ECT has placed the order for the Liebherr SC340S. These machines will stack 1 over 2 high and are supplied with a 40 t Stinis single lift spreader. The straddle carriers will mainly operate in the landside interface zone, shuttling between the automatic stacking cranes and trucks. In addition the straddles will handle multi trailers for intra terminal transfer for onward transport by train or barge. The Liebherr straddle carriers are linked to a remote positional tracking system, providing real-time accurate information on the position and handling rates of containers within the terminal. ECT Delta Terminal is the largest terminal in Europe and one of the major trade gateways of Europe.

The agreement involves PSA’s investment in Sociedad Puerto Industrial Aguadulce S.A. (“SPIA”), an indirect subsidiary of ICTSI, which holds the 30-year concession for the Aguadulce Port Project granted by the Agencia Nacional de Infraestructura of Colombia.

“We are excited about the prospect of working with PSA to develop a terminal that we know will be key to Colombia’s trade growth.  PSA and ICTSI share the same aspirations for the Aguadulce Port, and the opportunity to bring this shared goal to fruition presented itself.  We are confident and look forward to the success of this important collaboration,” says Enrique K. Razon Jr., ICTSI chairman and president.

“We are delighted to partner with ICTSI and co-invest in the Aguadulce Port Project. ICTSI and PSA will bring our complementary strengths to ensure this greenfield terminal supports the growing demand for trade and logistics in Colombia, amidst the improving business environment in the region,” says Tan Chong Meng, PSA Group CEO.

Under the terms of the agreement, ICTSI’s wholly-owned subsidiaries Kinston Enterprises Corporation and Future Water S.A. agreed to the purchase by PSA Colombia Pacific Pte. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of PSA, of SPIA shares representing 45.64 percent of SPIA’s issued and outstanding share capital, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent to completion.

Upon completion of the agreement, ICTSI and PSA, through their respective subsidiaries, will jointly own 91.28 percent of issued and outstanding share capital of SPIA.  ICTSI and PSA will thereafter work jointly towards the success of the Aguadulce Port Project.

ICTSI is a leading port management company involved in the operation and development of marine terminals and port projects worldwide.

PSA is one of the leading global port groups with port projects across Asia, Europe and the Americas and flagship operations in Singapore and Antwerp.

Seattle Harbor container volumes were down 3.6% August 2013 vs. 2012 and down 19.1% YTD. Full exports were up 3.3% in the month of August. With the G.A. volume shift factored out, Seattle full outbound volumes are up 5.8% YTD.

The Request for Qualification, which was issued in accordance with the provisions of Section 56 and a directive issued by the Minister of Transport in terms of Section 79 of the National Ports Act 12 of 2005, affords interested prospective terminal operators the opportunity to qualify for participation in the next phase of the procurement programme for the selection and appointment of a Terminal Operator for the Ngqura Container Terminal.

The session comprised of a presentation to bidders, who bought the Request for Qualification Bid Documentation. Bidders were given an opportunity to pose questions of clarity on the RFQ Documentation to a panel of TNPA’s senior leadership which including its Chief Executive, Mr Tau Morwe, his national General Managers, the Port of Ngqura’s Port Manager, Port Engineer, Harbour Master and Legal Advisor.

The session was well attended with both national and international container industry specialists and operators, with 23 (twenty three) out of the 32 (thirty two) prospective Bidders who purchased the RFQ bid documentation being present.  This marks a significant step in the history of the TNPA and the Port of Ngqura as it continues with its programme of implementing the provisions of the National Ports Act and fulfilling both the Port of Ngqura’s and the TNPA’s strategic objectives.

Bidders who meet the qualification criteria would be invited to submit comprehensive business proposals which will mark the commencement of the second phase of the procurement programme and which will culminate in the selection and appointment of a Terminal Operator by October 2015.