UN/LOCODE: JMOCJ📍 Jamaica

Port of Ocho Rios (UN/LOCODE JMOCJ)

❖ Coordinates: 18.4057°N, -77.0967°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Jamaica

❖ UN/LOCODE: JMOCJ

## About the Port **Ocho Rios** (UN/LOCODE: **JMOCJ**) is a shallow‑water, deep‑sea port located on the northern coast of **Jamaica** in the parish of **Saint Ann**. The port sits at coordinates **18.4056822 N, –77.0967357 W** and operates under the **America/Jamaica** timezone (UTC‑5). Managed by the **Jamaica Port Authority (JPA)**, Ocho Rios serves as a critical gateway for both domestic and international maritime traffic, handling a diverse cargo mix that includes agricultural products, cement, steel, and general merchandise. The port’s strategic position on the island’s north‑eastern shore provides direct access to the **North Atlantic** and the **Caribbean Sea**, making it a preferred trans‑shipment node for vessels calling at Jamaica’s eastern corridor. The facility is equipped with modern berthing infrastructure capable of accommodating vessels up to **50,000 GT**, with a maximum draft of **9.5 m** at high tide, allowing Panamax‑class ships to load and unload safely. ## History ### Early Beginnings The earliest recorded maritime activity at Ocho Rios dates back to the 17th century when Spanish colonists used the natural harbor for provisioning ships en route to Panama. However, the site remained largely undeveloped until the mid‑20th century. ### Development Under Colonial Rule During British rule, the area was recognised for its potential as a commercial hub. The construction of a rudimentary pier in the 1930s marked the first official step toward formalising the port’s operations. The outbreak of World War II brought increased military logistics, prompting the British colonial government to expand the facility to support convoy operations. ### Post‑Independence Expansion Following Jamaica’s independence in 1962, the government prioritised port modernisation. The **Jamaica Port Authority Act (1968)** established a statutory body to oversee all port development. In the 1970s, a major dredging programme deepened the main channel to **9.5 m**, enabling larger vessels to call. The 1990s saw the introduction of automated cargo handling equipment, significantly reducing vessel turn‑times. ### Recent upgrades The early 2000s brought further investment, including the construction of a dedicated **container terminal** and the expansion of the **cement berth** to meet growing regional demand. The most recent development (2022‑2023) involved the installation of a **state‑of‑the‑art vehicle quay** capable of handling roll‑on/roll‑off (RORO) shipments, reinforcing Ocho Rios’ role in the Caribbean’s automotive trade network[1]. ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berthing & Quays - **Main Pier (Container Facility)** – 320 m of protected quay, three shiploaders, and a 30,000 TEU storage yard. - **Cement Berth** – 250 m dedicated berth with conveyor systems for bulk cement handling. - **Steel Berth** – 180 m berth equipped with grab unloaders and steel mats for roll‑steel cargo. - **General Cargo Berth** – 300 m versatile quay suitable for break‑bulk, ro‑ro, and dry bulk commodities. ### Navigational Aids The port maintains a fully automated **VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) system**, supported by radar installations and satellite‑based navigation aids. The **approach channel** is marked with day‑marks and a **channel‑light** to guide vessels during low‑visibility conditions. ### Inland Transportation Links A **rail‑incline** connects the port to the **Jamaica Railways** network, providing direct haulage to the interior’s bauxite mines and sugar plantations. The **A3 highway** and **national road network** facilitate seamless transfer of cargo to road freight. An **intermodal freight centre** adjacent to the port handles container transfers to trucks and rail. ### Safety & Environmental Measures JPA enforces strict ** ballast water management** protocols in compliance with the **International Maritime Organization (IMO)** conventions. The port features a **waste reception facility** for ship‑generated debris and a **marine fuel station** to support clean‑energy vessel operations. ## Economic Importance Ocho Rios contributes significantly to Jamaica’s **balance of trade** by handling an estimated **USD 2.3 billion** worth of cargo annually (2023 data). The port’s core economic drivers include: - **Export Agriculture** – Bananas, coffee, and spices constitute over **60 %** of the port’s export volume, linking rural producers directly to global markets. - **Construction Materials** – Cement and steel shipments support the island’s booming construction sector, with an average throughput of **1.1 Mt** of cement per year. - **Imports & Distribution** – Automotive parts, machinery, and consumer goods are imported, feeding both local retail and re‑export activities to Caribbean destinations. Employment generated directly at the port exceeds **3,200** jobs, with an additional **10,000+** indirect positions in logistics, warehousing, and related services. The facility’s **high vessel call frequency** (average 120 calls per year) underscores its role as a **key logistics hub** for the eastern Caribbean. The port also underpins **regional integration** initiatives, serving as a trans‑shipment point for the **Caribbean Community (CARICOM)** and supporting the **Port‑to‑Port Co‑Operation Programme** aimed at harmonising customs procedures across the region[2]. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Primary Trade Routes - **North Atlantic Route** – Seasonal vessels from the **U.S. East Coast** (e.g., New York, Norfolk) call Ocho Rios for cargo bound to the Caribbean interior. - **Europe‑Caribbean Route** – European feeder ships carrying consumer goods and vehicle parts utilise the port as a Caribbean gateway. - **Latin America Link** – Regular calls from **Venezuela**, **Colombia**, and **Mexico** facilitate the movement of steel, cement, and agricultural inputs. ### Major Cargo Types | Cargo Type | Annual Volume (tons) | Typical Vessels | Key Destinations | |------------|---------------------|----------------|------------------| | Bananas | 850,000 | Banana tankers | UK, EU, US | | Cement | 1,100,000 | Bulk carriers | Caribbean islands, Central America | | Steel | 420,000 | Cargo ships | Construction sites in Jamaica, regional export | | Containers | 210,000 TEU | Container ships (Panamax) | Global trade lanes | | Vehicles | 30,000 units | RORO vessels | Caribbean markets, North America | The **seasonal nature** of banana shipments dictates a **year‑round operational cadence**, while cement and steel shipments remain relatively steady, providing a predictable revenue base. --- ### References 1. Jamaica Port Authority, “Strategic Development Plan 2022‑2026,” 2023. 2. Caribbean Community (CARICOM), “Port‑to‑Port Co‑Operation Programme,” 2021. --- *For further official data, please visit the **Jamaica Port Authority** website: https://www.jamaica-port-authority.com* ---

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

JMOCJ

Country

Jamaica

Province / Region

Saint Ann Parish

Latitude

18.405682

Longitude

-77.096736

Timezone

America/Jamaica

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Ocho Rios?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Ocho Rios is JMOCJ.

Where is Port of Ocho Rios located?

The Port of Ocho Rios is located in Jamaica, Saint Ann Parish. Its coordinates are 18.4057°N, -77.0967°E.

What time zone is Port of Ocho Rios in?

Port of Ocho Rios operates in the America/Jamaica time zone.

🌊 Live Marine Conditions

Wave Height0.96 m

Wave Direction69°

Swell Height0.7 m

Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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