(Jamaica Gleaner) The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) says the current congestion at the port of Kingston is the result of a drastic increase of cargo volumes as well as disruptions in mainliner service schedules.
On Wednesday businessman Richard Pandohie highlighted the issue of congestion at the port on social media platform X.
“Supply Chain challenges are as bad now as it was in COVID…many ships anchored in harbour waiting to offload, not to mention how many bypassing Jamaica because of congestion,” he stated.
In a media release on Thursday evening the Port Authority explained that current cargo volumes processed in Kingston are over 50 per cent higher than pre-COVID-19 levels.
It stated that from 2020 to 2022, volumes increased by 28 per cent, followed by an additional 18.5 per cent growth between 2022 and 2024.
Additionally, the Port Authority said periodic vessel queuing outside Kingston Harbour stems from disruptions in mainliner service schedules caused by geopolitical tensions, conflicts along major shipping routes and adverse weather conditions.
It noted that in 2024, only nine per cent of the 172 mainliners processed in Kingston arrived on schedule, with just one of 11 mainliners arriving on time in November.
“To manage scheduling uncertainties, shipping lines have reduced regional stops, concentrating cargo at key ports and using feeder vessels to serve bypassed locations. This strategy has lengthened container dwell times and increased congestion at transshipment terminals across the region, including Kingston,” PAJ said.
It said to prevent gridlock, Kingston’s transshipment terminal prioritises mainliners that balance container delivery and evacuation.
The PAJ said as of Wednesday, three mainliner vessels were anchored outside Kingston Harbour, with one processed on Thursday, while the others await feeder vessels for cargo evacuation.
PAJ said to accommodate increased seasonal demand, additional container pickup slots have been introduced, with only 66 per cent currently utilised.
Terminal operating hours have also been extended to include Saturdays.
