This article was published in the December 2010 issue of World Port Development. To receive a pdf of the article in its original format including charts and pictures please send an email to archive@worldportdevelopment.com

The tough get going

In a year which will be long remembered as a landmark year on account of the global recession, bulk ports around the world stood their ground and were able to limit the disastrous impact of sharply declining volumes. World Port Development reports...

Our Top 20 bulk performers' article featuring in our September 2010 issue showed that bulk ports are investing heavily to keep bulk cargo moving.

This article was published in the December 2010 issue of World Port Development. To receive a pdf of the article in its original format including charts and pictures please send an email to archive@worldportdevelopment.com

Balanced cranes enjoying a long-awaited lift

Ray Dykes reports on how the world of balanced crane manufacturers has tipped back closer to where they'd like to be operating.

Projects put on hold by the worldwide economic meltdown have been revived and order books dusted off. And while it's not exactly "happy days are here again" the industry is trending the right way once more. "In 2009, our company faced many problems and many orders were cancelled," says Pauline Julia, Project Engineer for the Seram Group, the world's largest maker of balanced or equilibrium cranes.

London Thamesport celebrated the return of United Arab Shipping Company's AEC1 service on Sunday 12th December 2010 with the arrival of the UASC Al Farahidi at the port. The reinstated call of the AEC1 at London Thamesport marks the return of vessel operations in the UK for the Line which has, over the last 12 months, serviced its UK business via a number of partnerships and a series of slot charter arrangements.

The Port of Dover played host this week to a VIP delegation from Bangladesh in order to show how Europe’s busiest roll-on roll-off ferry port operates and plans for the future. Including the Secretary in Charge Ministry of Shipping, chairmen from the two biggest seaports, representatives from the Bangladesh High Commission, British High Commission and UK Trade and Investment, the visit was an opportunity for the Port of Dover to offer its expertise on a range of subjects including operational efficiency, navigation, environmental control, traffic growth and capacity, port master planning and new terminal facilities.

Demag Cranes AG, owners of Gottwald Port Technology, exceeded targets for its financial year 2009/2010. With Group revenue of Euro 931.3 million, the German company achieved a slightly higher figure than the around Euro 900 million forecast that the Management Board had communicated in the Interim Report for the third quarter of 2009/2010. Group operating EBIT of some Euro 54.2 million was also above the communicated range of Euro 45 million to Euro 50 million.

The Port of Itajai in Brazil has commissioned the recently reconstructed berths 2 and 3. The flooding of the Itajai-Acu River in November 2008...

The port of Gothenburg, Sweden, has announced that a power shutdown is scheduled at Skarvikshamnen product harbour Berths No 506-518, from 18.00 to 19.00 hours, on Tuesday, 30 November.

The Houston City Council has approved reappointment of Houston attorney, businesswoman and civic leader Janiece Longoria to a fourth term as Port Commissioner of the Port of Houston Authority. Port Commissioners serve two-year terms without pay. Initially appointed in September 2002, Longoria currently serves on the Port Commission’s Pension Task Force.

André Toet, who has been Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Port of Rotterdam Authority since January 2008, will be resigning as of 1 January next.

The Panama Canal Authority and the Port of Galveston have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking the beginning of a new partnership. The MOU aims to facilitate international trade and generate new business by promoting the "All-Water Route" from Asia to the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts via the Panama Canal.