The world’s third largest box carrier, French group CMA CGM has signed an agreement with the Port Authority of Jamaica granting the CMA CGM Group the concession of Kingston Container Terminal for 30 years. The terminal, consisting of a total 2,400 metres of wharf, an 80 hectare surface area and with up to 15.5 metres draught, has been open since 1975 and was formerly run by KCT Services Ltd.
The strategic position of the port, 32 nautical miles off the main trade lanes, and therefore offering facilities with minimal deviations
to and from the Panama Canal, has persuaded CMA CGM to make Jamaica its hub in the Caribbean. With vessels up to 12,600 TEU capable of
using the widened canal from next year the French group plans to use 35-40% of the terminals capabilities itself whilst offering full services to other lines trading in the region.
Capacity at Kingston is to be increased up to 3.6 million TEU containers annually and it will be equipped with 14 gantry cranes and 60 port riders turning Kingston into one of the Caribbean’s top five ports.