Monday 13 October 08 - 13:06
 

Bulk Handling European Auto Trades

  • Malmö revs up the transhipment engine

    21 Nov 2007

    Not content with a 30% increase in cars handled last year, Copenhagen-Malmö Port's (CMP) general manager (cars), Bart Steijaert, hopes to bump that 382,323 cars to 500,000 annually by 2010.  

  • Top gear

    21 Nov 2007

    These are exciting times for Europe's car handlers, as transhipment trade swells. Alex Hughes reports  

Port Profile Rotterdam

  • Nailing colours to the mast

    21 Nov 2007

    Sustainability is paramount in Rotterdam's vision of its future, as Stuart Pearcey explains  

Insight & Opinion

  • Diffusing an explosive US safety situation

    21 Nov 2007

    Throughout the US Coast Guard’s (USCG) history, it has juggled many missions. These days, much of the talk is about maritime security. In recent Congressional testimony, another USCG mission - its marine safety activities - have come into the limelight, with a focus on usually routine inspections of vessels calling at US ports.

     

  • Uncertain times

    14 Nov 2007

    Drewry Shipping Consultants has revised its estimate of world container traffic in 2006 to 128.3m teu and expects the figure for 2007 to be 142.9m teu, a significant increase driven by rapidly expanding westbound traffic from Asia. The 2008 figure is tentatively put at 158.3m teu. So, the growth goes on in the eyes of one of the world’s leading container analysts.

     

  • Transhipment of tomorrow

    07 Nov 2007

    The world of transhipment and feedering has proved to be one of the growth pillars of the container industry over the last decade and nowhere is it better analysed than in a new report from Dynamar entitled Transhipment & Feedering, Trades, Operators, Ships. 

  • A latecomer to the party, but welcome nonetheless

    31 Oct 2007

    It is interesting to see that the Indian Government has decided to deploy a new tariff specification method for concessions offered in India’s major ports.

     

  • Ignore economic principles at your peril

    24 Oct 2007

    I woke with a start this morning with the realisation that economics is alive and well. What caused this? The public statements by transportation providers trying to convince us otherwise. Let me give you some examples.

     

News Americas

  • Kalmar moves ahead with hybrid technology project

    30 Jul 2008

    Port equipment specialist Kalmar has signed up for another US clean air initiative, this time on the US East Coast. 

  • Breakbulk is king at Tacoma

    12 Nov 2007

    While most eyes are on the explosion in container growth buoying ports around the world, the US port of Tacoma is singing the praises of its non-containerised exports. 

  • Libra off-dock loads

    08 Nov 2007

    Libra Terminal Rio, which operates two container terminals in the Port of Rio de Janeiro, has added coffee handling to its skills. The cargo is loaded in containers at the company’s off-dock Redex bonded facility, which began operations in October handling manufactured goods, pig iron and palletised ornamental stone.  

  • Talcahuano concession delay

    06 Nov 2007

    The Chilean Port of Talcahuano has revealed that it is suffering from serious structural problems, making it difficult for it to offer it as a concession, particularly given the nearby presence of seven private port companies.
     

  • Houston expands facilities

    06 Nov 2007

    The Port of Houston is to undertake investment totalling $25m to upgrade existing facilities. 
     

  • Colombian barge phase-out challenged

    04 Nov 2007

    A change in the law means that Colombian coal terminals will have to undertake direct transfers to vessels rather than using barges as from 2010. 
     

  • Puerto Montt failed concession

    04 Nov 2007

    The only bid to operate the Chilean Port of Montt, which was entered by construction company Luis Navarro, was judged to be non-compliant and the tender has been declared void.

     

  • Georgia guarantees space to expand

    03 Nov 2007

    Georgia Ports Authority has secured 175 acres of prime river-frontage land close to its Ocean Terminal, providing it with ample space to expand in the future. 

  • Mexico calls for Ports Law reform

    03 Nov 2007

    Port terminal operators in Mexico are campaigning for a reform of the national Ports Law to enable them to widen investment and growth possibilities. 
     

  • Latin America private terminal first

    01 Nov 2007

    Uruguay is to play host to the first Latin American container terminals meeting in November to promote information sharing and transparency in the region.

