During the meeting, which was also attended by DP World Vice Chairman Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah and senior company officials, HE Bin Sulayem suggested diverse solutions for Georgia’s trade and logistics development plans that would be cost effective and up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Both parties agreed that a DP World research team should visit the country to evaluate the potential for the possible construction of a marine terminal, inland terminal, logistics park or economic zone, similar to many other projects being developed along the New Silk Way between China and Europe.
DP World Group Chairman and CEO HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said: “Georgia presents a promising business environment where trade can play an ever greater role in developing the country’s manufacturing base, while encouraging growth of the state’s extensive logistics, distribution and warehousing potential. Georgia is also well placed to facilitate trade between Aktau port in Kazakhstan along the New Silk Way, providing access to the Black Sea.
“The country’s leadership is committed to its people, working to provide a stable, welcoming and predictable trade environment for investors which is key. Dubai is an example of that where our remarkable growth story stems from the UAE’s visionary leadership who embarked on an incredible journey. We are honoured to be able to share this insight and expertise with countries like Georgia.”
Global trade enabler DP World is developing seamless trade solutions to stimulate economic growth around the world, advising governments through its experiences and expertise in multiple locations in over 40 countries.
DP World also provides the Kazakhstan government advisory services for the development of the Khorgos Special Economic Zone and Inland Container Depot with a similar arrangement under a separate contract for the Port of Aktau, Kazakhstan’s main cargo and bulk terminal on the Caspian Sea.
The company operates a range of terminals in locations along the New Silk Way linking China to Europe enabling trade on a vital portion of the global supply chain. There are three joint venture operations on mainland China at Tianjin, Yantai and Qingdao and another in Hong Kong. There are six more locations in India, supporting over 32% of India’s container trade and 14 in Europe.
Trade between Dubai and Georgia totalled AED 376 million in 2015, with imports of AED 25 million, exports of AED 35 million and re-exports of AED 315 million.
DP World Chairman and Georgian Prime Minister discuss economic cooperation
Ports America continues investing in its West Coast strategy
The latest transaction includes a significant expansion and 20-year lease extension of the Husky Terminal in Tacoma, Washington.
International Transportation Service, Inc. (ITS), a joint venture between Ports America and “K” Line, negotiated an extension of its Husky lease with the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) through 2046. Ports America is an equity holder and service provider to Husky Terminal. Included in the lease extension is a planned expansion project of more than USD141 million approved by the NWSA, which will greatly enhance the terminal’s capacity and is expected to be completed by July 2018.
Husky Terminal’s extensive enhancements will provide the terminal with approximately 104 acres of leased and preferential berthing area in this major gate port in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Additionally, NWSA has agreed to order four of the largest, most modern gantry cranes and to complete yard and gate improvements. Upon completion, the newly-designed Husky Terminal will be capable of simultaneously accommodating two 18,000-TEU mega-container vessels.
Ports America is a 30-percent owner of ITS, with the remaining interest owned by “K” Line. ITS has been operating container terminals for 40 years in the ports of Long Beach (Calif.) and Tacoma, providing services to major shipping lines including “K” Line. Ports America has a long-established relationship with “K” Line and is pleased to provide world-class terminal operations and process excellence to its distinguished partner.
MacGregor signs loose lashing orders for twelve container vessels
The ultra-large container ships are being built at two shipyards. Six have been contracted to Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) and the remaining six are under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI).
Both shipyards have experience of MacGregor’s expertise and capacity to deliver cargo handling and securing systems to large container ships. In addition to the loose lashing system, MacGregor is also delivering hatch covers and fixed lashing gear to the vessels.
“MacGregor is constantly working to increase the cargo system productivity of large container ships,” says Tommi Keskilohko, Director, Customer Solutions at MacGregor. “Adding loose lashings from the same supplier ensures that the lashings are designed to fit the rest of the cargo system in an optimised way and will help the vessels to reach their maximum cargo efficiency, flexibility and safety,” adds Mr. Keskilohko.
“MacGregor has pioneered the development and delivery of lashing system solutions for large container vessels,” Mr Keskilohko continues. “We are a well-recognised and trusted brand in the container lashing market in providing efficient and safe cargo handling systems to our customers.”
Northwest Seaport Alliance plans USD141 million in terminal upgrades
The actions also included a 20-year lease extension, allowing Husky Terminal and Stevedoring to operate the terminal until 2046.
“This is a real historic moment for the alliance,” Port of Seattle Commission President John Creighton said during the meeting. “It’s the first major investment that the two commissions will be approving in our harbors and our gateway.”
Future Terminal 5 improvements in the North Harbor are under environmental review.
The Husky Terminal upgrades include reconstruction of Pier 4 to align it with Pier 3, creating a contiguous 2,960-foot berth, as well as the purchase of two more super-post-Panamax cranes to join two already ordered. These improvements will allow two 18,000-TEU ships to dock at the same time. The reconstructed berth will also include conduit for future shore power to allow ships to plug into electricity while at dock. Construction is estimated to be done in 2018.