Dominican transshipments irk Jamaican shippers

Dominican transshipments irk Jamaican shippers The Port of Kingston is known as a transshipment hub for the Americas, but importers in Jamaica are upset because congestion at the port this year has prompted some ocean carriers to bypass Kingston and call Caucedo, Dominican Republic'where goods bound for Jamaica are transferred to a feeder vessel.
   There is now a twice-weekly feeder service operating between Caucedo and Kingston. But according to a report in the Jamaica Observer, cargo is sometimes delayed in the Dominican Republic, resulting in late shipments for consignees in Jamaica.
   Most of the shipments are European goods moved by member carriers of the West India Trans-Atlantic Steamship Lines (WITASS).
   Port spokesman Pat Bellinfanti told the newspaper that any diversion would likely be temporary, with major carriers returning to their normal calls at Kingston.