Monday 8 September 08 - 08:32
 

Australasia News

  • Auckland box handling boost

    01 Dec 2006

    Auckland Port Authority has confirmed that expansion of its new Axis Fergusson terminal would add a further 120,000 teu to its total handling capacity.   

  • Port relief on Maersk schedule

    01 Dec 2006

    Ports around New Zealand have undoubtedly drawn a collective sigh of relief, with Maersk Line confirming it will continue at the nine local ports it currently serves, albeit with a revised service structure.    

  • AUCKLAND’S AIS GOLD

    01 Dec 2006

    An automated identification system introduced by the Ports of Auckland has enabled vessels as long as two football fields to be tracked and managed within five metres’ accuracy in the poorest of visibility. Linking VHF transmissions containing the unique identifier, name, course and speed of all vessels over 500 GRT with radar and NaviHarbour port management software, the system displays all relevant shipping movement data on four large screens.  

  • TIMARU GUNS FOR WESTERN EXTENSION

    01 Dec 2006

    A consent application has been lodged by PrimePort Timaru to progressively extend the western end of its North Mole container facility. Ultimately creating an overall wharf length of 650 metres, the project will also see the expansion of breakbulk and bulk handling facilities, and construction of a sheetpile wall with land filled and capped in a solid concrete deck.   

  • Opposition grows to ports merger proposal

    01 Dec 2006

    Port users are beginning to voice concerns about a mooted merger between the New Zealand’s two major container gateways – northern neighbours Port of Tauranga and Ports of Auckland.Shipping companies in particular are fearful that they will lose all bargaining rights if a monopoly is created. Vigorous debate can be expected if the proposal goes, as expected, for Commerce Commission scrutiny next year.Further announcements are expected to be made before the end of then year.  

  • PATRICKS ON A HIGH

    01 Dec 2006

    Australian stevedore Patricks has reported that it is now achieving an average rate of 20 boxes per hour delivered to the crane with its ground-breaking automated straddle carrier system. It states it has achieved as high a rate as 30 boxes per hour delivered to the crane but this is peak working rather than the average.   

  • New Zealand “super port” mooted

    01 Dec 2006

    Merger talks between various New Zealand ports and the frequently-stated desire of shipping companies to rationalise local port calls, is creating increasing interest in the idea of one “super port”for all global container trade. Establishing such a world-class facility would consequently enable larger vessels than the 4,100 teu currently seen in the country to achieve faster and more efficient turnarounds.    

Bulk Handling Quick Erection Storage Buildings

  • More than just a structure

    01 Dec 2006

    The Rubb team considers all the relevant factors when planning a new project, as illustrated in the recent design and construction of a new warehouse for Sprague Energy, says spokesman Ian Patterson.   

  • Ticking the storage boxes

    01 Dec 2006

    When it comes to storage, ports are all seeking the same thing: a sturdy, weatherproof facility at minimum cost and disruption, according to Amanda Clarkson of Collinson, BestHall’s UK representative. “They want a storage space uninterrupted by stanchions to enable free movement of forklift trucks, etc. Some want a controlled interior environment to maintain product moisture levels.   

  • All-round storage solution

    01 Dec 2006

    You have a new customer, they need quayside storage capacity – and you need a building, quick.Felicity Landon finds out why fast-erection, portable buildings are often the answer  

Cargo Handling Container Cranes

  • Lower lead time a boon for users

    01 Dec 2006

    The average lead time for a quayside gantry crane is now in the region of 15 months, a period that Gerry Bunyan, sales and marketing manager for Liebherr’s container cranes division, believes is more than satisfactory for the industry.   

