Seaboard Jamaica marks 25 years of service and expansion

A QUARTER of a century ago, Seaboard Jamaica set sail on a mission to redefine shipping services in Jamaica. From a modest start in 1999 to becoming a major force in Jamaica’s shipping industry, Seaboard Jamaica has spent the last 25 years expanding its operations, improving logistics solutions, and strengthening its role in national trade. What began with just 14 employees has grown into a team of over 100, with a reputation for reliability, customer service, and industry leadership.

Seaboard Marine, the parent company, has been a force in regional shipping since 1983, providing weekly service across North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Its Jamaican journey began in 1995 when it acquired the Miami-to-Kingston route and assets from Kirk Line. At the time, Seaboard Marine was represented locally by Jamaica Freight and Shipping Company Limited, but the company’s vision was to deepen its roots in Jamaica.

Under the leadership of Chairman Charles Johnston and the first chief executive officer, Grantley Stephenson, Seaboard Jamaica opened its doors on October 1, 1999. Since then, it has steadily expanded, growing to over 100 employees, with 43 of them proudly serving for more than a decade, a testament to the company’s strong workplace culture, open-door policy and family environment credited to both Stephenson and current CEO CorahAnn Robertson-Sylvester. As veteran employee Trevor Latchman put it, “It’s a good day because the grass is green and the staff is happy!”

Seaboard Jamaica’s impact extends beyond Kingston. In 2002, the company launched a bonded warehouse in Montego Bay, affectionately known as ‘Small Wharf’ in the west. Two years later, it deepened its involvement in western Jamaica by opening its own agency in Montego Bay in October 2004. Today, Seaboard Marine remains the only shipping line offering an unbroken weekly service into western Jamaica via its dedicated feeder vessel, MV Seaboard Sun.

Seaboard Jamaica also takes pride in a unique offering – free wheels or chassis for customers. Originating from its roll-on/roll-off service days, the company continues to provide this convenience, backed by a fully staffed chassis yard to ensure seamless movement of cargo.

Beyond logistics, Seaboard Jamaica has earned multiple awards from the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association for Best Support Service. Its role as a corporate citizen is just as noteworthy, supporting causes like the Caribbean Christian School for the Deaf, Sigma Corporate Run, Jamaica Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and the European Union’s 5K/10K Run/Walk, among others.

CEO Robertson-Sylvester is optimistic about what lies ahead. “We have an excellent mix of experienced staff and young, energetic professionals to chart the future. The aim is to delight our customers, do good in our community, and do so in a sustainable way. One of the things we are most proud of is the roll-out of our environmentally friendly V-class LNG vessels, which will greatly reduce our carbon footprint. The future for Seaboard Marine and Seaboard Jamaica is bright!”