SITL is the very first India focused industry event and targets senior managers from across the country, including the Indian Private Ports and Terminals Association (IPPTA), the Association of Multimodal Transport Operators of India (AMTOI) and many logistics and intermodality companies supplying important consumption goods. The event is especially important for the Ligurian Ports to consolidate and develop their relationship with a growing market and to draw new traffics to the region.

The tractors boast powerful 4×4 drive and 165 tonne gross combined weight (GCW) capacity and are designed to cope with heavy work in the most challenging conditions of port operations.

David Huck, head of port operations for Peel Ports Mersey, said: “This latest investment in operational equipment will significantly improve the Ro-Ro capability of the port to the benefit of our customers and end-users and is in response to this growing sector”.

 “The addition of the Terberg RT 283 Tractor units boosts our overall business efficiency at the Port of Liverpool, by helping to increase our service offering and capacity. The ergonomically designed cab, inherent safety features and easily accessible maintenance points will provide numerous advantages in productivity, cost-efficiency, safety and durability”.

The tractors were purchased from Netherlands-based Terberg Benschop B.V., which produces trucks for road and off-road utilities and tractors and trailers for seaports.

The tractors have been supplied with Terberg Safenecks that further provide improved stability and additional safety during Ro-Ro ramp operations by ensuring optimum weight distribution between axles. Use of the Safeneck System can increase permissible payloads by up to 250% compared to a conventional gooseneck.

The new company will be one of Europe’s leading independent project management, engineering and consultancy service providers and will rank globally in the top 10 of independently owned, non-listed companies and top 40 overall.

The intended name of the new company will be Royal Haskoning DHV, whereby for continuation of the Royal designation, a request will be submitted. With its headquarters in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, the company’s 8,000 staff will provide services from more than 100 offices in over 35 countries. Together, they deliver solutions to clients in planning & transport, delta & water technology, maritime, aviation, industry & energy and buildings. The new combination will have a turnover in excess of € 700 million.

Bertrand van Ee, chairman of DHV and designated chairman of the Executive Board of the new company, comments “We are very excited about the opportunities for our clients and employees. This merger brings together an incredible pool of talent and immediately doubles our reach.”

Erik Oostwegel, chairman of Royal Haskoning and designated vice-chairman of the Executive Board of the new company says: “The synergy between the two companies is enormous. We have worked together on projects before, but this is a whole new ball game.”

The merger realises the ambitions of both founding companies to be an industry leader backed by a financially sound balance sheet. It accelerates their strategies for international expansion with combined knowledge and geographic bases in Europe, South Africa, Middle East and Asia. The new company will be a significant global player in the maritime, water and delta technology markets and a major party in aviation, mobility and infrastructure.

Clients, business partners, employees and other stakeholders will benefit from:
–          An extended suite of engineering and consultancy products and services
–          Increased network of offices to locally deliver our world-class solutions
–          Access to additional opportunities for diversification and growth

Both Royal Haskoning and DHV are independent, trust-owned, non-listed companies. The transaction will be a merger of equals, whereby the new company will also remain independent and wholly trust-owned. Common values are an important part of the equation. The companies share a profound commitment to business integrity, sustainable development and enhancing society. Each has a proud heritage of bringing leading expertise and innovation to the market.

The Letter of Intent for the merger was signed by both parties yesterday. Signing of the Merger Agreement is scheduled for mid-summer, after the due diligence and after all approvals, customary to this type of transaction, have been obtained.

During his visit, HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem met managers and staff and made a presentation to representatives of the terminal’s ‘A’ Team who recently set a new individual crane record of 565 boxes in a 12 hour shift. This was on the OOCL Long Beach which worked at 176 moves per hour during the 12 hour shift.

Overall, vessel productivity increased by 20% in 2011 and quay crane rates have continued to improve further in 2012.

For shipping lines, who rely on quick turnarounds when in port, this means that Southampton can now consistently turn vessels around faster allowing vessels to save on fuel costs.

During his visit, HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem also saw how the terminal’s landside operations lead the UK industry through improved technology and smarter labour processes.  Trucks (which average 1.6 containers) are handled on average in under 30 minutes providing importers and exporters with a consistent and reliable service when shipping through the port of Southampton.

The DP World Chairman was also shown how the upgraded rail network from Southampton provides shippers with much greater choice as to how they can transport their goods through Southampton.  The percentage of inland boxes transported by rail has increased from 30% to 36% and the close cooperation between DP World Southampton and its rail operators has resulted in a very efficient and reliable service for cargo moving by rail.

HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, said:  “Southampton is a model example of productivity improvements.  The great strides it has made to meet customer needs and provide an efficient and reliable inland service and greater choice for our customers has set a new benchmark in the UK container industry.”

Chris Lewis, Managing Director, DP World Southampton, said:  “We have an excellent workforce in Southampton and we all understand the pivotal role we play in international trade and the supply chain. Our aim is to make the transition of goods through our terminal as efficient and seamless as possible.”