  • Testing the outer limits

    01 Dec 2006

    Europe’s crane manufacturers are increasingly delivering equipment with wider reaches, but the ceiling is far from being hit, as Alex Hughes finds out  

  • Craning for a better view

    01 Dec 2006

    China may house the price leaders in the manufacture of quayside gantry cranes but the technical forefathers are still found in Europe. Alex Hughes headed west to find out what operators can expect in the near future  

Cargo Handling Tyres

  • Uncertain supply dogs Salerno

    01 Dec 2006

    Salerno Container Terminal (SCT), which mainly uses 18.00/33 and 18.00/25 radial tyres, is faced with an uncertain supply of industrial tyres, according to managing director Frans Jol. “As an example, I would point out that it is not currently possible to buy any new tyres before next year, basically because none of the tyre companies have any available.”   

  • Running out of rubber

    01 Dec 2006

    A widespread tyre shortage is really starting to bite and terminal operators are left with few options when the black stuff wears thin. Alex Hughes reports  

Environment Dredging

  • Jan de Nul promotes proper planning

    30 Jul 2008

    Port planning should not be hampered by dredging-related environmental issues – provided all the relevant environmental issues are taken into account and the planning is carried out with due respect for the habitat directives and in cooperation with environmental organisations, to look for solutions instead of confrontations,says Gery Vandewalle,director of Belgian dredging giant Jan De Nul.   

  • Bringing dredging waste back to life

    01 Dec 2006

    With growing concerns regarding the environmental impact of dredging waste, Virotec believes there is increasing scope for its ViroSoil technology – one of a range of solutions developed for the treatment of contaminated soils and waters.   

  • IADC points to bigger picture

    01 Dec 2006

    The whole environment should be taken into account when considering port developments – including ecological, economic, social, cultural, political and technical, says Constantijn Dolmans, secretary general of the International Association of Dredging Companies. Port planning is therefore determined by environmental issues in their broadest sense, he says.“In the ecological sense,it depends on the location of the port.   

  • Deep demands of dredging

    01 Dec 2006

    Whether it’s dealing with contaminated waste or upsetting the habitat of rare wading birds,dredging is a sector packed with environmental “issues”. Felicity Landon reports on the latest thinking  

Environment Waste Management

  • Thames tidier carves out waste niche

    01 Dec 2006

     

  • Waste not, want not

    01 Dec 2006

    Regulations within the European Union make it incumbent on ports to provide facilities to manage waste discharged by visiting ships. The Port of Tyne levies a standard mandatory charge on all vessels, which finances the deployment of 1,100-litre wheelie bins into which all general waste has to be deposited. 
     

  • The Blame Game

    01 Dec 2006

    Environmental concerns are impacting on how ports in the EU dispose not only of ship borne waste, but also of contaminated sediment. Alex Hughes reports  

In Focus Argentina

Los Angeles/Long Beach Port Profile

  • Green goals

    01 Dec 2006

    The largest ports in the US are setting the national tone with a comprehensive environmental roadmap for the future. David Foxwell reports  

News Africa & Middle East

  • JEBEL ALI CAPACITY HIKE

    01 Dec 2006

    Jebel Ali Port has announced that it will boost capacity from around 8m teu to 67m teu by 2030.This reflects a 41% increase in exports from the adjacent free zone.  

  • MOGADISHU REOPENS

    01 Dec 2006

    Somalia's Mogadishu port has recommenced the handling of international cargo, following almost 11 years of effective closure.  

  • Kenya seeks dredging funding.

    01 Dec 2006

    Kenya has approached a European partner to provide bilateral funding for the dredging of Mombasa Harbour, which is scheduled to begin in 2009 for completion in 2011.   

  • DUNCA BACK IN BUSINESS

    01 Dec 2006

    Nigeria's Dunca inland container terminal has recommenced services after a 14-month shutdown. New owners are AP Moller, Greenview and ENL Terminals.  

  • SAUDI ARABIA BIG ON BOXES

    01 Dec 2006

    Saudi Arabia claims it will develop the largest container terminal in the Middle East at Emaar Economic City.This will be capable of throughputs in the region of 10m teu annually, as well as being able to accommodate breakbulk and dry bulk vessels.  

