The configuration includes two navigational bridges based on the latest Transas Navi-Trainer Professional (NTPRO) software. The main bridge with five projector visualisation channels is equiped with reduced set of dedicated hardware controls. It will enable training in various shiphandling operations including bridge team management. Secondary bridge with one visualisation channel will be used for familiarisation and basic tasks. Both bridges are equipped with GMDSS workplaces for practicing in communications.

Evgeny Drumachik, Transas Simulation Sales Director, Europe, commented: “We in Transas are very proud to work on this project. We believe this medium size simulation complex will significantly improve quality of education and training in the Girne American University, in accordance with the STCW and beyond the conventonal courses. We are looking forward to seeing the first GAU students practicing and improving their skills on this simulator.”

Negotiations started in June 2013 and has led to an agreement that gives clarity to those employees currently working at the company’s Maasvlakte I facility who want to transfer to the new terminal being built which opens November 1, 2014. The new collective labor agreement matches new operating procedures, practices and functions at the new facility, which will set new standards in safety, sustainability and productivity as one of the most advanced, automated container terminals in the world.

The new agreement offers salaries adjusted for inflation each year plus wage increases of 0.5% (2015) and 1% (2016) on top of inflation, plus EUR 3600 in one-off payments over the CLA period. One of the key elements is 24/7 operations which is crucial to meet customer demands for higher productivity.

APM Terminals Maasvlakte II Managing Director, Frank Tazelaar stated: “The new CLA contains clear labor condition agreements for employees interested in transferring to our new facility. And for our customers, they know they will be able to access 24/7 operations at our terminal.”

APM Terminals has two terminals in Rotterdam: APM Terminals Maasvlakte I which is currently operating; and the new APM Terminals Maasvlakte II which is being built. The new terminal is already in the testing phase since July 2013 for new computer systems and equipment and opens November 2014.

In a joint venture, the Port of Stockholm and City of Stockholm are rebuilding the city’s largest port, Värtahamnen, as a huge urban development program. One of the most significant parts of the project will involve the expansion of Värta Pier.

600m of walkways
Here TTS, through its subsidiary TTS Port Equipment AB, will design and install passenger walkways to connect directly to three berths at the new cruise and ferry terminal. The company will supply around 600 meters of fixed walkways and six movable gangways, which will connect with incoming vessels. The central part of the fixed walkway will be constructed on two levels, with escalators and elevators for transfer between the floors.

For us this is both an exciting and an important mission. The scale of the project, in terms of the length and number of fixed and movable gangways, along with the number of contractors that will be on site means many activities will be underway simultaneously in a limited space, says Hakan Jonsson, senior sales manager at TTS Port Equipment AB. The port will be fully operational throughout the redevelopment period, he states.  

TTS got the contract in competition with other suppliers. The walkways will be carefully designed to integrate seamlessly into the architecture of the new terminal building. Electric or hydraulic drives will operate the moveable gangways vertically and horizontally.

As well as modernising the port, building additional berths and creating efficient areas for transportation, the 85,000m2 great development of Vartahamnen is designed to free up land for building a new city district including shops, homes and offices. The entire project is scheduled for completion in 2016.

“Even though the Water Resources Reform and Development Act still has to go to a conference committee, today’s action by the House is another step toward getting the federal portion of the cost,” Deal said. “In addition to authorizing the project, the bill could allow Georgia to begin using the money it has put aside for the deepening; that is a critical victory for Georgia as we race to get ready for the much larger ships that will soon sail through an enlarged Panama Canal. I am grateful to the members of the Georgia delegation in the House and Senate for their role in developing this landmark legislation and fostering Georgia’s economic growth. Georgians have waited on this day for a long time. The hurdles ahead of us are much shorter than those that are now behind us.”

The bill authorises USD662 million for the dredging project, which includes both the state and federal portions. To date, Georgia has put aside USD231 million for the project.

On another topic, WRRDA asserts that governors, not Congress, should negotiate interstate water disputes.

“As governor of Georgia, which has negotiated in good faith on interstate water discussions, I strongly endorse the ‘sense of Congress’ on how to handle interstate water disputes. These decisions belong in state capitols, not in Washington and not in court.”