     

  • Chilean dry bulk newcomer

    31 Oct 2007

    Chilean businessman Leonardo Farkas, owner of the Santa Fé and Santa Barbara mining companies, has put together a company, Puerto Atacama SA, specifically to manage and operate dry bulk terminals. He has also expressed an interest in building a new port in Chile at Huasco.  

  • Guayaquil workforce slashed

    31 Oct 2007

    Half of the workforce previously employed by Guayaquil Port Authority no longer provides services for that body following their transfer to outside companies.   

  • California box slump warning

    25 Oct 2007

    The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which were anticipating growth this year of 5, are now warning that there may well be no increase at all in 2007, or even a slight decline.   

News Asia

  • Scarcity of traffic at Busan new port

    14 Nov 2007

    Busan new port, which will be completed by 2015 at a cost of $9.2bn, is currently struggling to attract sufficient traffic to make a return on investment. The facility, which will eventually have 30 berths, is supposed to establish South Korea as a logistics centre in Asia.  

  • Kaoshiung concession awarded

    14 Nov 2007

    Kao Ming Container Terminal Corporation has been awarded a 50-year BOT contract to operate the initial phase of the International Container Terminal at the Port of Kaohsiung, the port's sixth container terminal. Investment of $458m is planned for what will be a four-berth facility.  

  • Vietnam terminal start-up

    14 Nov 2007

    Work has begun on the new SP-PSA International Port joint-venture container terminal located on the Cai Mep-Thi Vai River in Vietnam. Development will be in two phases, with the first operational in 2009 and eventual capacity will be 2m teu. 

  • Qianwan phase underway

    14 Nov 2007

    Work on the fourth phase of the Qingdao Qianwan container terminal development has begun. 
     

  • Colombo swamped by containers

    12 Nov 2007

    The Sri Lankan Port of Colombo desperately needs to move to 24-hour operation on a permanent basis to bring levels of efficiency up to its hub port status, claims the national exporters association.

     

  • DPW Malaysia centre

    10 Nov 2007

    DP World and the MMC Berhad Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop 9.125m sq m of land in South Johor, Malaysia. This will be used to develop a $5bn maritime centre.  

  • CMH Zhanjiang plan

    09 Nov 2007

    Hong Kong-based China Merchants Holdings (CMH) has reached an agreement with the municipality of Zhanjiang to transform Zhanjiang Port Group into a private company, Zhanjiang Port (Group) Co Ltd, with a capital of $479m. CMH is paying $215m for a 45% stake in the joint-venture.  

  • Chinese lines eye Sines

    09 Nov 2007

    Increased Chinese imports are making operations at Portugal's only deep-water port of Sines ever more viable, claims concessionaire PSA.

     

  • Northport ups conventional cargo operations

    07 Nov 2007

    Port Klang operator Northport is to invest $29m in enhancing its operational area for conventional cargo at Southpoint.

     

  • Indian ports still underperforming

    05 Nov 2007

    The Indian government is being criticised for its inability to implement a proposed $12.4bn ports upgrade plan to enable the country to keep pace with growth in traffic.

     

  • SLPA in the dock

    05 Nov 2007

    Sri Lankan Ports Authority and members of the Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee are being legally challenged on their decision to continue to evaluate a bid by Hutchison Port Holdings in respect of the South Container Terminal of the Colombo Port Expansion Project, despite the fact that the bid had been disqualified as ineligible.  

  • Jiangsu confirms capacity boost

    02 Nov 2007

    Jiangsu Lianyungang Port Company in China is to invest $2.6bn over the next three years to boost capacity.

     

  • Liquid gold for GIP

    31 Oct 2007

    Private equity firm Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) has agreed a joint venture with Zeus Infra-management, in a deal that includes a 74% stake in liquid storage specialist East India Petroleum Limited.  

  • Congestion cripples Calcutta containers

    30 Oct 2007

    Congestion at Calcutta Dock System has become so bad that stacking of containers has been banned in the yard; instead, boxes must be immediately whisked to container freight stations (CFS) located nearby.

     

  • Sweet deal for Nectar

    28 Oct 2007

    UK-based bulk handling specialist Nectar Group Limited has entered into a joint venture with India’s United Shippers Limited.
     

