KFTL says port delays should ease by mid-November

Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) says it anticipates that the issues causing vessel delays at its facilities will be rectified by mid-November.

In a media release on Wednesday, KFTL acknowledged that the delays have been creating challenges for importers and exporters, especially with the Christmas season approaching.

It explained that recently it has been experiencing challenges with vessels operated by certain shipping lines, while others continue to operate smoothly.

"The primary challenge is due to an increase in transshipment volumes from particular shipping lines whose feedering network has not been able to keep pace with the recent influx of containers. This situation has led to high congestion at our Terminal, despite our efforts to keep the domestic market supply chain flowing efficiently," it continued.

KFTL said while it does not have the authority to determine the routing, frequency, or priorities of vessels, it has maintained constant communication with the shipping lines, providing them with the necessary data to expedite a resolution as quickly as possible.

It also said it has met with the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association to communicate on the issues, in light of the significant inconvenience these delays pose to the business sector.

"Based on our discussions with the lines in question, we anticipate that the situation will return to normalcy in mid-November. This timeline largely depends on their execution of the transshipment evacuation plan. As the lines clear their transshipment cargo, creating much-needed space, vessels are expected to resume normal operations," KFTL said.

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