Consortium GUPC said the Panama Canal Authority had broken off the talks. GUPC said the expansion and the jobs of up to 10,000 workers could be at risk. The consortium had threatened to halt work unless the ACP footed the bill for the overrun, which the Authority argues should be paid by GUPC.

‘Respect the contract’

“Without an immediate solution, we face years of disputes in national and international tribunals,” Sacyr, the Spanish company leading the consortium said in a statement. It also said that it continued “to seek a solution for funding the completion of the project and completion of the works in 2015, even as the Panama Canal Authority broke off negotiations”. There has so far been no official statement from the Panama Canal Authority, but canal administrator Jorge Quijano has in the past said that “no matter what kind of pressure is exercised against the ACP, we maintain our demand that GUPC respect the contract that they agreed to and signed”. Panama argues that the cost overruns are due to events that should be “normal” in such a construction project and be paid for by the consortium, which is made up of Sacyr, Impregilo of Italy, Belgian firm Jan De Nul and Constructora Urbana, a Panamanian firm.

Delays

The contract involves building a new larger set of locks that can accommodate ships that can carry 12,000 containers. At the moment the biggest ships that can navigate the canal carry 5,000 containers. Work began on the expansion in 2009. Construction is due to be completed in June 2015, nine months behind schedule, with the overall cost of the project expected to be $5.2bn. Any delay might be expected to cost Panama millions of dollars in lost revenue from toll charges. The Panama Canal, which was inaugurated in 1914, is one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

The trailer based, diesel powered unit will have a rated discharge capacity of 300t/h and is scheduled for delivery in mid-May.

“While the unloader’s primary location will be in the western part of Libya, our customer is planning to use it for cement unloading operations at several sites along the Libyan coast,” said Jörgen Ojeda, Sales Director for Siwertell mobile unloaders. “This demonstrates the significant commercial and operational advantages of our road mobile systems. It is easy to move them from one port to another and, once at the new location, one man can have the unloader ready for operation within an hour.”

The new unloader will be equipped with a double bellows system and dust filter, which deliver consistently high levels of efficiency and environmental protection.

Mr Ojeda said factors influencing the customer’s decision to place the order included the well documented reliability of Siwertell mobile unloaders, along with their high unloading capacity and low operational and maintenance costs. Siwertell’s ability to deliver the unit with a short lead time was also highly appreciated.

“This order has a special significance for us in view of the area’s recent history,” he added. “We take great pride in being part of the re-construction of Libya and in helping the Libyan people to a brighter future.”

Originally developed for handling cement, road mobile Siwertell unloaders from Cargotec can handle a wide range of commodities. They represent one of the most reliable, environmentally-friendly and sustainable systems available.

1) In which country did the ‘Bay of Pigs’ invasion take place?
The answer: Cuba

2) In which 1971 Oscar-winning film did Gene Hackman play Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Doyle, a cop on the trail of a French drug-trafficker?
The answer: The French Connection

3) Which artist’s work between 1901 and mid-1904 is known as his ‘Blue Period’?
The answer: Pablo Picasso

4) What 1986 animated film features a Russian mouse separated from his family in their new homeland, America?
The answer: An American Tail

The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) has reduced port-related pollutants by 50% since 2005 through equipment upgrades, partnerships and operational commitments to improve air quality.

“We are committed to operating in a way that is safe for our employees, neighbours and the environment,” said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. “We are pleased to be recognised by DHEC with this award, which is only possible through the support of our partners in the maritime industry and trucking community.”

SCPA’s emissions reduction efforts include:
Clean Truck Program – Over the last two years, the SCPA offered incentives to truck drivers to upgrade their engines to newer models to ensure that a reliable, clean trucking fleet will serve SCPA container terminals. Through the only truck replacement incentive program in the Southeast, over 80 trucks were replaced. In January 2014, the Port implemented a certification program requiring all trucks serving the container terminals to have engines manufactured in 1994 or later.

Equipment Modernisation – The SCPA has made upgrades to terminal equipment to support emissions reductions. All Port of Charleston ship-to-shore cranes are fully electrified, and rubber-tired gantry cranes meet Tier 3 engine standards or better. The Port is also replacing traditional diesel conveyors with electrified ones.  All construction equipment used on SCPA terminals must meet clean diesel requirements.

Terminal Productivity – SC Ports continue to be among the most productive terminals in the nation. Through reductions in gate turn times, or the amount of time a truck spends on terminal from entry to exit, as well as crane efficiency, the SCPA’s productivity minimises idling and fuel consumption.

Partnerships and Collaboration – SC Ports works closely with local and state organisations to promote air quality improvements. The SCPA is an active member of the Charleston, Waccamaw, and Upstate Air Quality Coalitions; Southeastern Diesel Collaborative; Coalition for Responsible Transportation; and the Southeastern Wind Coalition. In addition, the Port is currently participating in the City of Charleston’s Green Business Challenge. 

SC Inland Port – SCPA continues to diversify opportunities for inland transportation of cargo to lessen environmental impacts.

“These voluntary, common sense and cost effective emission reduction measures taken by the SCPA set a great example for other businesses and industries in South Carolina,” said Elizabeth Dieck, Director of Environmental Affairs at SC DHEC. “The ‘Spare the Air’ awards place a spotlight on the oftentimes unheralded efforts of our clean air partners and illustrate that job creation and public health protection are not mutually exclusive.  We sincerely appreciate the SCPA’s leadership and all of their efforts to support our mission of ensuring clean healthy air for all communities across the state.”

Last year’s award recipients include Bosch Anderson, Daniel Island Academy and the City of Rock Hill.