Due to the strategic positioning of Jamaica in the Caribbean, it has grown to become one of the countries with a high appeal internationally.
Knowing the busiest and less busy sea ports in Jamaica will help you with trading through and in Jamaica.
Whether you are exporting from or importing to Jamaica, it is important to know the ports you will use.
Read on:
Busiest Sea Ports in Jamaica
1. Port of Kingston
The Port of Kingston prides itself to be the largest and busiest port in Jamaica since its establishment in 1692. It serves as a major and an integral part of transshipment in the Caribbean. It is also referred to as the Key Maritime Gateway.
As a port, it handles different types of cargo, such as containers, breakbulk, and bulk. Also, it is located at a strategic location (Panama Canal) which makes it easily accessible to various ports worldwide (Europe, Asia, and the Americas).
- Port Location: Kingston, Jamaica.
- Port Code: JM KIN
- Handling Capacity: Has more than 2.5 million TEUs every year. Has unique facilities for liquid bulk and roll-on / roll-off terminals.
- Management: The port is managed by Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited.
2. Montego Bay Port
Montego Bay Port or the Montego Bay Freeport, although not as large as the Port of Kingston. Also, it has been making shipment and trading smooth for businesses globally since 1770s. This port was developed initially for sugar exportation initially.
However, it has become one of famous ports in Jamaica for cruise and tourism, currently. For both cruise ship and cargo traffic, the Montego Bay Port is known to be effective especially where deep-water docking facilities are concerned. The port has terminal buildings with duty-free shops, shuttle services for visitors or tourists, as well as restrooms.
- Port Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Port Code: JM MBJ
- Handling Capacity: Has over 300,000 TEUs yearly.
- Management: The port is managed by Montego Freeport Limited.
3. Port of Ocho Rios
Established in the 1940s and mainly the 1950s, the Port of Ocho Rios has rose to immense popularity. It is famous where cruise ship and small cargo ports in the Caribbean and around the world are concerned. This port is very influential where Jamaican cruise tourism is concerned.
Port of Ocho Rios is situated strategically closely to unique resorts. This is why most tourists love to visit and check the port out. Also, it has unique facilities to easily house large cruise ships.
- Port Location: St. Ann Parish in the North Coast of Jamaica
- Port Code: JM OTR
- Handling Capacity: Handles mostly small cargo and cruise ships.
- Management: The port is managed by the Port Authority of Jamaica.
4. Port of Spanish Town (Old Harbor)
The Port of Spanish Town was known originally as Old Harbor. This port was established in the 1970s. Spanish Town used to be the Jamaican capital. This makes it a very important city in the country. This port mainly serves the Kingston metropolitan area with project and bulk cargo handling.
The duty of this port has helped in pushing the manufacturing and industrial sectors of Jamaica.
- Port Location: Old Habor, Jamaica
- Port Code: JM OHD
- Handling Capacity: Perfect for industrial goods and bulk cargo.
- Management: The port is managed by the Port Authority of Jamaica.
5. Port of Port Antonio
Port Antonio was established in the 1870s. However, it was developed further in the mid-1990s through which it became a major port for exporting banana. This helped in pushing the Caribbean to a higher level of affluence where agricultural export was and still is concerned.
Although the Port of Port Antonio is small, it plays a vital role in the handling of cargo to the Eastern part of Jamaica. It accommodates small to mid-sized cruise ships. This port is a major part of the boost in the local economy of Jamaica, particularly agriculture.
- Port Location: Portland Parish in Northeastern Coast of Jamaica
- Port Code: JM PTA
- Handling Capacity: Handles small volume cargo.
- Management: The port is managed by the Port Authority of Jamaica.
6. Port of Esquivel
Since the 1960s when the Port of Esquivel was established, it has severed the people and country of Jamaica well. This port serves as an integral part of trading bulk cargo such as cement, petroleum and bauxite. Over the years, it has grown and has been developed well to serve major industries within the region.
- Port Location: Rio Cobre River in St. Catherine Parish, Jamaica
- Port Code: JM ESQ
- Handling Capacity: Handles bulk cargo.
- Management: The port is managed by the Port Authority of Jamaica.
7. Port of Rocky Point
The Port of Rocky Point was established in the 1950s. This port serves mainly alumina and bauxite industries. Therefore, they handle bulk raw materials as well as breakbulk goods. All these are highly valuable in pushing the mining sector of Jamaica to the fore.
- Port Location: Rocky Point, Jamaica
- Port Code: JM RPJ
- Handling Capacity: Handles breakbulk and bulk cargo.
- Management: The port is managed by the Port Authority of Jamaica.
8. Port of Salt River
Ever since the 1960s when the Port of Salt River was established, it has been used ideally for bulk cargo importing and exporting. This port supported and still supports industries like heavy manufacturing and cement production.
- Port Location: Clarendon Parish in the Southern Coast of Jamaica
- Port Code: JM SRV
- Handling Capacity: Handles bulk cargo.