  • DP World to re-brand P&O Ports

    01 Dec 2006

    DP World is to unify its port and terminal operation under a single brand name, which is expected to be revealed within the next six months. Currently, both the DP World and P&O Ports brands are used at the 51 terminals operated by the group in 24 countries. 
     

  • TPA to concession ports

    01 Dec 2006

    Tanzania Ports Authority has announced plans to lease out Kigoma Cargo Terminal and Kassanga Port on Lake Tanganyika. 
     

  • Shot in the arm for Saldanha

    01 Dec 2006

    Investment totalling $679m will be ploughed into South Africa's iron ore export port of Saldanha over the next six years to treble export capacity. As part of its expansion plan,the port will be made ready to receive and load ever larger ships, whose number is expected to increase by 70% annually.   

News Americas

  • CCT threatens Coco Solo legal action

    01 Dec 2006

    Management of Colon Container Terminal (CCT), an Evergreen subsidiary, is to take legal action against Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), because it believes that its rights to operate in the Atlantic coast port of Coco Solo are being infringed. According to CCT, Colon Oil and Services SA, a concessionaire in Coco Solo, is going ahead with a 250 metre expansion of Quay 3 even though it does not have the correct permits and authorisation.   

  • COLOMBIAN PORT COMPANIES NEGOTIATE EXTENSION

    01 Dec 2006

    The Colombian Transport Minister has revealed that an initial agreement has been made between the government and the port companies of Santa Marta, Barranquilla and Buenaventura in respect of the renewal of their management agreements.  

  • SANTOS TENDERS FOR VIABILITY STUDY

    01 Dec 2006

    A tender issued by the Santos Port Authority will consider the economic viability for a proposed concession of Vopack Brasterminais Armazéns Gerais,on the so-called continental side of the port at Barnabé Island.The concession, which is currently held by a Dutch group, is due to expire within the next three years.   

  • TACOMA BUDGET APPROVED

    01 Dec 2006

    The Port of Tacoma Commission has given the go-ahead to a 2007 budget of $102.5m, an increase of 12.6% over 2006. The commission also authorised port staff to issue general obligation bonds to refund debt, up to the value of $75m.  

  • US “sweet spot’ for ports

    01 Dec 2006

    Craig Fuehrer, director in the group at Deutsche Bank Securities, the bank handling the sale of DP World’s US facilities, was mum about details of the bidding process, in a presentation at a Marine Money ship finance conference in New York.   

  • Portland on track

    01 Dec 2006

    The Port of Portland Commission has approved the second of two rail construction contracts for a project that will help increase intermodal volumes through the Port’s Terminal 6 container facility.   

  • Peru calls halt on ports privatisation

    01 Dec 2006

    Proinversión, promoter of private sector investment in Peruvian companies, has temporarily halted the concession process covering the country's five main ports until a master development plan has been drawn up for each.   

  • COSTA RICAN PRIVATISATION PROTESTS

    01 Dec 2006

    The International Transport Workers’ Federation has expressed its support for port workers in the Costa Rican port of Limón, who initiated a go-slow in protest against government plans to privatise activities not only in Puerto Limón, but also in Puerto Moín. The workers have asked the state for almost $1m in severance pay.      

  • CENIZA COAL GOAL

    01 Dec 2006

    The planned new Colombian Ceniza coal port, which will use the Magdalena river to export consignments, will cost $480m to build, of which $180m will be required in an initial phase.  

  • Call for return to Buenaventura dredging

    01 Nov 2006

    Plans have been put forward to reactivate the dredging of the access channel at the port of Buenaventura, which had to be suspended because of a fall in the dollar-peso exchange rate. Deepening of this channel has been costed at $36m. Initially, draught will be deepened to 12.5 metres, although the eventual aim is to achieve 14 metres of draught, although this will cost an additional $44m.   

