The works under Parcel 5 of the WBDD project include dredging to – 7.5 m of a 3 km access channel and several access channel ramifications as well as several berth pockets. The specific aim of the Parcel 5 dredging works is to allow early access  for heavy equipment and modules to the so called Material Offloading Facilities (MOF’s) on Curtis Island as well as to allow an early start of the LNG jetty construction. A total volume of about 6 million m3 will be dredged, of which about 4 million m3 will be disposed of in strictly defined disposal areas 45 km offshore. The remainder will be pumped ashore to create a provisional new port area in the Port of Gladstone. The actual dredging works will start on 2nd June 2011 and have a contractual execution period of 40 weeks. Heavy-duty dredging equipment will be mobilized to complete this important dredging assignment. Two backhoe dredgers,, one backactor and a spread of splitbarges will start the works in June. As from August 2011 they will be joined by a seagoing cutter dredger to perform the planned reclamation works. The works represent the first stage of the Western Basin Dredging Project (WBDD) that will allow the construction of all planned LNG facilities in Gladstone. Within the largest LNG scheme  in Australia coal seam gas (coal bed methane) produced in the Surat and Bowen basins in eastern Queensland will be piped 435 km to several gas liquefaction plants on Curtis Island in Gladstone for conversion into LNG. The proponents for these facilities are Queensland CLNG (BG Group), and Gladstone LNG (Santos, Petronas and partners). The entire project is subdivided into 7 independent Parcels with a total budget of approx. AUD 1,300 million. For the overall project an environmental impact statement (EIS) has been approved already. Only a few weeks ago, Dredging International (Australia) Pty Ltd completed the Gladstone early works dredging and Fisherman’s reclamation works, which were the prelude to this important new contract.

The simulator delivery features exercise area databases of Australia’s busiest ports. An extensive library of ship-models, from small sports-fishing boats through superyachts to oil tankers and cruise ships, gives GBRIMC the flexibility to train different types of crew and competencies and the full mission bridge and the tug simulators are integrated, so students may operate both within the same exercise. The simulator installation was completed within six months of receiving the order and is based on the latest technology and functionality available, ensuring that GBRIMC has the flexibility to offer a variety of different courses according to Kim Anderson, Project Manager, GBRIMC:  “The simulator is ideal for training at all levels, from coxswains to foreign going master and pilot training,” he said.

The GBRIMC simulator suite was funded by the Queensland State Government and went operational on 24th January 2011, with an official opening ceremony attended by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh taking place on 25th February 2011. It has capacity to cater for 124 students at any one time, and is closely connected with the local high-school through the MarineTech program, in order to help young students forge a career path into the maritime industry.

The contract to supply the new simulators for GBRIMC was won in a competitive tender against four other simulation suppliers. “We are proud to have been selected as the partner of choice in this highly competitive tender. Choosing Kongsberg Maritime, the new college joins a well-established simulation community in Australia. They will benefit from an environment in which they can share and benefit from each other’s strengths, instructors, course material and students,” explains Mark Stuart Treen, Sales and Marketing Manager, Kongsberg Maritime, Simulation Department.

The Indonesian archipelago has over 200 ports situated on its many islands with extensive plans to develop new cargo and cruise terminals as well as expanding existing facilities. The visit was an opportunity for the Port of Dover to offer its expertise on a range of subjects including port management, environmental control, security and especially port master planning. Robin Dodridge, Director of Corporate Operations for the Port of Dover said; “The delegation was impressed to hear that although the Port of Dover is small in size it handles over £80 billion of trade per year due to an extremely efficient world-class operation. We’re finding that VIP visitors from around the world are regularly placing the Port of Dover on their itineraries in order to discover more about the management of the port, acknowledged as being among the most experienced in the world. Not only is it interesting to compare notes about the industry but these visits are key to cultivating international business opportunities for the port.”

Picture caption: The Port of Dover’s Robin Dodridge welcomes the Indonesian Ambassador and the Indonesian government delegation.

Zeiss Staplerservice makes it possible for Konecranes to offer its own lift truck sales and maintenance services in Austria. Zeiss Staplerservice’s activities are based on long-term customer relationships and the company has a wide customer base and strong experience in the sales and service of forklifts from 1.5 tons to the highest capacity Konecranes’ lift trucks.

“Zeiss Staplerservice complements Konecranes’ present offering in the area, and by combining local lift truck knowledge with our present resources and products, we are convinced that we will be a very valuable partner for our customers,” says Kari Åkman, Vice President, Service, Region NEI (Nordic, East Europe and India). Zeiss Staplerservice has 23 employees. The acquired entity will serve as a competence, maintenance and business support center for Konecranes lift truck activities and for the surrounding Central East European countries.