The Jamaica Ship Registry (JSR) now has a fully functional office in Bremen, Germany, after receiving Cabinet approval on April 7 this year. The office, headed by Harold Kropp, was officially opened by the Minister of Transport and Works, Mike Henry, on June 13.

The JSR has been making its presence felt in the German market with the registration of two new buildings - the CFS Pafilia and Paradero in 2006 and 2007, respectively, and, quite recently, the registration of two new China-built vessels, M/V Panjang (soon to be renamed CCL Moji) and M/V Pajala. These four vessels are owned by Harren and Partner which has direct commercial ties and a mutually beneficial relationship with Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean through the operation of a shipping service around the Caribbean, The Caribbean Feeder Services (CFS). Harren and Partner is also facilitating the training of cadets from the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) on-board their fleet.

The on-going alliance between Jamaica and the German ship-owner Harren and Partner continues with the housing of the new office in the building owned by Harren and Partner.

Five-year project

At the official opening of the office in the German port Bremen, Kropp, the newly appointed deputy registrar and general agent representative had this to say: "Our project for the next five years is to try to attract some five per cent of the present German fleet, which means between 140-150 vessels."

Kropp further indicated that the JSR expects that half its targeted flag vessels will come from Germany's traditionally strong containership sector, with the remaining 50 per cent from the bulk and tanker markets.

Rear Admiral Peter Brady, director general at the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, was upbeat about the opening up of opportunities to increase the registry's tonnage.

"We are still aiming for the magic million," Admiral Brady said, in reference to the JSR's objective of achieving one million gross tonnes by the end of the decade. He noted that offices were also established in China and agreements were signed with Cuba and Germany as the JSR seeks to sustain the continuous market presence necessary to challenge some of the major competitors for an increased share of the market.

In the meantime, Minister Henry, in his remarks at the opening of the office in Bremen, while lauding the latest initiative to grow the JSR, was unequivocal about making Jamaica a maritime cluster, able to benefit from its location and facilities.