MAJ Fostering the Development of Jamaica’s Shipping Industry

Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), Bertrand Smith, has highlighted the importance of translating international maritime commitments into tangible outcomes that strengthen Jamaica’s shipping sector and economic prosperity.

In his message commemorating World Maritime Day, which was observed globally on Thursday, September 24, Mr. Smith said Jamaica, through the MAJ continues to build a resilient and future-focused economy.

He also pointed out that the MAJ plays a critical role in a safe, secure and sustainable maritime transport system in supporting national development and global trade.

The Director General was speaking against the background of the World Maritime Day 2026 theme, ‘From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence’.

Mr. Smith noted that the theme underscores the importance of a rules-based global maritime system that supports freedom of navigation, the implementation of internationally accepted shipping standards, and the uninterrupted movement of goods through global supply chains.

The Director General said with more than 80 per cent of Jamaica’s trade transported by sea, and a maritime area that is over twenty-four times larger than its land mass, the nation’s prosperity remains closely linked to international shipping and global supply chains.

These systems, he explained, continue to face increasing pressures from geopolitical developments and climate-related disruptions, making maritime resilience more important than ever.

As a member state of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the past 50 years, Jamaica has consistently demonstrated its commitment to maritime excellence.

This has been done through activities such as the ratification of all major IMO conventions, building a reputation for producing highly skilled seafarers, and establishing itself as a leading maritime hub offering ship repair, bunkering and other essential support services to vessels operating in the region.

Jamaica has also made significant progress in implementing its obligations under several IMO treaties such as measures addressing the prevention of marine pollution from garbage, liability and compensation for pollution damage, and the training and certification of seafarers.

The Director General informed that the country is in the final stages of developing its national search and rescue plan, which is a fulfilment of commitments under the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue.

He further stated that 2026 marks a major milestone for the MAJ, which celebrates 25 years of maritime excellence.

Since its establishment in 2001, MAJ has played a central role in regulating ships, advancing maritime safety and security, and fostering the development of Jamaica’s shipping industry.
“With its mandate to regulate shipping and develop the maritime sector, the Maritime

Authority remains the engine driving this transformation. We continue to convert national and international obligations into operational results through strong partnerships with local and global maritime stakeholders,” Mr. Smith said.

“Our focus remains on protecting seafarers, preserving the marine environment, and ensuring Jamaica maintains a competitive and resilient maritime sector,” he added. From policy to practice, MAJ continues to power maritime excellence for Jamaica.