News Europe

  • ABP opens agribulk terminal

    22 Nov 2007

    A new £3.26m dockside UK agribulk terminal not only enhances access to European markets, but could also be a key element in future expansion in bio-fuel, according to the people who’ll be operating it. 

  • Industrial unrest at Russian ports

    21 Nov 2007

    Dock workers at the Russian ports of Tuapse and St Petersburg are threatening to go on strike in November it they are not paid more money.  

  • Liverpool pioneers green canal shuttle

    10 Nov 2007

    UK supermarket chain Tesco has made use of the England’s extensive canal network to transport supplies from the Port of Liverpool to Manchester. 

  • Port-Net II on the cards

    09 Nov 2007

    Participants in European ports initiative Port-Net have called for a “more practical” second programme as the first draws to a close.  

  • Humber ports top UK ranking

    09 Nov 2007

    The UK’s Humber Ports can lay claim to the greatest share of UK world tonnage, beating all other UK ports complexes, according to the government’s UK Maritime Statistics 2006.

     

  • DP World breaks bulk barrier

    05 Nov 2007

    Better known for its container activities, DP World has partnered with Conti Lines and Rickmers-Linie in the Port of Antwerp in a breakbulk initiative. DP World Breakbulk NV will operate a common user general cargo terminal at the Churchilldock in the Port of Antwerp.
     

  • BMT buys Baxter

    03 Nov 2007

    Consultant BMT has acquired specialist port consultant Baxter Eadie to bolster its international ports and logistics offering to customers.
     

  • New Peel CEO

    02 Nov 2007

    Peel Ports, one of Europe’s largest port operators, has appointed Stephen Baxter, the chief operating officer for BAA, as its new chief executive.
     

  • NCSP ties to $73m debt facility

    31 Oct 2007

    Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port (NCSP) has signed debt facilities to the tune of $73m with Sberbank, the Savings Bank of the Russian Federation, to finance the development of new cargo handling facilities. 

  • TT Club demands compulsory dangerous goods training

    31 Oct 2007

    Specialist transport insurer TT Club has called for mandatory International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code training for shore-side handlers.

     

  • Spanish investment up

    31 Oct 2007

    In 2008, total investment in Spanish ports will reach €19.8bn ($28.1bn), which is €3bn ($4.3bn) more than in 2007. For its part, the government will invest €2bn ($2.8bn), an increase of 32% over 2007.  

  • UK ports could be hit by end of IBAs

    31 Oct 2007

    The British government’s surprise decision to phase out Industrial Business Allowances (IBAs) by 2011 could have a significant impact on ports and cargo handlers who have invested in warehousing and storage buildings, accountancy firm Moore Stephens has warned. 

  • Fuel plant for Barcelona

    30 Oct 2007

    Barcelona Port Authority has approved construction of a bio-diesel plant on its Inflammable Quay. In the meantime, it has received five bids to undertake repair work on Prat Quay, most of which involves domestic construction companies linking up with overseas specialists.   

  • Gijon's bio-diesel

    29 Oct 2007

    Construction has begun in the Port of Gijón of a bio-diesel plant, which is due to open in the first quarter of 2009. Production capacity will be the order of 500,000 tonnes annually, equivalent to 600m litres, under an investment of €80m ($113.7m).  

  • Valencia Levante extension

    28 Oct 2007

    Valencia Port Authority has issued a tender for a 248 metre extension of Levante Quay, which has a reference price of €12.4bn ($17.6bn). Alongside draught of 16 metres will be available and the new 32,000 sq m area will be incorporated into the existing TCV Stevedoring concession.  

  • Russian port plan

    26 Oct 2007

    Russia’s Oleg Deripaska company is to build a new port at Imeretin Bay near Sochi capable of handling 5m tonnes a year. The port, which will cost $3bn to build, will accommodate river-sea class vessels of 5,000 dwt.  

  • HHLA plans IPO

    25 Oct 2007

    Hamburg operator HHLA is to undertake an initial public offering in November of 30% of its total equity to be listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Both private and institutional investors from Germany and abroad will be allowed to acquire shares. This follows a record-breaking 2006 and first-quarter 2007 in terms of overall traffic.  

