Zurich, Switzerland, April 10, 2014 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has been awarded the prestigious “red dot award” 2014 for the tabletop operator control unit of its new Remote Control Station (RSC).

An international panel of 40 experts assessed products submitted by more than 1,800 manufacturers, designers and architects from 53 nations, evaluating the degree of innovation, functionality, quality, ergonomics, durability and ecological compatibility.

“The new design of the RCS tabletop unit was created following ABB’s ‘Operator in focus’ concept. This concept addresses crane operators’ performance and well-being as the container handling industry continues to expand the scope of remote operations and searches for ways to improve productivity as the ships get larger and the cranes taller,” said Heikki Soljama, head of ABB’s Marine and Cranes business. “This year the world’s first remote ship-to-shore crane operators will be joining their stacking crane operator colleagues in a centralized remote control room. Now both operator groups will be able enjoy operating comfort, top quality and leading edge technologies.”

The new RCS is based on extensive ergonomic and usability studies, and provides many improvements for crane operations. The most used controls are placed within a primary reach zone that supports the operator’s natural work flow, making the job as comfortable as possible.

The ‘Operator in focus’ concept aims to improve operator effectiveness and occupational health through the ergonomic design of the entire operator working environment. This includes the entire control room from lighting and noise absorption solutions to the location of adjacent areas, such as locker rooms, dining and meeting areas, in addition to the remote control systems and related operator workstations.  

The product design competition has existed since 1955 and is an internationally recognized quality seal for design. ABB also won this prestigious award in 2013 with its Azimuth lever design, used in Azipod® powered ships to control propulsion speed and steering angle.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 150,000 people.  

ICTSI will operate and expand container and general cargo facilities in the port.

Phase 1 of the Umm Qasr expansion will include a new 200 meter quay wall and storage yard, with a capacity of 300,000 TEUs.  At full build, the facility will have 600 meters of quay and a 900,000 TEU capacity.  Furthermore, ICTSI will operate and manage the existing container terminal on Umm Qasr’s Berth 20.

Initial investments are expected to exceed USD130 million.

“This is by far the largest ever private investment in Iraqi ports.  We are excited about this opportunity, and we would like to thank the Government of Iraq for the continued support in this endeavor,” comments Enrique K. Razon Jr., ICTSI chairman and president.

Located on Iraq’s Gulf coast, Umm Qasr is the largest port in Iraq and the main gateway to the Iraqi market.  The port handles liquid and dry bulk, general cargo and containers.  It has 21 berths, with total berth length of 5,000 meters.  Container throughput totaled 500,000 TEUs in 2013.

As noted by Hans-Ole Madsen, ICTSI Senior Vice President for Europe and Middle East Region:  “The port has seen impressive growth over the past decade ago, and this is testimony to the spirit and skills of Umm Qasr Port’s management team.”

Madsen went on to say:  “But current cargo volumes are still only a fraction of what is expected in the future.  The Iraqi economy is being transformed as Iraq develops its industrial potential and catches up with its neighboring economies.  ICTSI will provide the world-class port infrastructure and cargo handling skills required to support Iraq’s economic transformation.”

With its operational excellence and large scale investments, ICTSI will serve its customers in Iraq – the importers and exporters, the shipping lines, and the shipping community – at the highest standards, thereby ensuring that Umm Qasr will become the pre-eminent international trading hub for Iraq’s international trade.

The strike is expected to affect all shipping operations in the port of San Lorenzo-Rosario. Particularly affected will be transits at Zona comun and pilot boat operations through Rio de la Plata, and the Parana River.

In addition, tug boat operatives and stevedores in the ports of Buenos Aires, Necochea and Bahia Blanca have declared that they will join the strike.

“During the strike, we expect to see operations at San Lorenzo-Rosario delayed by a day. The strike will affect all cargoes destined for the port and ships will be required to remain at anchorage if they have been unable to berth prior to commencement of the strike,” said Gabriel Curtarelli, General Manager, ISS Argentina.

George Jenkins, Chairman of the Dover Harbour Board, said “I welcome the praise of the Minister for the work that has been done by the refreshed board and executive team in improving relationships with Port users, while also re-launching and developing engagement with the local community. With our recently announced vision for the Dover Western Docks Revival capable of supporting major inward investment into Dover, I am delighted that the Minister wishes to give us his backing in creating a thriving port which in turn supports and delivers for a thriving town. We will be resolute in continuing our engagement with the community; this is a real opportunity for the Port and Town of Dover to come together and deliver an exciting future for all.”

During his visit Hammond viewed some of the developments in port infrastructure that have been delivered in the last 12 months. He said: “The port has put in an excellent performance over the past year with a 13% increase in ro-ro traffic, and an £85 million investment programme in key infrastructure projects. This includes the completed berth 6 and traffic management improvement works which include the creation of a new holding area with capacity for 220 freight vehicles. This is equivalent to taking almost 4 km of traffic off Dover’s roads.”

Hammond added “I would also like to thank everyone at the port for their remarkable resilience in ensuring that the port continued to operate effectively during the appalling weather we experienced this winter.”

Commenting on the visit and the announcement, Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott said: “I am grateful to the Minister for praising our hardworking team on all they have achieved, and for providing the certainty on Trust Port status they have craved for some time. Our commitment to be the Best Port in the World for the benefit of our customers and community is clear, and I look forward to further enhancing our relationships as we develop a shared vision to the benefit of future generations.”