Prime Minister PJ Patterson unveiled a monument symbolising the opening of phase three of the Kingston Container Terminal at the recent opening ceremony. Here, in the photo, Governor-General His Excellency the Most Hon Sir Howard Cooke (2nd right) and Mr. Patterson (second left) are among those admiring the artwork. Others from left are Shaul Cohen-Mintz, President of Zim American Shipping Company; Dr. Noel Hylton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Port Authority of Jamaica and Grantley Stephenson, President of the Shipping Association of Jamaica.IN A GRAND affair, which climaxed with fireworks over the Port of Kingston last Wednesday, Prime Minister PJ Patterson, officially opened the multi-million dollar phase three expansion of the Kingston Container Terminal (KCT).
The expansion which is expected to boost capacity by 30 per cent, provides an additional 14 hectares of paved storage area, 542 metres of berthing space and boasts the most modern equipment in the industry, including four ship-to-shore Super Post-Panamax cranes; 12 straddle carriers; six trailer trains as well as 192 reefer plugs for accommodating refrigerated containers.
Emphasising the significance of the terminal and its expansion, Prime Minister Patterson pledged the Government's commitment to invest necessary resources for its further development and in order to achieve the highest world-class standards. He said over the past 26 years, an initial investment of $12 million had translated into two container terminals, an average of 2,300 ship-calls annually over the past six years and an asset value of $10.8 billion.
"We recognise that the significant creation of new container capacity in the region has provided an abundance of choices to the carriers operating in the region. Consequently, competition among ports has become more intense, in addition to the fierce competition already existing in the market internationally," the Prime Minister remarked.
"We are aware of our obligations, that as a major regional hub port, we are required to be not only an efficient service provider, but must also serve as a strategic platform in the integration process. This expansion phase demonstrates our ability to effect the transitions and adjustments to accommodate the next generation of sophisticated ships with their varied configurations," Mr. Patterson told the audience including representatives of major shipping lines, adding that the further developments would not be restricted to infrastructure and equipment, but include other important areas.
Citing other necessary inputs for the development of KCT, Mr Patterson, pointed to the need for the highest level of management and operational expertise, forming alliances and partnerships, embracing international standards and maximising security and developing the local maritime sector generally, which will involve expansion of the cruise shipping sector, international dry-docking, ship registry, yachting and marina development.
In saluting portworkers and their trade unions for their sterling contribution to the achievements in the industry over the years, the Prime Minister announced a postgraduate scholarship for all categories of workers in the industry. Being awarded in honour of Aggie Bernard, a woman who assisted and supported portworkers during industrial action many years ago, the scholarship is tenable at the University of the West Indies in the Department of Government.
In his address President and Chief Executive Officer of the Port Authority of Jamaica, Dr. Noel Hylton, said there was a development programme on the drawing board dedicated to accommodating larger sized vessels at the KCT. In his remarks, Minister of Transport and Works, Bobby Pickersgill reiterated the significance of the expansion, while underscoring the fact that Government has always placed emphasis on the sector, which is deemed a stable pillar in the country's economy.
Also speaking at the ceremony was Shaul Cohen-Mintz, President of Zim American Shipping Company who urged the Government to seriously address the problem of drug trafficking through the Port of Kingston, which could have devastating effects for the future of the terminal.
The facility was dedicated by Port Chaplain Sam Smellie and entertainment provided by the Hummingbird steel band and the Portmore Vision Choir.