  • Hippo Buoys for Milford Haven

    18 Oct 2007

    FenderCare subsidiary Hippo Marine has been selected by Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) to supply five navigational buoys, including moorings, for the new South Hook LNG terminal development.   

  • Babcock & Brown swoops on Finnish assets

    18 Oct 2007

    Australia’s Babcock and Brown Infrastructure (BBI) has splashed out €90m ($127.7m) on two Finnish concession port operators, expanding its European portfolio. 

  • St Petersburg investment kicks off

    18 Oct 2007

    Investment and port operations group Oslo Marine Group has committed to a three-year re-development programme at St Petersburg's Vyborg and Western ports.

     

  • Bulk specialist Vigan buys out AS-C

    04 Oct 2007

    Bulk material handling specialist Vigan Engineering has purchased AS-C Projects Limited's pneumatic unloader Simporter technology as part of a deal to take over all activities of the UK-based bulk handling expert. 

News Products & Services

  • Pusan favours Bromma

    18 Nov 2007

    Pusan is to add to its cache of Bromma spreaders with a contract for a further 26 STS45 ship-to-shore separating twin-lift spreaders to fit recently-ordered ZPMC cranes. 

  • NCC crane order

    14 Nov 2007

    National Container Company has agreed a contract with Konecranes to purchase five of its ship-to-shore cranes and four rubber-tyred gantries. The total cost was reported as E43m ($61.4m). 

  • Hyster unveils ‘big’ truck designs

    14 Nov 2007

    Five new ‘big’ truck designs have been launched by manufacturer Hyster, consisting of three new heavy forklift (FLT) trucks and two new container handlers. 

  • Esoware alternative for terminal management

    13 Nov 2007

    Frans Jol, managing director of Salerno-based Esoware, is promoting the company's terminal management software programmes as cost effective alternatives to those offered by the 'big three' software sellers.

     

  • Barloworld Christmas gift

    12 Nov 2007

    Lift truck hire specialist Barloworld Handling is preparing for a rush of orders to supplement carrgo handling fleets for the Christmas rush.  

  • Liebherr handover

    10 Nov 2007

    Port equipment manufacturer Liebherr has handed over a new mobile harbour crane to the Port of Tanjung Perak, the second largest port in Indonesia.  

  • FenderCare promotes foam elastomer buoys switch

    02 Nov 2007

    The case for port authorities to analyse the cost benefits of using foam elastomer buoys is being strongly marketed by FenderCare subsidiary Hippo Marine. 

  • Maher gets the Rubb

    30 Oct 2007

    Maher Terminals’ Port Elizabeth facility is now the proud owner of two Rubb structures for equipment and vehicle repair.  

  • Vycon secures air emissions certification

    18 Oct 2007

    The California Air Resource Board (CARB) has awarded the all-important Level 1 verification to Vycon's REGEN system for use on rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs).

     

Container Handling Fork Lift Trucks

  • No empty threat

    07 Nov 2007

    Forklift trucks for empty container handling are proving their prowess on the quay, as Felicity Landon discovers

     

  • Clydeport heads for Hyster

    07 Nov 2007

    Clydeport has invested in a fleet of Hyster Fortens H5.5FT-A, 5,500 kg capacity diesel-powered lift truck supplied by Barloworld. 

  • Clearing the fog

    07 Nov 2007

    The reduction of emissions is a key driver in designing new heavy duty and empty container handling forklifts, says Ray Zuschlag of Hyster Company. 

In Focus Port of New York/New Jersey

  • No quick fix for bridge constraints

    24 Oct 2007

    Raising a bridge to improve access to a port is a thorny undertaking at the best of times, but hoisting a bridge that in 2006 accomodated 8.4m vehicles and is one the longest steel arch bridges in the world is a league apart.  

  • "Broader environmental strategy" propels PANYNJ forward

    24 Oct 2007

    Head of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey's (PANYNJ) Port Commerce Department, Rear Admiral Larrabee, whose Coast Guard career including three years as Captain of the Port in New York, takes a long term view of the port's future.