- Management: The port is managed by the Port Authority of Jamaica
9. Port of Black River
Port of Black River has since the 1800s been a major port in Jamaica. This port began with sugar exportation. However, as the years went on and the port got more development, the export of agricultural products was added. So, apart from exportation of sugar, it handles general cargo shipments as well.
- Port Location: St. Elizabeth Parish, Southwestern Coast of Jamaica
- Port Code: JM BRV
- Handling Capacity: Handles agricultural goods and bulk cargo.
- Management: The port is managed by the Port Authority of Jamaica.
10. Port of Port Kaiser
Port of Port Kaiser mainly deals in the exportation of bulk materials in the aid of industries such as alumina, bauxite and cement. It was mainly established in the 1950s to serve these industries. This port can accommodate vessels up to 213.4 meters in length and 10.5 meters draft maximum.
Port of Port Kaiser is also a feeder port. This means that, it mostly handles smaller shipments that need to be moved to larger vessels in other countries.
- Port Location: Near Alligator Pond in St. Elizebeth Parish, in the South Coast of Jamaica
- Port Code: JM PKR
- Handling Capacity: Handles bulk and also smaller cargo.
- Management: The port is managed by the Port Authority of Jamaica.
11. Port of Port Rhoades
Established in the 1950s, this port has served the mining and heavy industrial sectors of Jamaica for so long. This port is a deep-water port that is able to easily handle large bulk carriers. Also, it has some of the finest loading facilities like conveyor systems.
These help in the right move of bauxite from mines that are close by and more. Port or Port Rhoades was established when Jamaica’s mining industry was booming. Due to this, it was designed to help in making shipping of mineral resources very easy.
- Port Location: Discovery Bay, Northern Coast of Jamaica
- Port Code: JM PRD
- Handling Capacity: Handles bulk and project cargo.
- Management: The port is managed by the Port Authority of Jamaica.
12. Port of Rio Bueno
Port of Rio Bueno is another major port for shipment where alumina and bauxite are concerned. Apart from these, the port since the 1800s has supported greatly the agricultural sector of the region.
Due to the location of the port, large cargo vessels are able to dock and directly load. This is because it has deep-water capabilities.
- Port Location: Trelawny Parish, North Coast of Jamaica
- Port Code: JM RBU
- Handling Capacity: Handles bulk goods and small cargo.
- Management: The port is managed by the Port Authority of Jamaica.
13. Port of Hunts Bay
Port of Hunts Bay was established in the 1940s. The port mainly supports commercial and industrial activities within the area, which is a part of the Kingston Harbor. Although not so famous as the Kingston Freeport Terminal, it is valued as it helps in the movement of local goods as well as smaller vessel movement.
- Port Location: Near Kingston, Jamaica
- Port Code: JM HBY
- Handling Capacity: Handles general cargo and small container operations.
- Management: The port is managed by the Port Authority of Jamaica.
Less Busy Sea Ports in Jamaica
· Port of Morant Bay
Port of Morant Bay although a less busy sea port in Jamaica serves the people and country in the local agriculture and fishing sectors. It also handles bulk cargo shipments.
· Port of Lucea
Within the Hanover region, the Port of Lucea serves as a port for minor cargo in local trading.
· Port of Falmouth
Port of Falmouth is mainly a cruise port with restricted cargo capacity for agricultural goods or products.
· Port of Negril
The Port of Negril is a port that serves mainly the local fishing as well as agricultural exportation within the Westmoreland Region.
· Port of Port Royal
Port of Port Royal handles limited cargo and primarily serves leisure and tourism vessels. It helps in boosting the Jamaican tourist industry greatly.
· Port of Savanna-la-Mar
Port of Savanna-la-Mar handles mostly sugar and bananas as well as bulk agriculture exportation.
· Port of Port Maria
The Port of Port Maria is a small port that serves the country through small cargo shipments and agriculture exportation.
· Port of Sligoville
Port of Sligoville represents that small cargo port serving agriculture and local industries within Central Jamaica.
· Port of Southfield
Port of Southfield handles the fishing and agricultural industries within Southern Jamaica.
· Port of Clarendon (Lime Tree Garden)
This port although a small one handles agricultural goods mainly for exporting.
FAQs
Which is the Main Port in Jamaica?
The main port in Jamaica is the Port of Kingston. This port handles the highest cargo volumes and has links to ports all over the Caribbean and major continents worldwide.
What is the Port Code for Kingston Jamaica?
JM KIN is the Port Code for Kingston Jamaica.
Conclusion
Due to the many ports in Jamaica that serves different industries, the offerings the country has in this area of shipment is always clear. Knowing the different ports, their capacities, and services will make it easier for you to do business where the country is concerned.
More resources:
How to Calculate Freight Rates in FCL and LCL – Source: BANSAR
Incoterms for Shipping – Source: BANSAR
