An aerial view of the Kingston container terminal. THE SHIPPING Feature reported some of the significant activities which took place in the local maritime industry during 2002, a year that was characterised by heightened focus on security and safety, infrastructure development, new vessel arrivals and creation of blueprints for future development. Today, we recap some of these events in our Year in Review.
BORDER CONTROL
TIGHTENED
January
Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips announces plan to tighten control over Jamaica's borders, with measures to stem the flow of drugs and guns passing through the island's ports. The Shipping Association notes its full support of this plan.
February
Rear Admiral Peter Brady, Director-General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica is appointed Vice Chairman of the Sub Committee on Standards of Training and Watch keeping at the International Maritime Organisation.
March
The Shipping Association of Jamaica and the Port Authority of Jamaica establish a $9 million education fund to support the families of maritime divers killed in the line of duty Carl Lubsey, Aubrey Farr and Donovan Henry.
One of the new generation of Zim Israel Navigation Company container vessels, Zim Mediterranean makes its maiden call to the Port of Kingston. The 5000 TEU ship is the largest vessel to visit the port since dredging of the Harbour.
April
Customs Department introduces Preliminary Inspection Post Audit (PIPA) system, to reduce processing time and expedite clearance procedures.
The Maritime Authority of Jamaica becomes the new home for the Caribbean Port State Control Secretariat, which was formerly located in Barbados.
A team from the port community embarks on a fact-finding mission to Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) in Panama and Veracruz Port in Mexico, as part of the New Economy Project to improve cargo importation. It is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
SECURITY PLAN DRAFTED
May
A security plan dealing with various aspects of port security is drafted. The plan addresses policy development and procedures, equipment and technology, infrastructural improvement access to port facilities, personnel and the role of specific agencies in the shipping industry and was submitted to the relevant authority for approval.
Mediterranean Shipping Company, one of the world's largest containerised shipping lines included Kingston on its global shipping schedule and now provides and weekly service to the Port of Kingston.
June
The Caribbean Shipping Association announces plans to widen its scope of operations and the range of services offered to the regional shipping industry .
Customs Department reports smooth implementation of the new system of valuation, based on World Trade Agreement on Customs Valuation to which Jamaica became a signatory in 1995.
SAJ ESTABLISHES MOBAY CHAPTER
The Shipping Association of Jamaica establishes its Montego Bay Chapter. Minister of Transport & Works Robert Pickersgill launched the Chapter, which seeks to give a voice to the Montego Bay Port Community and aid with development in that area.
Shipping Year in Review
continues next week.