     

  • A broad business

    24 Oct 2007

    At the helm of the largest port complex on the US East Coast, Rear Admiral Rick Larrabee takes it all in his stride, as Barry Parker finds out

     

In Focus Sydney

  • ICTSI calls for new face at Sydney

    31 Oct 2007

    A “once in a generation” opportunity to widen competition needs to be taken at Sydney’s Port Botany, says one of potential bidders for the new terminal concession. 

  • Last chance saloon

    31 Oct 2007

    Just as all hope seemed lost, Sydney's incumbent operators find they may yet be invited to the Botany concession hoedown. Dave MacIntyre reports  

Marine Engineering Corrosion Control

  • Treating your piles

    14 Nov 2007

    While cathodic protection is an acknowledged preventative measure for new construction, the technology is seldom used on ageing structures, reports Patrik Wheater

     

  • Science behind the magic

    14 Nov 2007

    Cathodic Protection reduces the corrosion of metal surfaces by making the steel surface the cathode of an electro-chemical cell by using either a galvanic sacrificial anode, usually an electrochemically active alloy such as aluminium, zinc or magnesium, or by using an impressed current system.

     

Motor Ship conference preview

  • Burning issues

    24 Oct 2007

    This year's hot potato of dealing with maritime-related emissions will be discussed at a new conference. Felicity Landon reports
     

News Africa

  • Durban threat

    05 Nov 2007

    The planned expansion of the South African port of Richards Bay could mean that new facilities there for general cargo would be better than those available at Durban. Richards Bay has space available for expansion, whereas Durban is faced with serious space constraints. Authorities are therefore considering construction of a container terminal at Richards Bay.  

  • Portek Gabon concession

    03 Nov 2007

    Portek International has been awarded a 25-year concession to manage the ports of Owendo and Gentil in Gabon. It will do this via its Gabon Port Management subsidiary, which will have a capital of $4m. Investment of $2m has been promised.  

  • Northport Congo foray

    31 Oct 2007

    The government of Congo has asked Port Klang stevedore Northport to provide assistance and technical know-how in the development of the new port of Mandingo Kayes, located 40 km from the port of Point-Noire.   

  • DP World Senegal spend

    29 Oct 2007

    DP World is to invest €500m ($710.7m) in port facilities in Senegal, which is 25% more than originally agreed with the government.   

  • KPA under threat of ship delay surcharge

    25 Oct 2007

    To head off the threat of shipping lines imposing a $200 Vessel Delay Surcharge on each teu handled at the Port of Mombasa, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has introduced emergency de-congestion initiatives.

     

News Australasia

  • PrimePort flies regional port flags

    14 Nov 2007

    PrimePort Timaru chairperson Sid McAuley has said regional ports need increased weighting in Government decisions on New Zealand’s shipping future. 

  • Legislation clears Melbourne for dredging

    13 Nov 2007

    The Victorian Government has moved to clear a legislative path for dredging to begin in the Port of Melbourne.

     

  • Northland land sale

    11 Nov 2007

    A 177-hectare block of land adjacent to the Marsden Point port complex has been put on the market to attract complementary businesses. Northland Port Corporation also plans to lease back 60 hectares of the land for 35 years. 

  • Northern NZ merger moves debated

    08 Nov 2007

    Port of Tauranga has called for Auckland Regional Holdings (ARH) to disclose the independent report it commissioned on the Auckland-Tauranga port merger proposal. 

  • Melbourne thrown dredging lifeline

    07 Nov 2007

    Victoria’s planning minister has endorsed the urgently-needed deepening of Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay channel to 14 metres. However, approvals from other ministers are still required and a raft of environmental safeguards will have to be met, overseen by an independent monitor. 

  • Australian 'roadmap' for port progress

    06 Nov 2007

    The Business Council of Australia has launched a “roadmap for infrastructure reform”, focusing on ports, rail and roads among other areas.

     

  • Nod for Newcastle coal terminal

    04 Nov 2007

    The Australian government has approved foreign investment for the third coal terminal at the port of Newcastle.

     

  • Code of Practice call

    04 Nov 2007

    A Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) investigation into the collapse of seven 30-foot containers on the UK-registered Annabella has seen the organisation call for the introduction of a relevant container shipping code of practice. 

  • Southern NZ merger talks

    30 Oct 2007

    “Low-level” merger discussions are understood to have commenced between Lyttelton Port of Christchurch and Port Otago.   

