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Shipping Industry: The year that was (Part 3)

January 9, 2024
Export Trends, Market Trends
3 min read

As we conclude a year marked by both favourable and challenging developments in the maritime sector, the Shipping Industry reviews key stories that influenced shipping and logistics in 2023. The region experienced significant achievements, such as Jamaica’s introduction of its first floating dock and an agreement between the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) and the Inter-American Development Bank which highlight positive strides for the industry.

CSA AGM records largest-ever audience

The 53rd Annual General Meeting, Conference, and Exhibition of the Caribbean Shipping Association had a notable turnout, with around 500 delegates gathered at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Marc Sampson secured his presidency for the third consecutive term at the event hosted by the Shipping Association of Trinidad and Tobago. The flagship event for the Caribbean maritime industry serves as a central platform for industry leaders, stakeholders, and experts to engage in discussions that shape the future of regional shipping.

Charles Johnston receives OJ

Shipping icon Charles Johnston was honoured with the Order of Jamaica for his contributions to Jamaica’s shipping and logistics sector on October 16, 2023. Johnston’s connection to the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) dates to 1966. He was elected to the SAJ managing committee in 1976 and assumed the role of president in 1993. Johnston’s accomplishments earned him the Order of Distinction in 2006 and induction into the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica’s Hall of Fame in 2008.

He is executive chairman at Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Company Limited and serves on the boards of Jamaica Producers Group Limited, Kingston Wharves Limited, Jamaica Freight and Shipping Limited, and Kingston Logistics Centre Limited. In 2022, he received further recognition by being installed in the Hall of Fame of the Shipping Association of Jamaica for his impact on the Jamaican and Caribbean shipping industry.

Farewell to shipping icon Laurence Paul Scott

The maritime industry mourned the loss of Laurence Paul Scott, a prominent figure in Jamaica’s shipping sector and former SAJ chairman. Scott’s career began at GraceKennedy Shipping in 1958. He served as honorary secretary of the Joint Industrial Council, where he helped to negotiate benefits for port workers, including a health and medical scheme, pension plan, paid vacation leave, guaranteed weekly wages, and an incentive scheme.

His devotion to Jamaica’s maritime community earned him the induction into the SAJ’s Hall of Fame in 2022. His legacy is marked by his decades-long service to the industry and his dedication to fostering innovation, productivity, and harmony.

Expo Jamaica

The industry had a significant presence at the 48th staging of Expo Jamaica, which attracted over 200 exhibitors from various sectors. The SAJ facilitated the participation of five members–ADVANTUM, Atlantic Shipping, Jamaica Freight and Shipping Company Limited, Maritime and Transport Services Limited, and the SAJ Consultancy Group. The expo, held under the theme ‘Connecting the World to Jamaica,’ was opened by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Additional SAJ members, including Jamaica Trading Services Limited, Kingston Wharves Limited, Lannaman and Morris Shipping, Laparkan Jamaica, and Seaboard Jamaica, presented independently at the biennial event. Organised by the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Expo Jamaica took place at the National Arena and the National Indoor Sports Centre and attracted over 15,000 patrons from April 27-30.

Election of new IMO secretary general

Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco was elected as the next secretary general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The decision, unanimously approved by the IMO Assembly, follows the council’s endorsement during its 129th session on November 30. Dominguez Velasco assumed office on January 1, 2024, marking the commencement of his initial four-year term, which ends December 31, 2027. His tenure with the IMO began in 2017, when he joined as the chief of staff to the secretary general. He was appointed as the director of the organisation’s Administrative Division in 2020.

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https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/shipping/20240109/shipping-industry-year-was-part-3

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Mr. Sydney Thwaites

President

Mr. Thwaites has over 28 years of experience in financial services, petrochemicals, and consulting, with a global reach spanning the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. He co-founded Lubricating Specialties Company Jamaica in 2015, revitalizing the local lubricant manufacturing industry. With a solid track record of organizational leadership, Mr. Thwaites has developed and negotiated long-term partnerships with major global companies, closed various debt and equity financing deals, and delivered consistent growth and returns. Known for his dynamic

leadership, trustworthy and ethical approach, and keen market understanding, he has served as CEO of LSC USA and held advisory roles with the U.S. Export-Import Bank and the Petroleum Quality Institute of America.

Licenses, Permits, and Certificates: A Quick Guide

Apply for the necessary licenses, permits, and certifications at the following Agencies:

  • Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection (PQPI) Division: Contact for exportation of agricultural produce. A certified packaging facility is required. Specifications and guidelines can be obtained from PQPI.
  • Veterinary Services Division: Contact for export permits/licenses related to the following:
    • Apicultural products
    • Bee products
    • Animals and animal by-products
  • Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Agency (JACRA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Coffee
    • Coconut
    • Cocoa
    • Spices (including Pimento, Nutmeg, Ginger, and Turmeric).
  • Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Cannabis
    • Hemp
  • Mines and Geology Division: Contact for exporting the following minerals:
    • Bauxite
    • Limestone
    • Aggregates
    • Gravel
    • Alumina
    • Cement
    • Rock
    • Stone
    • Soil
  • National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Scrap products (metals, batteries, etc.)
    • Hazardous materials
    • Endangered species.
  • Trade Board Limited: Contact for exporting the following:
    • Scrap metal (including scrap batteries and scrap gold)
    • Coffee
    • Ammunition (explosives and firearms)
    • Plasma
    • Wood (Lignum Vitae and log wood only)
    • Jewellery (excluding those from earth metals)
    • Brown Sugar
  • Ministry of Health and Wellness: Contact for exporting pharmaceutical products.

Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ): Consult with the BSJ for guidance on processed food prior to exporting. This includes information on standards, labelling and market requirements.

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