About the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ)

The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) is a statutory corporation established under the Port Authority Act of 1972 and reports to the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC). As Jamaica’s principal maritime agency, PAJ is responsible for the development and regulation of Jamaica’s seaports and the development and protection of the country’s shipping industry.

In its development role, PAJ facilitates investment in seaports and supporting infrastructure required to support Jamaica’s international trade and commerce, cruise tourism and related industries.

Website: Home - Port Authority of Jamaica

 

What PAJ Does

As the regulatory authority, PAJ monitors and regulates the navigation of vessels entering and leaving Jamaica’s seaports and harbours to promote safety and order. Its responsibilities include:

  • Administering and regulating Jamaica’s pilotage service, which is compulsory for ships navigating Jamaica’s seaports.
  • Maintaining ship channels to ensure safe access to Jamaica’s ports and harbours.
  • Providing and maintaining navigational aids, including buoys, beacons and lighthouses.
  • Providing commercial tug services in the Port of Kingston.
  • Establishing wharfage tariffs through a public hearing process.
  • Developing maritime and supporting infrastructure to facilitate the expansion of Jamaica’s port facilities.
  • Port Community System (PCS)

The Port Community System (PCS) is an online platform that brings members of the maritime community together and digitises key port-related processes. These include import and export manifests, declarations and terminal gate outpasses.

The PCS interfaces with other systems, including ASYCUDA, and supports more efficient processing of port-related transactions.

PCS website: JamaicaPCS - Home

 

Port and Trade Statistics

PAJ produces and publishes statistical information on Jamaica’s port activity, including:

  • Ship calls
  • Cargo handled
  • Terminal activity
  • Cruise traffic
  • Cargo classifications, including liquid bulk and dry bulk

PAJ Statistical Reports: Statistics - Port Authority of Jamaica

 

Legislation and Regulatory Information

Relevant legislation and regulatory information associated with PAJ may also be made available through JTIP, via this link: Regulations - Port Authority of Jamaica

 

Have you found this information useful ?
Please share your feedback below and help us improve our content.