POLB continues with infrastructure projects

Construction on the terminal, which will allow the port to process significantly more cargo from international destinations, began in spring 2011. Funding is yet to be formally approved, but essential infrastructure work continues to ensure the port stays competitive.

Lee Peterson, spokesperson for the port, told Port Strategy: “That item on the Middle Harbour budget has been taken off the agenda for today’s meeting. It will be rescheduled for a later meeting; the port just needed additional time to brief the Harbor Commission on the port’s overall capital improvement programme, of which Middle Harbour is a part.”

He added: “There will be a Board workshop soon for our commission to get an overview of the port’s building and development projects.”

The terminal expansion will double the current capacity of cargo and will be followed by the replacement of the Gerald Desmond Bridge. This second infrastructure project will provide a critical link for truckers who haul around 14% of the nation’s imported goods and will allows the world’s largest supertankers to pass beneath.

Once completed, the 330 acre Middle Harbour space will be operated by Hong Kong-based shipper, Orient Overseas Container Line, which signed a $4.6bn lease spanning 40 years.