First Natural Gas Cargo Arrives at Jamaica’s Kingston Port

The first shipment of natural gas, supplied by US-based energy firm New Fortress Energy, arrived at Jamaica’s port of Kingston aboard the liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker Golar Arctic on August 5, according to the country’s energy company, JPS.

“Natural gas will play a key role in transforming the energy sector, while supporting industrial development and economic growth. We are definitely on the threshold of great things for Jamaica and the region,” JPS President & CEO, Kelly Tomblin, said.

Last year, JPS and New Fortress Energy signed an agreement to supply LNG for Jamaica’s 120-megawatt power plant in Bogue, Montego Bay, which was converted to run on gas as well as Automotive Diesel Oil (ADO), earlier in 2016.

The Montego Bay LNG terminal is currently in its final construction stages and is on track for mechanical completion this month, the company said.

After the terminal is complete, JPS and New Fortress Energy will begin the commissioning process.

The parties have also signed an agreement to extend the supply of gas to Jamaica to the new 190-megawatt power plant at Old Harbour Bay, St. Catherine. New Fortress Energy has agreed to privately finance and develop the infrastructure necessary to deliver LNG to the new Old Harbour plant.