News Asia

  • State bureaucracy killing Indian orders.

    01 Dec 2006

    State-run ports in India are failing to provide private sector manufacturers with sufficient work in respect of new crane and equipment construction. A slow decision-making process and onerous terms and conditions in contracts have been blamed for the slowdown,which has led to only limited bids in response to state-issued tenders.   

  • Chennai Port to build wind farm

    01 Dec 2006

    Chennai Port Trust has announced plans to build a wind farm at a cost of $16.8m. The tender is due to be issued shortly for what will be the first project of its kind undertaken by Indian ports. Chennai Port annually consumes 30m units costing $6.7m, which the governing body believes can be cut by half as a result of energy derived from the wind farm. This would be supplied to the National Grid and then drawn down as required. The Port Trust calculates that a return on investment will be made within three to four years.  

  • 1,000,000th teu

    01 Dec 2006

    International Container Terminal Services Inc’s (ICTSI) Manila container terminal celebrates hitting 1m teu for the fifth straight year, proof, it says, of the terminal’s recovering volume growth. ICTSI’s net income for the third quarter was $9.1m, up 25% over the corresponding period in 2005.  

  • Tianjin returns to PSA for expansion joint venture

    01 Dec 2006

    Tianjin Port Authority has given its goahead for a third phase expansion of its container terminal at a cost of $840m. The project is being taken forward by Tianjin Port Pacific International Container Terminal, which is a joint-venture between PSA China (49%) and Tianjin Port Group (51%). It involves construction of six berths capable of receiving 10,000 teu vessels.   

  • Colombo identifies Cochin as major threat

    01 Dec 2006

    Colombo Port Authority has publicly recognised the threat being posed by DP World’s new box handling facility, Vallarpadam International Transhipment Container Terminal, currently under construction at the port of Cochin. Within eight years, this will handle around 15 times as many containers as it does today.  

  • BUSAN LURES CMA CGM

    01 Dec 2006

    Korea’s Busan New Port has attracted CMA CGM to its Phase 2-3 expansion programme, subject to government approval. CMA CGM reached an agreement with Hyundai Industry Development Consortium, developer and operator of four berths of Phase 2-3 at Busan New Port, to invest in the project.The agreement follows a government to attract foreign lines to Busan New Port to boost throughput. According to the port,CMA CGM intends to site its dedicated terminal at Busan New Port.  

  • SINGAPORE SOFTWARE

    01 Dec 2006

    A new internet-based service to better predict the state of the currents at a given period, not only on the approaches to the port, but also alongside the  berths themselves has proved popular in the Port of Singapore. 
     

  • KERALA PORT PLAN

    01 Dec 2006

    The Indian state government of Kerala is planning construction of a new port at Beypore, near Kozhikode.This will be taken forward as a joint-venture between the private sector and both the state and national governments.  

News Europe

  • Peel deal cements port attraction

    01 Dec 2006

    Proof of the unwavering investor interest in ports,Deutsche Bank’s asset management arm has snapped up a 49% stake in the UK’s second largest ports group Peel Ports for £750m.   

  • SWISS CONTRACT

    01 Dec 2006

    Swiss logistics service provider Bertschi has won a contract to build a rail terminal in the Botlek area of the port of Rotterdam.  

  • Steel boost for Welsh ports

    01 Dec 2006

    Associated British Ports (ABP) has renewed a three-year contract with Corus for steel coil shipments through its Newport and Swansea ports.   

  • APM seals Dunkirk majority

    01 Dec 2006

    APM Terminals has purchased a majority 61% share in the Dunkirk container terminal operation Nord France Terminal International. When the tender for operation of the terminal was released last year Dubai Ports International, CMA CGM, and Australia’s International Infrastructure Management all expressed an interest. However, APM Terminals beat off the competition to win the tender.   

  • Dragados-SPL refinances

    01 Dec 2006

    Dragados-SPL, which belongs to the Spanish construction and services group ACS, has agreed a syndicated loan of €280m to refinance some existing debts and also to fund new investment.   

