Negotiations Underway For Dry Dock Facility

Negotiations have started between the Government and a German firm to establish a major dry dock facility that has the potential to employ 500 Jamaicans when operational.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2016/17 Budget Debate in Gordon House on May 24.

He noted that the project is part of plans by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica to establish the country as a maritime/shipping centre through the development of crewing, dry dock and bunkering activities.

In the meantime, Mr. Holness informed that the Government will be seeking to develop Kingston as a port of call for cruise ships.

He said the Administration’s vision is for Kingston to be a centre for financial services, trade and logistics, culture, music and lifestyle, and the epicentre of economic activity.

“Through public-private partnerships and other mechanisms, the Government will seek to develop, enhance and rehabilitate key heritage and cultural sites and implement the required infrastructure to make Kingston once again, a port of call for cruise ships,” he said.