Environmental Social
Governance
Building a Sustainable Future.
Our Environmental, Social and Governance programme is an integral part of the organisation’s strategic focus. We are guided by positive core values in how we do business and a robust ESG policy that determine how we engage our team, shareholders, community and other stakeholders to promote environmental sustainability, social development and economic growth to contribute to a better region and world.
With a deep commitment to good governance and sustainable development, we ensure that our business not only delivers value to our shareholders and customers but also contributes positively to the society and environment in which we operate. Kingston Wharves’ priorities are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We recognise that strong corporate governance is the foundation of sustainable growth and long-term success.
Our governance framework is designed to comply with the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) Listing Rules, the Companies Act of Jamaica, and international best practice. We remain dedicated to fostering a culture of integrity, ethical decision-making, and robust oversight to safeguard the interests of our shareholders, employees, customers, and other stakeholders.
Our approach to Corporate Governance is underpinned by the Company’s Board approved Corporate Governance Policy, and Board and Committee Terms of Reference, which are reviewed biennially. Copies of both documents are available for review on this website.
Social Programmes
Sport Development
We believe in the power of sports to transform lives. Our long-standing sponsorship of the Kingston Wharves Under-15 Cricket Competition, is a testament to this belief. The competition provides aspiring young cricketers from across Jamaica with a platform to develop their skills, build discipline, and cultivate values such as teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. Many past participants have gone on to become international athletes, sports administrators, entrepreneurs and community and business leaders
Education
Education is a key pillar of our social outreach and a critical driver of empowerment. KWL’s investment in education is rooted in the belief that every child, no matter their circumstances, can be nurtured to achieve their highest potential. Each year, KWL engages in the following activities:
Awards scholarships
Awards scholarships and offers financial support to students at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, mainly through its Primary Exit Profile – PEP Awards and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Grants for children of its employees.
Partnerships
Early Childhood Education
KWL has been a contributor to Early Childhood Education for many years, with our ongoing support for the Union Gardens Infant School, through the provision of learning resources, infrastructure and other activities geared at stimulating their development.
Environmental Protection
Tracking Our Carbon Footprint
In line with the global shift towards green shipping, KWL is taking deliberate actions to promote cleaner, more sustainable port operations.
Key initiatives include
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure environmental stewardship remains central to our port development and logistics services.
- Monitoring and reducing CO₂ emissions and actively tracking our carbon footprint and aligning with emerging industry standards and eco-efficient technologies
- Expanding the use of solar-powered lighting throughout our facilities.
- Regulating fuel usage by reducing equipment idle time
Managing Plastic Waste and Coastal Impact
Improper plastic disposal is one of the most critical environmental challenges facing coastal communities today. According to UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, plastic makes up 80% of marine pollution that ends up in our oceans annually.
As a responsible coastal operator, KWL is committed to reducing plastic waste, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in order to preserve the marine ecosystem.
Our actions include:
- Leading bi-annual community clean-up campaigns targeting garbage and plastic bottle removal from surrounding areas
- Engaging stakeholders, including community members, employees, partners in collective clean-up efforts.
- Raising awareness about the link between land-based pollution and marine health
These initiatives reinforce our responsibility to the communities we serve and the natural environment that sustains our operations.
In recent times, Kingston has partnered with the Ministry of Education through its PREPNIC programme, which aims to create a safe, stimulating environment for students from under–served communities to prepare for their Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations. KWL has hosted students as they prepared for their exams, which has helped to bring about marked improvement in the outcomes for them.