  • HALCROW CHARITY LAUNCH

    01 Dec 2006

    UK-based ports and engineering consultant Halcrow has launched an independent charity to tackle poverty and suffering around the world.The company has pledged 0.5% of its annual profits, as well as staff time and resources to the cause. Halcrow staff also make direct contributions and take part in fund-raising activities.More information can be found on www.halcrow.com/foundation.  

  • ANTWERP VTS FIRST

    01 Dec 2006

    The port of Antwerp has commissioned Barco and Fabricom GTI to install a Vessel Traffic Services system.The system, including new radars, was commissioned by the Flemish Agency for Maritime Services and Coast, Shipping Assistance Division and by the port of Antwerp.The contract has a total value of €4.2m.  

  • TMB IN EXPANSION MOOD

    01 Dec 2006

    Terminales Marítimas de Bilbao  (TMB) plans to add a further 25,000 square metres to its existing concession. This announcement comes just 18 months after terminal management had to ask the port authority to relieve it of 33,278 square metres of concession area given a shortage of traffic. The new area had originally been operated by Terimicar Bilbao,which has subsequently moved its entire vehicle handling operation to the A-3 quay.   

  • UK ports back in vogue

    01 Dec 2006

    A sea change in ownership and huge amounts of investment mean that the future has never looked brighter for the UK ports industry, Forth Ports chief executive Charles Hammond has told maritime experts.     

  • Euromax welcomes crane arrival

    01 Dec 2006

    Rotterdam’s Euromax terminal welcomed the first of sixteen cranes last month The sixteen cranes, together with another three barge/feeder cranes and twelve 23-wide quay cranes, will perform the ship-to-shore operations at the terminal in the port’s Maasvlakte area. Scheduled to be operational by the end of next year, the first phase the terminal with 1,900 meters of quay wall will have a handling capacity will be 2.9m teu.  

  • ROTTERDAM BOUNCES BACK

    01 Dec 2006

    Throughput at the port of Rotterdam over the first nine months of the year has made a mild recovery, increasing by 1.5% in comparison with the same period last year.The 281m tonnes throughput puts the port “back on track as regards the realisation of its overall 2% growth prognosis for this year”, according to the port.   

  • TERCAT SEEKS NEW GANTRY CRANES

    01 Dec 2006

    Barcelona box terminal operator  Tercat, which has been awarded the concession to operate the port's third container handling facility, has invited bids for the supply of six new quayside gantry cranes. Known to have already presented an offer, worth a rumoured $36m, is Paceco España. In total, Tercat will deploy 18 super-postpanamax gantry cranes in the new terminal.This will mean it will require at least an additional four cranes in addition to the six already mentioned, given that it already possesses eight cranes in the existing terminal. Operations in El Prat will commence in April 2008 and the current order for six cranes will see these immediately deployed in this facility.  

News Products & Services

  • Warehouse modelling Cirrus-style

    01 Dec 2006

    Cirrus Logistics has launched the latest generation of its warehouse layout software. The new version has factored in a means to manage the impact of increasing traffic around the warehouse site, taking into account the various factors influencing flows across the site.   

  • CAN-BUS tractor popular with ro-ro industry

    01 Dec 2006

    Demand from ro-ro customers has boosted sales of Kalmar’s i-model tractor range.Since the launch of the product in spring this year,more than 50 units have been ordered by customers such as the Port of Gothenburg, Stena Line, Rauma Stevedoring and DFDS Tor Line.   

  • Halcrow adds to port finance tools

    01 Dec 2006

    Consultant Halcrow has completed trials of its Port Finance Model, and is offering it as an aid for assisting with increasing private sector investment in port developments. Said the consultant:   

  • Kalmar spearheads hybrid technology in States

    01 Dec 2006

    Equipment manufacturer Kalmar is participating in a two-year project to reduce pollution at ports in the US.   

