He will be responsible for helping the company to reinforce its regional identity and expand its Asian-centred operations – which are focussed on its offshore and marine activities. IHC Merwede President Govert Hamers says: “Mr Welch’s appointment will assist the company in strengthening its strategy of internationalisation. We have successfully operated from ourregional organisation in Singapore for the past four years and are in the process of opening new offices in the PSA building on Alexandra Road to support our ambitions of growth. I am confident that our new CEO will help to further develop IHC Merwede’s presence within the region.”Singapore is one of the many countries in which IHC Merwede operates. The South East Asia office was opened in 2007 with the aim of providing optimal service to local customers in the dredging and offshore markets. Mr Welch adds: “I am delighted to join IHC Merwede at a key point in its expansion plans. I am particularly impressed by the way in which the company develops innovative solutions in-house and through strategic business acquisitions. I am confident that our customers will welcome this further commitment to serving their interests in Asia. “I aim to build on this approach from my base in Singapore and to provide the necessary support to drive the company forward by maintaining IHC Merwede’s excellent reputation for ontime and on-budget delivery.”IHC Merwede strengthens its internationalisation strategy with new CEO for South East Asia

Shipping companies, such as Star and Seatrade already were regular customers in Vlissingen and now with the arrival of NYKCool this unique position as dedicated reefer port is secured for the coming years. Now both NYKCool and Seatrade almost exclusively use Vlissingen for all their import flows. Together with the export of mostly locally grown potatoes and onions to Western Africa and Russia the total number of conventional shipped pallets will amount to approx. 450,000 in 2012 (equal to approx. half a million tons)  Logistics service provider Kloosterboer not only takes care of discharge and storage of goods, they also handle all (Customs) documentation and transport to supermarkets and importers.

The strategy of Zeeland Seaports and Kloosterboer is focussed on the achievement of centralizing the handling of specialized reefer vessels in Vlissingen. For this reason investments have been made in terminals, quays, cranes, manpower and infrastructure.

For the receipt of fruit in reefer containers, Kloosterboer’s target is to attract short-sea services.

Due to an optimal barge connection between Antwerp and Rotterdam, many containers are shipped to Vlissingen. Currently, a depot function for reefer containers is being discussed with several shipping companies. At Kloosterboer’s container depot the empty reefer containers can be repositioned in an effective way.

Other priorities include preparation for significant environmental cleanup efforts around the Duwamish River.

“During this recession the port commission has worked hard to reduce spending wherever possible, while continuing to make job generating investments” said Port Commission President Bill Bryant. “This stewardship enabled us to pass a 2012 budget that slightly cut the port tax and that keeps the port in strong financial shape.”

Under this budget, the port forecasts a slight increase in operating revenues, driven in part by increased air traffic at Sea-Tac Airport and an expected 11% increase in cruise passengers visiting Seattle. Other budget highlights include:

Over $391 million will be spent in capital projects that improve port facilities, generate near-term jobs, and maintain the port’s competitiveness.

The port’s successful clean air program will continue in 2012, providing incentives to shippers who use cleaner fuels and investing in newer equipment that is more environmentally-friendly.

The agency’s tax levy will be reduced to $73 million.       Levy dollars are invested in capital projects for the real estate division; facilities that support jobs, such as Fishermen’s Terminal; environmental programs; and transportation infrastructure.

As planned, the 2012 Draft Plan of Finance includes more information about how the port will fund its investment in the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program. Per the agreement with WSDOT, the port has already invested $19 million in projects complementary to the program, and remaining funds will be provided in the later years of the project – 2016 – 2019. By 2016, the port expects to have set aside $55 million toward that commitment in cash reserves, and will issue general obligation bonds for the remainder of the investment.

More than 75 Genie lifts left the Port’s Terminal 7 on the Sitcum Waterway last week on the Tarago, a vessel operated by Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, for delivery to international markets.

The Genie lifts exported through the Port were built at the Terex Aerial Work Platforms plants located in Redmond and Moses Lake, Wash.

From the Tarago’s destination in Manzanillo, Panama, the equipment will ship to customers in Belgium, Argentina and Australia.

The Genie brand was founded in 1966 in Seattle, Wash., when Bud Bushnell bought the manufacturing rights to a material lift that operated on compressed air. Today, Genie is a brand of products manufactured by the Terex Aerial Work Platforms business segment of Terex Corporation.

“This is a great example of how the Port of Tacoma’s breakbulk facilities and transportation connections help shippers get products made in Washington state to a variety of international markets,” said Larry St. Clair, director of the Port’s breakbulk business.

Overall, the Port has seen a 60 percent increase in breakbulk cargo in 2011, which includes Genie lifts and a wide range of industrial, agricultural and construction equipment.