Tugboats are ‘powerful, safe and reliable’

VICE-PRESIDENT of business development and client relations for Ocean, Kevin Nichol, said that the state-of-the art firefighting tugboats are “powerful, safe and reliable” and capable of “meeting the high environmental standards required in today’s demanding and growing market”.

“These tugs are ideal for assisting all types of vessels, in particular the larger container ships calling at the Port of Kingston. Two of them are on their way from Canada and will be arriving in Kingston shortly,” he noted.

Nichol informed that operations will begin with a combination of Canadians and subcontracted crew, with local seafarers to be recruited.

“Once recruited and trained to operate these new machines, we will offer competitive wages and introduce them to Ocean’s occupational, health and safety processes. In total, approximately 40 jobs will be created and a local office opened in Kingston,” he said.

He explained further that the 40 employees will provide onsite services, ensuring that operations are conducted safely, efficiently and professionally.

“Our vision for the future is in line with the PAJ, of becoming a major logistical hub, from which we also plan on offering our dredging services to our Caribbean clients,” Nichol said.

President of the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), Professor Gordon Shirley (seated left), and vicepresident of business development and client relations for Canada-based maritime company, Ocean Kevin Nichol (seated right), sign a 10-year concession agreement to provide towage services at the Port of Kingtson. The signing took place on Monday at the PAJ offices, downtown Kingston. Overseeing the signing (standing from left) are Property Manager, Legal Services, PAJ, Lois Pinnock; senior vice-president of finance and accounts, PAJ, Elva Richards; and vice-president of marine services and harbour master, Captain Hopeton Delisser.