Port Authority to Undertake Port Development Projects

The Port Authority of Jamaica will be undertaking a number of port development projects this financial year.
Minister of Transport and Works, Mike Henry, in his 2008/09 Sectoral presentation in the House of Representatives yesterday (May 28), informed that a US$50 million project to design and construct four new marine beacon structures, each with concrete platforms on piles, will be undertaken at the Kingston Harbour. The project will include repairs to similar structures in the area.
Mr. Henry also mentioned development work, valued at US$50 million, including the construction of a 30,000 square-foot multi-storey building, for the Ocho Rios cruise ship pier.
“Even more substantial is the Falmouth Cruise Ship Terminal Development which, with a US$263.8 million joint venture price tag, will include the construction of a pier, terminal building, car park, retail shops and a mix of residential and commercial buildings,” the Minister told the House.
The venture is being jointly financed by he PAJ and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and will accommodate the Genesis Cruise Line, the largest carrier that is now being built to carry more than 9,000 passengers and crew.
Also on the Port Authority’s agenda for this fiscal year is a multi-million dollar development project for the Port Antonio area, in collaboration with the AIC Group.
The development includes a hotel and villas on Navy Island, a 226-room five star hotel on the Titchfield peninsula, a marina and townhouses, plus some commercial developments. The project is now at the feasibility stage, with actual construction expected to begin in the next fiscal year.
In addition, upgrading work on the Montego Bay Pier is being undertaken. Various contracts for this project have been awarded, and the works are now moving apace.