  • Volatile results dog NZ ports

    29 Oct 2007

    A mixed bag of financials from New Zealand’s ports saw Port Taranaki turn an encouraging 114% rise in after-tax profit to NZ$4.8m (US$3.6m) and 25% increase in revenue to NZ$37m (US$28m). 

News Middle East

  • Loan for Damietta

    06 Nov 2007

    Damietta International Port Company, made up of a consortium headed by KGL Port international of Kuwait, has obtained a loan worth $480m organised by Ahli United Bank and Arab Banking Corporation. This will fund construction of the proposed container terminal and form part of an overall investment package of $1bn.  

  • Israeli port investment

    04 Nov 2007

    Israel Ports Development & Assets Company Ltd has put forward a $130m investment plan for 2008, which must now be approved by the government. At least 70% of the money will be allocated to container terminal and breakwater development at both Ashdod and Haifa.  

  • Private investment boon for Iranian ports

    01 Nov 2007

    Since the start of its financial year on March 21, 12 private companies have signed contracts worth $181m to operate in nine Iranians ports, according to official figures.
     

  • Qatari port plan

    26 Oct 2007

    Qatar's Finance Minister has announced the construction of a new $5.5bn port at Mesaieed, located to the south of Al Wakra. Driving the project is the perceived need to bring down import costs.  

  • DP World loan needs

    25 Oct 2007

    DP World is to raise a $2.7bn syndicated loan to finance overseas investment and gentle corporate costs. 
     

Planning & Design Sheet Piling

  • Piling in brief

    07 Nov 2007

    Nuttall on Yarmouth watch

     

  • Olympics brings steel green corridors to the UK

    07 Nov 2007

    A notable sheet piling project under way in the UK right now is within the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA)’s project to turn the 8.35 km of waterways that intersect the Olympic Park into “green corridors”. 

  • Customised or standard?

    07 Nov 2007

    ESC broke the mould by supplying clients with the exact lengths that they required rather than just standard six metre and 12 metre. General manager Bruce Colson says this ensures there is no wastage, so there are savings for the client. 

  • Strong eye for success

    07 Nov 2007

    Wider, thinner, more strength for less steel – Felicity Landon reports on the evolution of sheet piling in the ports sector  

Port Services Vessel Tracking Systems

  • Port management all-rounder

    31 Oct 2007

    Can investment in a proven vessel tracking service "radically" improve port management? Alex Hughes finds out
     

  • Simulation and scheduling tools a must for busy ports

    31 Oct 2007

    Two maritime software tools - Amatis, used to undertake traffic simulations, and Seaberth, used for both berth scheduling and berth simulation - are being deployed as part of a major new port development in Qatar. Over the next 10-15 years, Ras Laffan Port will be transformed into the biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) dispatch point for consignments to the US, the UK and Japan, while also implementing major new container and general cargo terminals.

     

Regional Feature Benelux

  • Benelux in brief

    21 Nov 2007

    Ships down, cargoes up

     

  • Tracking system monitors shipping

    21 Nov 2007

    The Port of Amsterdam went live with a new port management system during September.

     

  • The fast lane

    21 Nov 2007

    Benelux ports are moving at top speed to take advantage of burgeoning world trade. Stuart Pearcey reports 
     

Security Gate Design and Management

  • Integration: the missing link

    14 Nov 2007

    Proper integration and clear advance planning are key factors for ports looking to install automated gate systems, says Phil Elovic, chief executive of optical character recognition (OCR) specialist Hi-Tech Solutions (HTS). 

  • Something to aim for

    14 Nov 2007

    When goals are clearly defined at the beginning, it is relatively easy to work towards them, says John Lund, sales manager of Finland’s Visy.

     

  • Simple identification is now old hat

    14 Nov 2007

    Where gate systems in the past were limited to identification only, today’s systems require container and truck optical character recognition (OCR), IMO label detection, video files, voice over IP, biometric identification of driver, damage inspection of the container, seal integrity – and so on, says Hi-Tech Solutions Phil Elovic. 

  • Fine tailoring

    14 Nov 2007

    Operators shopping for a new gate management system must take time to consider the unique needs of their port or terminal. Felicity Landon reports

     

Motorship