica’s ports, facilitating maritime commerce, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of Jamaica’s port facilities.
2 One of the major facilities managed by the PAJ is the Kingston Container Terminal (KCT), one of the largest container transshipment hubs in the Caribbean. The KCT plays a critical role in regional and international shipping routes, connecting the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
3 The PAJ has been instrumental in developing Jamaica’s cruise shipping industry, and three major cruise ports managed by the PAJ include the Ocho Rios Cruise Terminal, Falmouth Cruise Port, and Montego Bay Cruise Terminal. These ports attract millions of visitors annually and contributes a great deal to the booming tourism sector.
4 The Port Authority of Jamaica is actively involved in the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and logistics hubs. These initiatives aim to position Jamaica as a global logistics hub by leveraging its strategic location to promote economic growth with a natural by-product of attracting foreign investment, ergo, cha-ching cha-ching.
5 The PAJ is committed to sustainable port development and environmental stewardship, implementing various measures to minimize the environmental impact of port operations #nuhduttyupjmaiaca. Plus, the PAJ adheres to international security standards, ensuring that Jamaica’s ports are secure and comply with regulations such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
