Höegh Pacific’s maiden call signals deeper investment in Jamaica’s auto logistics future

The arrival of the Höegh Pacific at the Port of Kingston marks more than the maiden voyage of a new vessel. It reflects growing confidence in Jamaica’s role as a regional auto logistics and transshipment hub, with implications for trade connectivity, investment and employment across the Caribbean.

Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL) recently welcomed the newly built 2,450 CEU Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) on its first-ever call to the KWL terminal. The vessel, which docked on May 18, has been designed to provide dedicated short sea service throughout the Caribbean and Central America, strengthening regional supply chains and improving service reliability.

For KWL, the occasion reinforces Jamaica’s strategic importance within global shipping networks. Speaking at the event, corporate services and client experience manager at KWL, Simone Murdock, described the milestone as significant not only for KWL, but for Jamaica and the wider region.

She noted that while Höegh Autoliners makes more than 3,000 port calls annually worldwide, the company selected Jamaica and KWL as the hub port and location for the vessel’s maiden call.

The development builds on a growing relationship between Höegh and Jamaica’s maritime sector. Last year, the Port of Kingston hosted the Höegh Aurora, recognised as the world’s largest eco-friendly vehicle carrier. Together, these milestones point to sustained confidence in Jamaica’s logistics capabilities.

KWL continues to expand investment in auto logistics infrastructure, including purpose-built facilities, value-added services and customer-focused maritime solutions. The company is also in discussions with the government regarding expansion of motor vehicle operations at Tinson Pen. According to Murdock, the planned growth could increase motor vehicle movements to more than 500,000 annually and generate approximately 200 additional jobs over the next two years.

For Höegh Autoliners, the deployment of the Höegh Pacific represents a long-term commitment to regional trade. Jose Tello, trade planner – Short Sea Americas, said the vessel embodies the company’s focus on reliability, operational excellence and enhanced connectivity.

Industry stakeholders view the move as evidence of increasing demand in the Caribbean transshipment market. Shara-Kay Kinlocke, chief operating officer of International Shipping, reflected on representing Höegh in Kingston for over 16 years and highlighted the remarkable expansion of the sector, noting that growth has now warranted a vessel dedicated specifically to the region.

As Jamaica advances its logistics ambitions, the Höegh Pacific may prove to be another indicator of the country’s evolving role in regional maritime trade.