Ports Infrastructure News

The state of Great Lakes port infrastructure is one of the biggest issues facing the U.S. and Canadian maritime industries. According to the America Great Lakes Ports Association, “Due to years of inadequate funding, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been unable to maintain Great Lakes navigation infrastructure. Over the next five years Great Lakes navigation channels will require $540 million of dredging to maintain authorized channel dimensions. Breakwaters and other federal…

One of the largest port-infrastructure companies Euroports and Spanish offshore wind developer BlueFloat Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to foster cooperation in supply chain and ports infrastructure for the delivery of offshore wind in Europe.The strategic alliance marks a significant step forward in building capabilities and infrastructure critical to establish an offshore wind energy sector.Euroports, with its distinguished reputation as a premier offshore wind port operator…

On May 5, 2023, the White House announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was “taking the next step to invest $3 billion in its Clean Ports Program to fund zero-emission port equipment and technology and to help ports develop climate action plans to reduce air pollutants, improve air quality and public health in neighboring communities, and advance environmental justice.” That “next step” was the issuance of a Request for Information to inform EPA of the availability…

Port operations across the country are vital to America’s economy, often coming at a cost to health and welfare of neighboring communities—notably, by emitting harmful emissions and producing poor air quality.Incorporating propane can help ports support economic growth while safeguarding our environment.The loading and unloading of container ships at marine terminals requires a variety of cargo handling equipment, historically powered by diesel and gasoline. As the country seeks to reduce emissions and fight climate change…

As part of his Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (EO 14008)—issued on the first day he took office—President Biden made significant commitments to renewable energy. These commitments include collaborating with multiple federal agencies in the United States and promoting critical industry support for the acquisition of electric vehicles for the federal fleet, as well as rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, the landmark international agreement signed in 2015 to limit global warming.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to apply for $225 million in discretionary grant funding through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).“America’s ports are a critical part of the Nation’s multimodal transportation network and this Notice of Funding Opportunity provides guidance on how to apply for these grants,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.The Port Infrastructure Development Program supports U.S.

Coast Guard Hurricane Dorian response operations are underway in support of the Bahamas.As of Wednesday at 1000 hours:Coast Guard crews from across the Coast Guard have rescued 61 people and rescued four pets in the Bahamas since Hurricane Dorian began.The Coast Guard is currently conducting air operations based out of Andros Island, Bahamas. Other aspects f the USCG response are as follows:Port Condition Zulu is set for the Port of Palm BeachPort Condition Four for the Ports of Fort Pierce…

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreed by DP World, Egypt’s Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport and the Suez Canal Authority is aiming to develop a new Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Egypt’s 6th of October City, a satellite town in the Giza Governorate and part of the urban area of Cairo. The three partners will bid for the government contract for the project later this year. The proposed ICD will increase the flow of cargo between ships and major land transportation networks in the country, creating a central distribution point. Under the MoU, DP World will lead and represent the alliance in the bidding process and become the ICD operator if the tender is won.

Abu Dhabi celebrated the official commencement of operations of Fujairah Terminals in the East coast of the United Arab Emirates. The announcement came following an official event held at Novotel Fujairah, attended by Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Board of Port of Fujairah, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, along with a delegation of Senior Managers, Key Stakeholders and Customers. Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi Ports signed a 35-year concession agreement with the Port of Fujairah, under which "Fujairah Terminals", a new operational arm wholly owned by Abu Dhabi Ports, was established with over AED 1 billion ear-marked for investment in in equipment, and infra and super structure.

Bulgaria will develop its port infrastructure in cooperation with Qatar, reports Standartnews.   Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov held a meeting with Qatar’s Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti in this regards.   The major topic of discussion was the Memorandum of Understanding between the Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company and the Qatar Ports Management Company.    The official visit of Al-Sulaiti in Bulgaria is at the invitation of the native transport minister Ivaylo Moskovski.     Prime Minister Boyko Borisov commented that the document set a good groundwork for bilateral cooperation in the development of port infrastructure and better cooperation among the port administrations.

India will soon get its second maritime university, Gujarat Maritime University (GMB), which will primarily be focusing on the commercial maritime courses. According to sources, the first course likely to be rolled out in 2018. The government of Gujarat has already given an in-principle approval for the establishment of the university. The new Gujarat Maritime University will focus on commercial maritime courses instead of technical programmes that are being offered in over 130 Indian training institutes and the existing Indian Maritime University, say sources. A report in DNA quoted AK Rakesh, chairman and chief executive officer of the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) as saying: "At present, the Indian maritime institutes offer pre-sea and post-sea training programmes.

Vedanta Limited, India’s only diversified natural resources company today received the ‘Letter of Award’ for Redevelopment of Berth No.8, 9 and Barge Berths at Port of Mormugao, Goa (‘Project’) on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) Basis. It was handed over to Vedanta’s Iron Ore business CEO, Mr. Kishore Kumar by I.Jeyakumar, Chairman – Mormugao Port Trust in the presence of Road, Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister Mr. Nitin Gadkari at the Maritime India Summit (MIS), 2016 being held at Mumbai. Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Mr. Kishore Kumar stated, “We are excited about the project and the opportunity to partner with the Government of India.

