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KFTL Working to Achieve Turnaround Time of 45 Minutes

By: , August 16, 2017

The Key Point:

The Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) is seeking to achieve a turnaround time of 45 minutes or less during peak periods with the implementation of a new operating system at the port.
KFTL Working to Achieve Turnaround Time of 45 Minutes
Photo: Michael Sloley
Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang (centre), emphasises a point to Operations Manager, Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL), Norman Williams (right), at a press conference at Jamaica House on August 15. Also pictured is Senior Vice-President of Finance, Port Authority of Jamaica, Elva Williams-Richards.

The Facts

  • The turnaround time of 45 minutes is one of the terms that have been agreed to by KFTL following industrial action by haulage contractors in protest of lengthy delays resulting from a backlog of containers at the ports recently.
  • Explaining what led to the disruption at the port, Operations Manager, KFTL, Norman Williams, informed that the old system crashed a day before the scheduled switchover to the new system.

The Full Story

The Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) is seeking to achieve a turnaround time of 45 minutes or less during peak periods with the implementation of a new operating system at the port.

This was noted by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, during a press conference at Jamaica House on August 15.

He said that once this new ‘Navis’ system and other operating systems being implemented are fully rolled out, “we will expect to reduce that to 25 minutes… . If they work efficiently, you might even get below 25 minutes”.

The Minister explained that Navis is a locator system that links the container on the ship with the straddle carrier unloading it, with the truck which then moves on to the consignee.

This system will work in conjunction with another new system, the Port Community System (PCS), which manages all trade logistics processes; and the Automatic System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), which is a web-based system designed to transform the Jamaica Customs Agency to a paperless operation through the use of electronic documents.

The turnaround time of 45 minutes is one of the terms that have been agreed to by KFTL following industrial action by haulage contractors in protest of lengthy delays resulting from a backlog of containers at the ports recently.

Minister Chang said issues with the implementation of the new Navis system, as well as significant improvement works currently being undertaken at the port, were the major causes for the delays.

However, Dr. Chang said operations at the port are expected to be improved as trainees become more familiar with the new system.

“We expect that, going forward, you’ll have a much more efficient port system in place, and Kingston Port will be in a position to accommodate increased business and develop itself into not only a primary shipping hub, but a major logistics centre in this region,” he said.

Further explaining what led to the disruption at the port, Operations Manager, KFTL, Norman Williams, informed that the old system crashed a day before the scheduled switchover to the new system.

“So, we had some difficulty to move the containers around. We know that with the implementation of the Navis, this will move us forward. What we are experiencing now (are) the teething pains and we know that what Navis has to offer will make us more efficient and we can plug into other aspects of our operations,” he said.

Mr. Williams said he is expecting that within another month or two, vessel operations should be back to normal, noting that domestic operations are already on track.

“There is positive feedback in terms of how the guys are interacting with Navis. So, we are going well. Definitely by Friday (August 18), we should complete the backlog and be back on course for business as usual,” he said.

Last Updated: August 16, 2017

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