Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited – KFTL is making Jamaica a leading global logistics hub by using its operations in the Special Economic Zone – SEZ so as to improve connectivity, bring investment, and at the same time, also create new job opportunities.
Carlos Cabrera, the CEO of Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited says that the terminal is still one of the largest and also the most strategically important container hubs in the region. It happens to be a major link between Jamaica and important global markets.
Cabrera said that From Kingston Freeport Terminal, we connect to 165 ports worldwide, with weekly sailings to North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Being part of the Jamaica Special Economic Zone regime allows us to maximize these opportunities and integrate Jamaica into the global market.
Mr. Cabrera opines that changes within the global trade environment since the COVID-19 pandemic have gone on to make it possible to near-shore and distribute goods in novel ways.
He said that Jamaica’s location, which is at the crossroads of major shipping routes and also close to the Panama Canal, goes on to make it an ideal location to distribute goods both locally and regionally.
The CEO further said that This evolving market creates opportunities to establish distribution centres in Jamaica, serving the Caribbean and the wider Americas efficiently.
It is well to be noted that operating within the SEZ framework has gone on to make the company more competitive, especially in the very contested transshipment market.
According to Cabrera, In the last five years, we have grown our volumes by over 55 per cent. The SEZ framework provides the predictability and stability needed to support continued expansion and remain competitive internationally.
Over the past ten years, the company has invested over $600 million in Jamaica, mostly on major upgrades to infrastructure and equipment and hence turning Jamaica a leading global logistics hub.
The recent purchase of Super Post-Panamax Ship-to-Shore Cranes, along with the ongoing Westland expansion, which is expected to increase container handling capacity by 30%, happens to be two examples of the recent changes.
The terminal’s growth has also led to many new jobs, with the number of workers going from around 800 five years ago to an estimated 1,500 in 2026.
Mr. Cabrera stressed that the company is actively developing local talent by way of certain training programs and partnerships with organizations like the Caribbean Maritime University – CMU and the HEART/NSTA Trust.
He said, We are building a maritime ecosystem that creates opportunities, not only for our employees but also for local businesses providing engineering, maintenance, and other support services.
It is worth noting that KFTL keeps working closely with local suppliers and service providers, as well as the trucking community, to make operations more efficient and cut down on turnaround times.
The terminal is a major trans-shipment hub that gives Jamaican importers and exporters direct access to the rest of the world. This cuts shipping time and costs vis-a-vis other regional competitors.
The company is also making its operations more environmentally friendly by buying hybrid and renewable energy equipment. Mr. Cabrera said, We have implemented solar panels and wind turbines and transitioned to hybrid yard equipment, reducing emissions by up to 50 percent per move. The fact is that advanced scanning systems and digital processes are also making cargo safer and operations more efficient, which in a way makes port operations more predictable.
Mr. Cabrera emphasized that Jamaica’s SEZ framework gives investors a lot of benefits, such as lower costs, tax breaks, and entry to markets around the world.
He stated, a reduction in taxes allows businesses to remain competitive and pass savings on to customers, which is critical in a global logistics environment.
The CEO also went ahead and praised the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority – JSEZA, calling it a proactive partner that works in proximity with those within the industry to promote growth and new ideas.
By using advanced technologies like hazard detection systems and automation to keep workers safe, KFTL keeps safety and operational excellence right at the top of its list of priorities.
The terminal has also shown that it can go ahead and handle emergencies by getting back to work within 24 hours of major storms and also making it easier for relief cargo to be cleared quickly.
We understand the critical role we play as one of Jamaica’s main gateways, particularly during emergencies, and we remain committed to strengthening that capability, Mr. Cabrera said. KFTL will keep working with important groups like the Port Authority of Jamaica – PAJ and also Jamaica Customs so as to grow the logistics sector of the country even more in the future.
Mr. Cabrera added that We are committed to growing Jamaica as a premier logistics hub, attracting global partners and creating new opportunities for the country.
Kelli Dawn Hamilton, the CEO of JSEZA, said that the success of operators such as Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited shows how strong and trustworthy the Special Economic Zone system is as a place for global trade and investment.
She opines that Jamaica is increasingly being recognized as a nearshore logistics hub of choice, offering investors a unique combination of strategic location, connectivity, and a stable, facilitative business environment. We are seeing growing interest in logistics, distribution, and value-added services, and the Authority remains committed to enabling this next phase of growth by positioning Jamaica as a critical node in global and regional supply chains. Jamaica has to get its workers ready for the jobs of the future. So, working with the skills training, higher education institutions, and the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information is very important for the growth of our Special Economic Zone regime.