Nadir B. Godrej, MD of Godrej Industries Ltd., was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award by the All India Liquid Bulk Importers and Exporters Association (AILBIEA) during its 15th Anniversary celebration held on 1st April 2016 in Mumbai. AILBIEA, whose members are responsible for most of the liquid bulk cargo that pass through various ports of India and which has hit a whopping volume of over 200 Million tons this year, made this rare gesture of conferring this momentous award on Mr Godrej for his monumental role in bringing up the country's liquid bulk business to its present status. On the receipt of award Mr. Nadir Godrej said…

Dubai ports operator DP World and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) have launched a new joint venture aiming to invest in ports, transportation and logistics infrastructure in Russia, they said in a statement on Thursday. Under the name DP World Russia, the new company will focus on marine, dry ports and logistics infrastructure with potential total investments of $2 billion. Reporting by Oksana Kobzeva

China Merchants Holdings (International) Company Limited, has announced that it has signed a share subscription agreement with Dalian Port (PDA) Co., under which Dalian Port will issue 1.1bn new shares to China Merchants for HK$4.3bn ($554m). Upon completion of the transaction, China Merchants will hold a 21.05% equity stake of Dalian Port, becoming the second largest shareholder. China Merchants Holdings, which will become Dalian Port's second-largest shareholder after the purchase, said the deal allows it to strengthen its ports network within China and enhance its port-service network. China Merchant said it has been striving to further strengthen its ports network within China…

The Consortium BulRIS II led by Transas has completed the second phase of the BULRIS project, funded by the Operational Program "Transport" 2007 – 2013. The system was delivered to the Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPI Co.) The inauguration ceremony took place at the River Information Center in Ruse in presence of the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications Ivaylo Moskovski. Within the project Transas…

India's Ministry of Shipping has chalked out a plan to raise a trillion India Rupees to develop ports, build ships and improve inland waterways, says a report in the Business Standard. The money will help the shipping ministry, which floated the proposal, help finance port and maritime-related infrastructure projects. The amount would be raised in the dollar equivalent at an interest of three per cent. For, the government may set up a dedicated company by pooling the future income of the 12 ports it directly owns. The company set up specifically for this purpose—a special purpose vehicle or SPV—will leverage the pooled income of the dollar receivables of the 12 ports to borrow from overseas insurance and pension funds which seek good returns for their capital.

Ireland’s largest bulk port company, Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC), announced yesterday the commissioning of the first ports infrastructure project since the turn of the millennium, with a €50million capital investment programme at Foynes. Launched by Minister for Transport and Tourism Paschal Donohoe, the programme is the implementation of the first key element of the port company’s masterplan, Vision 2041, which is aimed at transforming the Shannon Estuary into a major national and international economic hub. Today’s announcement will see SFPC commence a seven year programme in quayside infrastructure development with a €12.5million investment in infilling of 3.45 acres on the port’s East Jetty, with work beginning this month.

Port of Amsterdam signed a Letter of Intent (Lol) with Gujarat Ports Infrastructure & Development Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of Gujarat Maritime Board. The intention is to enhance trade between Gujarat and Amsterdam and intensify existing cooperation. The signing of LoI by AK Rakesh, Chairman of Gujarat Ports Infrastructure & Development Company Limited and CEO and Vice-Chairman of Gujarat Maritime Board and Anthony Van Der Hoest, Commercial Director-Logistics, Port of Amsterdam took place in Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India) during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Attending the summit was part of a trade mission of several Dutch companies. Port of Amsterdam will increase cooperation in the development of ports in Gujarat state.

Office of Congressional and Public Affairs Maritime Administration draws attention to a new video in which Vice-President Joe Biden explains in 90 seconds why the country needs to invest in its ports. The video is at: http://1.usa.gov/1lbkE99

Transas Marine has signed contracts with the Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPI Co) for the implementation of two significant Vessel Traffic System projects in Bulgaria. The first project involves completion of the second phase of the Bulgarian River Information Services project (BulRISII). Under this contract Transas will supply and install a Vessel Traffic Management Information System compliant with all European standards and technical requirements for the River Information Services.

Qatari shipbuilder Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar (NDSQ) say they have delivered to Milaha the 32m-long tug 'Semesma', the eleventh vessel built in the State of Qatar by NDSQ to be utilized by Milaha at the Port of Mesaieed. ASD tug Semesma has a bollard pull of 80 tons and will be used for escorting vessels visiting the Port of Mesaieed. The tug is 32m long with a beam of 13m and has been equipped for offshore towing, firefighting and pollution control. Semesma is part of a 19…

Port authorities in the West African states must act together to explore the full potential of the region's maritime industry to enable them compete in the global economy, Richard Anamoo, Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has said. According to him, there is the need to enhance trade and investment opportunities for ports infrastructure development considering the growth in traffic and increase in imports. Anamoo said that the management of the ports has been fraught with many challenges including terrorism, pirating, the challenge of trade facilitation, among other and that it will take partnerships to be able to stand the test of time.