The Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited, KFTL, is warning Jamaicans to brace for significant disruptions in shipping schedules amid the strike by workers at several US ports.
More than 45,000 port workers walked off the job on Tuesday, shutting down 14 major US ports from Maine to Texas.
Mahiri Stewart has the details.
The strike, which is the first large-scale walkout by dockworkers in nearly 50 years, comes after negotiations concerning wages broke down. The industrial action blocks everything from food to automobile shipments.
Kingston Freeport is Jamaica’s main gateway for shipping containers.
With the US being Jamaica’s largest trading partner, Kingston Freeport says the strike poses significant challenges for Jamaica. As a result, the port operator says it has implemented measures to avoid accepting additional cargo bound for the US.
The decision is aimed at preventing congestion and preserving operational efficiency.
Kingston Freeport says there will be some impact on the local market including exports to the US. It says shipments may not arrive at their usual destinations.
The operator further advised exporters to use other routes via the US West Coast. However, it noted that these options could be limited by capacity constraints and higher costs.
Kingston Freeport says US-originating imports will also be affected. It says importers may consider airfreight shipping at a significantly higher cost.
Kingston Freeport noted that the global shipping industry is likely to experience further strain as vessels destined for US ports may face extended wait times, reducing overall supply and capacity.
Meanwhile, CEO of Mairtrans International Logistics Limited, Donovan Wignal, says any prolonged strike by US port workers could result in increased freight rates.
Wignal, who was speaking on Nationwide at Five on Tuesday, says the industrial action could cause a massive backlog of containers.
Donovan Wignal, CEO of Mairtrans International Logistics Limited.
And President of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, Corah Ann Robertson Sylvester, says the strike by US port workers could have dire consequences for local exporters.
Mrs. Robertson Sylvester, who was also speaking on Nationwide at Five on Monday says the expected delays, coupled with the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, will impact the scheduled dispatch of vessels from the United States.
Corah Ann Robertson Sylvester, President of the Shipping Association of Jamaica.
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