Port Engineering News

Brendan Smith brings more than a decade of maritime experience to his role as president of Seaward Services, a marine services company specializing in the operation, maintenance and repair of government and privately owned vessels. The company is part of the Hornblower Group.During his 6.5 years with the U.S. Navy, he served aboard the nuclear-powered submarine USS Santa Fe, and his roles included chemistry and radiological controls assistant (CRA), quality assurance officer (QAO) and combat operations instructor.

FORCE Technology has expanded its engineering design and testing services portfolio to provide remote access to high fidelity maritime navigation simulation for the purpose of testing planned port and harbor construction projects. The new SimFlex Cloud for engineering studies unlocks time and cost savings during the planning and design phase of maritime infrastructure projects as proposed developments can be evaluated in real-time and under highly realistic conditions without…

On the 18 th October, the Port’s Engineering team successfully replaced the existing 1.8m diameter sluice valve at the south east corner of our Prince Phillip Lock with a refurbished spare as part of their on-going regime of programmed maintenance. Site preparation work and detailed planning had been carried out for several weeks prior to the changeover to ensure a successful outcome and to minimise disruption to the flow of ships through the lock. Following motivational bacon sandwiches and team briefings, work began at 4.30am to disconnect and lift the eight metre tall valve assembly up and out of the sluice pit where it had been working tirelessly for more than 30 years.

A new Multi-Purpose Kongsberg Maritime Polaris ship’s bridge simulator has become a key coastal and port development resource for The Instituto Mexicano del Transporte (IMT) following the opening of its new research facility in August 2013. Based in Queretaro, Mexico, IMT is the leading Research Center for Ports and Coasts in Mexico. The organization is using its new Polaris simulator, which was ordered in April 2013, within its maritime research, development and project planning activities.

Phoenix Products Company has partnered with two internationally recognized organizations to serve ports and terminals. By joining with these new distributors in Europe, Liftcom BV, and Southeast Asia, Portek Systems & Equipment Pte Ltd, Phoenix is able to provide lighting to more customers in these regions. Phoenix proudly announces Liftcom BV as a master distributor for Europe. Liftcom provides maintenance and engineering services to terminals throughout Europe. Liftcom specializes in independent structural consultancy and basic design of steel and mechanical structures. Managing Director of Liftcom, Jethro van Eersel, states “In terms of quality and service, Liftcom has found an equal in Phoenix for LED port lighting equipment.

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners appoint chief harbor engineer Al Moro as the Port of Long Beach’s interim executive director. Moro, who joined the Port in 1997 as a civil engineer, currently oversees all administrative and technical activities for the Port’s engineering programs, including nearly $4 billion in capital improvement projects. “The Board is extremely pleased that we have unanimously selected Al Moro as our interim executive director. He is highly respected by all of the commissioners, very well regarded in our industry, and well liked by the Port staff.

BMT JFA Consultants, a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd, the leading international maritime design, engineering and risk management consultancy, has successfully completed a series of long term engineering consultancy services for the Southdown Magnetite Project, culminating in a major marine works Feasibility Study in 2011. The Southdown Magnetite Project is a joint venture between Grange Resources Ltd (Grange) and Sojitz Resources & Technology Pty Ltd (Sojitz) and encompasses the…

Specialty certifications programs are growing in most professions as the knowledge needed to practice continues to rapidly increase. Specialty certification supports the explosion of continuing professional development. The American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) Academy of Coastal Ocean Port & Navigation Engineers (ACOPNE) held its 6th Diplomate Induction Ceremony to honor 21 of its members for their higher education achievement during its annual meeting Monday, August 22, 2011, in San Diego, Calif.

Dr. Michael Bruno, Dean of the Schaefer School of Engineering and Science at Stevens Institute of Technology, has been selected as Chairman of the Marine Board, under the auspices of the Transportation Research Board ( TRB ) and the National Research Council (NRC). The Marine Board identifies and responds to critical issues in the area of water transportation, port engineering and management, marine policy, offshore development and operations, naval architecture, and maritime economics.

Less than three months after seeking proposals from interested parties to design, operate and maintain a major new marine terminal in South Philadelphia, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced on July 23 the shortlist of teams that will continue in the solicitation process developing a public-private partnership that is expected to bring millions of dollars of investment to the region. One of the teams selected was a consortium comprising Delaware River Stevedores (DRS) and Hyundai Merchant Marine America (HMMA). DRS is a joint venture between Carrix Inc., and Ports America Group, the two largest independent terminal operating companies in the United States. DRS has vast stevedoring experience at several major U.S. ports, including the Port of Philadelphia.

Crowley Maritime Corporation announced that Jim Gillen has been promoted to vice president of engineering for the company's petroleum services, marine services and petroleum distribution groups. Gillen, who remains domiciled in Jacksonville, now reports to both John Douglass, senior vice president and general manager, Atlantic/Gulf services, and Rocky Smith, senior vice president and general manager, Pacific/Alaska services. Reporting to Gillen under Crowley's unified group of engineering support are Bill Metcalf…

As part of Crowley's overall commitment to recruiting, training and retaining a talented workforce, the company last year began a port engineer's development program to provide additional career growth to individuals choosing to make their career in the maritime industry. Crowley is confident that the program will address the shortage and need for specialized skills in port engineering and shoreside management and that it will provide additional talent to aid the company in its future growth plans.

Growing up in the under-developed Eastern Cape awoke the desire in Sibongile Ngumbe, National Ports Authority’s (NPA) first female Port Engineer, to contribute to improving the lives of people in the region. With her recent appointment in this position at the Port of East London, she is now set to realise her vision of making a difference, by further developing the motor hub port. Sitting in her office, overlooking the Port of East London, Sibongile (30), says she decided to become an engineer when she learnt, during her matric year, about the great number of opportunities a career in this field could offer. Following her graduation with a degree in Civil Engineering…

Twenty seven ports were recognized today for exemplary projects and initiatives at the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) annual Awards Luncheon, held in conjunction with AAPA’s 2003 annual convention in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. Winners were announced in the association’s national Communications, Information Technology, Environmental Improvement and Facilities Engineering Competitions. Engraved plaques were bestowed at the ceremony upon the Port of Tacoma and the Port of Portland, winners in of this year’s Information Technology Awards; The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Port of Portland, the Virginia Port Authority and the Port of Tacoma, winners of the Environmental Improvement Awards; the Port of Vancouver, U.S.A.

Senior port officials and maritime industry executives interested in learning the latest port operation, planning and management techniques can participate in the 16th annual International Program for Port Planning and Management (IPPPM), to be held in New Orleans, March 13-24, 2000. The intensive training program offers maritime industry leaders from around the world a unique opportunity for further professional education and personal enrichment. IPPPM is sponsored by the board of commissioners of the Port of New Orleans, the World Trade Center of New Orleans, the Louisiana State University National Ports and Waterways Institute and the University of New Orleans.

The article entitled, "Go to the Head of the Class" (MR/EN, Sept. 1999) presents a refreshing example of progress in maritime education. Professors Femenia and Butman of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) are to be commended for developing a Shipyard and Marine Management Program that is responsive to the needs of the maritime industry, and one that exemplifies the synergy of education and industry working together. I commend NASSCO and Atlantic Marine for their participation as mentors, providing internship opportunities that successfully foster the goals of the program. Their investment in the program appears to be paying off. A few years ago I was invited by Prof.