All the vessels were berthed immediately on arrival. Cagliari is gaining momentum as a cross roads in the centre of the Mediterranean offering customers the option of JUST IN TIME CONNECTIONS between Mother and Mother or between Mother and Feeder Vessels as happened yesterday for a substantial number of containers destined to / from multiple global locations. This event provides tangible evidence that after a 4% increase in handled volumes during 2012, CICT continues to generate substantial value for its customers by offering fast and reliable trans-shipment operations by constantly improving its global connectivity and shortening the supply chain.

With its 1,520 m of linear quay, 40 hectares of yard space and 16 m of water depth the terminal has a substantial potential for growth and is able to accept additional business.

“This infrastructure is ready to serve multiple large ships at the same time”  – commented Franco Cupolo, General Manager of CICT – “a cross roads in the center of the Mediterranean, a perfect logistic platform and the extended home port for North African markets. Local importers and exporters can access the main world’s destinations via regular weekly deep-sea services thus representing a window to the World for Sardinian products. Our valued customers can leverage on CICT-CONTSHIP strong commitment, a young and motivated team and a Port Authority ready to further develop the logistics facilities and Free Zone. Despite the difficult general economic trends, Cagliari is reinforcing its links with all the growing emerging markets reflecting in a year to year 4% volumes increase”

The two HAMBURG SUD mother vessels are deployed in IOS east bound link (to Middle East and India sub-continent markets) and IOS west bound link (the same return leg to UK and North Europe markets). EMES vessels (CBS and WBS services) provide links to and from Cagliari with calls in Turkey, Black Sea ports, Spain and Morocco while UNITED FEEDER SERVICES/X-PRESS FEEDERS vessels link Cagliari with Tunis (STX service) and North Adriatic markets, Slovenia, Croatia, Sicily (CSA service).

It marks the first time in the 100-year history of the organization that a woman has led the nation’s busiest port in terms of foreign waterborne tonnage and barge transits. Longoria indicated that her leadership will be based on collaboration. She acknowledged with great appreciation the demonstration of support from the overflow crowd, which included local elected officials and community leaders joining her to help take the Port Authority to an even higher level of excellence.

“I don’t do this alone,” Longoria said, “I do it with the help of every person in this room, elected officials, labor, private industry, community leaders and members of the Port Commission, acting together for the same goals.”

Longoria noted that the Port of Houston will be marking a major milestone in 2014 when it celebrates its centennial.

“We will be celebrating our 100-year anniversary of economic development, growth and prosperity because of the vision of our predecessors,” she said. “We at the table are stewards of their legacy.”

Survey results released during the meeting further demonstrated the importance of the channel to manufacturing industries. Results showed that companies along the Houston Ship Channel will spend an estimated $35 billion on capital and maintenance improvements over the next three years. That investment is expected to generate more than 111,000 construction-related jobs and an additional $800 million in tax revenues.

Joining Longoria on the seven-member Port Commission are newly appointed Commissioners John D. Kennedy and Dean Corgey. Kennedy was appointed by Harris County Commissioners Court in December and Corgey by Houston City Council last week. Houston Mayor Annise Parker swore Corgey in just prior to Tuesday’s meeting.

The mayor was among a number of public officials and distinguished guests who were in attendance at the Port Authority. They included: Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Morman, Houston Councilmembers C.O. Bradford and Wanda Adams, Baytown Mayor Stephen Don Carlos, Deer Park Mayor Wayne Riddle, Galena Park Mayor R.P. “Bobby” Barrett, LaPorte Mayor Louis Rigby, Morgan’s Point Pro-tem Mayor Michel Bechtel, Shoreacres Mayor Dolly Arons, Pasadena Mayor Johnny Isbell and Pasadena City Council member Don Harrison, Pearland Mayor Tom Reid and Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal.

Other distinguished guests demonstrating their support of the Port of Houston included: ILA President Clyde Fitzgerald, Richard Shaw, AFL-CIO, METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia, METRO Board Member Dwight Jefferson, Sports Authority Chairman Kenny Friedman Houston Pilots Presiding Officer Capt. Robert Thompson, NAACP Houston Executive Director Yolanda Smith and Economic Alliance Houston Port Region President Chad Burke.

Janice McKenna combines experience in business development with a wealth of expertise in maritime and coastal engineering. Janice will provide the focus for further developing HR Wallingford’s maritime business with clients worldwide. Janice McKenna is a Chartered Engineer, a Member of Engineers Ireland as well as a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Dr Jane Smallman, Managing Director of HR Wallingford explains: “We are delighted to have Janice McKenna on board. Her considerable experience in the maritime and coastal infrastructure sectors will help us drive our technical developments and ensure we continue to deliver leading edge solutions to international clients developing ports, marinas and other structures in the marine environment.”

Janice McKenna adds: “I am delighted to be joining HR Wallingford. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues globally to bring together the best of the specialist consultancy skills and technology that HR Wallingford has to offer, providing our clients with tailored, high value solutions.”

HR Wallingford provides a wide range of technical consultancy services in the maritime sector, from initial planning and feasibility studies, through preliminary and detailed design, to construction and operation.

Janice McKenna joined HR Wallingford on 14 January 2013.

The role is very customer service focussed and this individual will be the main point of contact for their accounts.  They will ensure that all services pertaining to the accounts are carried out properly in accordance with procedures.  This will entail holding regular meetings to review progress and monitoring all administrative processes and responding to rate requests.  The Key Account Manager will also be involved with the completion of tenders and proposals and ensuring that the sales reporting tool is maintained.

The key skills required for this role are:

Analytical approach to problem solving

Ability to provide excellent level of customer service

Strong negotiating and influencing skills

Good knowledge of air freight and technical forwarding

Professional knowledge and training in sea logistics

Sales experience

Contact: Sue Bradnock  07771 686077 or email sue@svbsolutions.co.uk