  • China facility to boost Linde output

    01 Dec 2006

    Linde is adding to its existing reachstacker capacity with a facility in China. The factory in Xiamen has been building empty container handlers from Linde kits since 1996, but the company has confirmed to Port Strategy that reachstackers are being added to the production line to meet growing demand.   

  • Behind the scenes standardisation success

    01 Dec 2006

    One organisation that does not receive enough credit for the valuable work it does for the ports industry is the SMDG group, a non-profit foundation, which aims to further the development of one single language for electronic data interchange (EDI) messages around the world. 
     

  • BMT blueprint for global IT community

    01 Dec 2006

    The establishment of networked port community IT is going to be a key tool in how port users talk to one another in the future, said David Wignall, managing director of BMT’s Ports & Logistics Division.   

Planning & Design Fenders & Moorings

  • Protecting quay interests

    01 Dec 2006

    Would you buy the cheapest container crane with all the features taken off? Probably not.So why are fenders so often seen as a last-minute, bolt-on extra? Felicity Landon reports  

  • Testing the technological waters

    01 Dec 2006

    The marine market is cautious in adopting new technology and Mooring Systems’ MoorMaster automated mooring products represent a significant change, says MSL managing director Peter Montgomery.   

  • Don't forget fenders in the planning stage

    01 Dec 2006

    Poor planning and a fundamental lack of understanding of the lead times needed to supply fenders means that there is a constant pressure to meet delivery times, according to Simon Redford, business development manager for FenderCare.   

Post Script

  • To Boldly Go...

    01 Dec 2006

    “You must play boldly to win.”So said Arnold Palmer, famous American golfer and obviously someone Captain Richard Setchell of Sydney-based Anglo Ports has a good deal in common with.   

Regional Survey China

  • The ride of a lifetime

    30 Jul 2008

    China’s dizzying box growth is unparalleled in history,and Wing Kah-goh hears the high adrenaline container rollercoaster is far from over  

  • Northern lights

    01 Dec 2006

    The port of Hong Kong is being eclipsed but its port operators are still raking it in through smart investments outside of the former number one hub  

  • Locking horns

    01 Dec 2006

    Three way tussle around Bohai Bay for box supremacy, as lacklustre port past is swept aside  

  • Lifting eastern fog

    01 Dec 2006

    There’s more to eastern China’s ports scene than the massive Yangshan, with Taicang,Nantong and Nanjing leading the container pack  

Regional Survey US West Coast

  • Columbia River deepening "key infrastructure project"

    01 Dec 2006

    A proposed deepening of the Columbia River has become “one of the most important infrastructure projects in a generation”, according to the Port of Portland’s marine director Sam Ruda. Mr Ruda tells Port Strategy: “We’re always focused on the Federal Water Resources Development Act and annual federal appropriations bills for the Army Corps, and the federal SAFE Port Act and TWIC implementation efforts certainly have the potential to affect operations too,” he explains.   

  • Local Support National Success

    01 Dec 2006

    US West Coast ports agree that they can only tackle the many pressing issues facing them if they engage with the community, and get their message across beyond the confines of the port, as David Foxwell explains.
     

The Economist

  • The challenge of globalisation

    01 Dec 2006

    There's little debate that the changing circumstances of globalisation have, and will continue to, affect world trade. Prices for goods and services are dropping while quality is on the rise.  

The Insurer

  • Ports and terminals attract the eye

    01 Dec 2006

    As we head into the insurance renewal season, it is easier to spot the areas where market players have decided on pushing out a new boat or two. For some reason, the field of ports and terminals has emerged in 2006 as an area some people want to expand into during 2007. 
     

View Point

  • Takes two to tango

    01 Dec 2006

    Promoting competition in port activities seems a simple enough concept for government to handle,but theory does not always go into practice easily.    

Port Security 1/2 October.