Port Development

BMT Acquires JFA Consultants

BMT Group Ltd, the leading international maritime design, engineering and risk management consultancy is set to broaden its capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region with the successful acquisition of port and harbour engineering specialists, JFA Consultants Pty Ltd based in Perth, Western Australia.  This acquisition will help to enhance BMT’s offering, whilst complementing its existing expertise and knowledge through well-established subsidiaries already in the region including BMT WBM and BMT Design & Technology. Founded in 1999, JFA Consultants has provided vital support for a number of major port developments in Western Australia, managing numerous other projects at boat harbours and marinas around the State as well as providing specialist technical advice and input on a number of port developments both nationally and in the Asia-Pacific region.  Jesz Fleming, Founding Director at JFA Consultants, comments: “We are all very excited by the prospect of joining the BMT group, an organisation which has a rich maritime history, and is passionate about its commitment to helping address the challenges customers face in the maritime industry.  This acquisition will expand our opportunities for growth which in turn, will benefit both our staff and our clients.”  

Port Issues RFI for Future Development

The Galveston Economic Development Partnership issued a Request for Information (RFI) in which the partnership is seeking input and responses to the future long-term development of the Port of Galveston. The RFI is for information purposes only, and the information will be used by the 21st Century Port Development Task Force to assist in their evaluation of available development options for the Port. The RFI is for planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a Request for Proposal

Connaughton Gets Hearing for MarAd Post

The Senate Commerce Committee is not expecting any problems approving the nomination of Prince William Board of Supervisors Chairman Sean Connaughton to lead the U.S. Maritime Administration. At a confirmation hearing, Connaughton said he would focus on relieving congestion of the nation's waterways, maritime and port development, national security and environmental protection. Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen and Congressman Tom Davis spoke in support of Connaughton

Port of Melbourne Plans Large Expansion

Port growth reaffirms Australia's Coalition Government plans to expand Melbourne's capacity Premier Ted Baillieu and Minister for Ports Denis Napthine announce trade figures at the Port of Melbourne surged in the 2011-12 financial year with a 9.1 per cent overall increase at Australasia’s busiest container and general cargo port. Mr Baillieu said in the 2011-12 financial year total port trade grew to 87 million revenue tonnes up from 79.7 million revenue tonnes in the previous year

Thailand, Burma, Sign Dawei Port Development Agreement

Presidents of Thailand & Mynamar (Burma) agree on port development for deep-sea port to enable Malacca Strait bypass route. Thailand and Myanmar agree to set up a joint committee to follow up on economic cooperation that includes linking Myanmar's future Dawei deep-sea port with the Thai Eastern Seaboard. The deal came at the end of talks between Myanmar President Thein Sein and Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at Government House in Bangkok.

Sohar Port Receives 1,000th Vessel

As Oman celebrated its 42nd Renaissance anniversary, Port of Sohar welcomed its 1,000th vessel of the year The 9,000 metric tonne MV Maria, owned and operated by SAL Heavy Lift GmbH, berthed at the container terminal C Steinweg Oman (CSO). On board was a 300-tonne gas turbine due for installation at a new power plant under construction in the Batinah area.
 The arrival of the 1,000th vessel this early augurs well for a significant increase in ship calls during 2012

Jamaican Cruise Port Development Steams Ahead

Managers of Jamaica's delayed Port Royal Development Project expect to begin construction by year-end on a cruise ship pier central to the restoration of the one-time "wickedest city on earth." Originally dubbed the Millennium Plan, it was to have been ready to receive cruise ships in June 2000, but was thrown off target by logistic difficulties. Construction is now scheduled to begin in late 2000. The developers need to raise $60 million for the first phase of the project

India Loses $12b on Higher Transaction Costs

India loses about $12b each year because of higher transaction costs at its ports, according to MM Saggi, nautical adviser to the government of India. Saggi told an industry conference that the transaction costs at Indian ports is about 10 percent, compared to 6 percent in developed countries, owing to problems like large turnaround time, port congestion, inadequate use of information technology, a shortage of dredging capabilities, and a shortage of trained personnel.

Trelleborg Gets Big Fender Order for Qatar New Port

Trelleborg Engineered Systems contracted to supply fenders to New Port Project (NPP) in Qatar After five years spent working closely with the construction company, Trelleborg has secured the $24.5 million (€19.5million) contract. The deal is approximately three times larger than any other marine fender contract previously placed and is due for delivery commencing at the end of 2012 and completion in early 2015. The $7.1billion (€5

Globe Express Strengthens Local Market Presence

Market strategy focuses on delivering innovative supply chain solutions that complement Kuwait’s growing reputation as a major logistics hub. Globe Express Services announced that it has intensified its regional growth plans by providing a full array of innovative supply chain solutions in Kuwait. The company is consolidating its presence in Kuwait to take advantage of the government’s aggressive investments in large-scale logistics and transport infrastructure projects