CMA CGM Takes Reins at Kingston Container Terminal

CMA CGM French container shipping company CMA CGM has launched the concession term of its strategic Caribbean hub, the Kingston Container Terminal, on July 1. The works in the port, which will include dredging and infrastructural development, are scheduled to start immediately, according to the company. When finalized, the Kingston facility will offer 2,400 meters of wharf, a 80 ha surface and 15.5 meters draught, CMA CGM said, adding that the terminal extension will elevate Kingston to within the top three Caribbean container terminals. The facility will be equipped with 14 gantry cranes, later increasing to 16 and finally 18, plus 60 straddle-carriers that will increase its annual capacity up to 3.6 million TEU containers. With the Kingston Terminal, CMA CGM strengthens its investments in hub solutions. The terminal will welcome all maritime companies at its Common User Terminal, Farid T. Salem, CMA CGM Executive Officer, said. The announcement follows CMA CGMs decision to make Kingston its strategic hub following the opening of the Expanded Panama Canal, which would connect the US East Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbeans and Northern Brazil. The company earlier said that 90% of volumes transshipped are expected to reach the sub region. The 30-year Kingston container terminal concession deal was secured in early April 2016. Taking into account all APL ports, CMA CGM today operates 33 terminals with 3 in development.