Kingston Wharves Ltd

KINGTON WHARVES LIMITEDFounded in 1945, Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL) is one of the Caribbean's leading multipurpose terminal operators.

Listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, with net assets of US$ 54 million, the Company has experienced steady growth and boasts a steady profit stream with a high proportion of retained earning ploughed back into the business.

Kingston Wharves Limited operates a terminal in Port Bustamante, just east and adjoining Kingston Container Terminal. A continuous quay nearly 1,600 meters long provides nine deepwater berths for ro-ro, lo-lo,container, general break bulk and bulk shipping services.

The 25 hectare terminal offers 22 hectare of open storage with 30,000 square meters of covered warehousing and cold storage.The company also has 53, 000 square meters of secure off-dock storage for motor vehicles.

The Company operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Its highly trained staff and comprehensive range of terminal equipment, including three Gottwald mobile harbour cranes, are available to perform the most demanding stevedoring functions. Modern terminal management software maximizes the efficiency of wharf and warehouse operations. The Company utilizes handheld and vehicle mounted computers together with Tideworks yard management software, which has lead to a reduction in vessel turn-around. These devices have also enhanced yard management operations and lead to more accurate inventory control.

KWL subsidiaries include Harbour Cold Stores Ltd, a public cold storage facility; and Security Administrators Ltd, providing security services at the port of Kingston, Montego Bay and Port Antonio.

Committed to continual improvement, Kingston Wharves Ltd has made substantial investments in the past five years upgrading the terminal's infrastructure and administrative operations. The Company's modernization programme includes dredging the harbour, which will give rise to deeper drafts, in order to accommodate larger vessels. KWL will then be in a better position to take advantage of marketing opportunities presented by the anticipated growth in international trade and the domestic economy.