Tue | Dec 16, 2025

Ports of Hope: SAJ members in action

Published:Tuesday | November 11, 2025 | 12:34 AM
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Maritime and Transport Group (MTS) also supported the recent delivery of relief supplies for Mercy Chefs, which were discharged at the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club Marina. The Group provided inland transportation to Munro College, ensuring that essential suppl
Maritime and Transport Group (MTS) also supported the recent delivery of relief supplies for Mercy Chefs, which were discharged at the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club Marina. The Group provided inland transportation to Munro College, ensuring that essential supplies reached their destination swiftly and safely. MTS remains committed to supporting Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa, working alongside partners and humanitarian organisations dedicated to rebuilding lives and communities.
Maritime and Transport Services Ltd, a member of the SAJ, acted as agents for two vessels from the Dominican Republic – the military vessel Almirante Didiez Burgos and the chartered supply vessel Midnight Stone – which arrived in Kingston on November 4
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Maritime and Transport Services Ltd, a member of the SAJ, acted as agents for two vessels from the Dominican Republic – the military vessel Almirante Didiez Burgos and the chartered supply vessel Midnight Stone – which arrived in Kingston on November 4 carrying humanitarian relief supplies for Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.The shipment, coordinated through the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, included blankets, mosquito nets, mattresses, food and bedding supplies. The Jamaica Defence Force was on-site to receive the items for distribution to affected communities.
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IN THE aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, members of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) have stepped forward to support national recovery efforts. From coordinating shipments and handling relief cargo to delivering supplies across affected communities, the shipping and logistics community continues to play a vital role in helping Jamaica rebuild.

KINGSTON WHARVES OPENS IN-HOUSE CALL CENTRE TO SUPPORT NATIONAL HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORT

Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL) has activated its in-house Call Centre to serve as a dedicated communications liaison for persons overseas seeking information on Jamaica’s ongoing hurricane relief operations. The move forms part of the company’s broader partnership with the Government of Jamaica to support the national response to Hurricane Melissa, which has severely impacted several communities across the island.

“Our call centre personnel have been equipped with the relevant information to guide callers on how to ship to Jamaica, the proper channels for donations, and to manage general inquiries,” explained Mark Williams, CEO of Kingston Wharves Limited

KWL is also facilitating the use of its terminal for the berthing of vessels carrying relief supplies from regional and international partners, and has made available an on-port transit warehouse for the temporary storage of goods prior to distribution by the Jamaica Defence Force to logistics centres islandwide.

As part of its support package, Kingston Wharves is offering a 10 per cent discount on shipments designated by Jamaica Customs as disaster relief. The discount, which applies to warehouse handling and stripping charges for individuals, companies, and registered charities, will remain in effect through November 30, 2025.

KFTL SUPPORTS NATIONAL RECOVERY AND DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS

Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) has announced a 20 per cent discount on certain domestic charges related to aid shipments as part of its contribution to Jamaica’s national recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that critical humanitarian supplies reach affected communities swiftly and affordably.

The company has also processed vessels carrying humanitarian aid free of charge, underscoring its commitment to national relief operations and to the wider shipping and logistics community.

Beyond these industry-focused initiatives, KFTL has placed emphasis on the well-being of its employees, including those who were financially affected by the temporary closure of the terminal or personally impacted by the hurricane. The company has also launched an internal relief drive, with staff collecting essential items and visiting some of the hardest-hit communities to offer direct assistance.

As part of its initial emergency response in collaboration with the Port Authority of Jamaica, KFTL waived storage and positioning fees for all local imports for a period of ten days, helping businesses manage the immediate economic impact of the hurricane and facilitating the early flow of cargo through the port.

KFTL’s coordinated efforts reflect its ongoing dedication to supporting both the economic recovery and the humanitarian response, as Jamaica rebuilds in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.