Posted on January 5, 2017
Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL), the concessionaire for the Kingston Container Terminal, will be conducting dredging within the shipping channel and the Port Bustamante Basin (Kingston Harbour). This is in keeping with the terms of its concessionary agreement with the Port Authority of Jamaica.
The shipping channel (see map) is being deepened to accommodate the New Panamax container vessels which are now passing through the region, following the recent expansion of the Panama Canal.
Having fulfilled all the preconditions to proceed, KFTL, through its dredging contractors Sodraco International, will commence dredging operations on January 4, 2017, in accordance with the environmental permit issued by the National Environment and Planning Agency. The dredging campaign is scheduled to last for a period of 6-8 months and will be executed on a 24-hour basis.
The operations will be guided by a maritime traffic management plan approved by the harbour master. Fisherfolk and other marine interests are encouraged to pay close attention to advisories issued and adhere accordingly.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, KFTL has been, over the preceding months, engaging stakeholders (primarily fisherfolk) within the Kingston Harbour in this regard. KFTL is committed to the principles of environmental sustainability and limiting any potential negative impact to the interest and livelihood of other stakeholders within the Kingston Harbour.
Source: The Gleaner
