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Port of Los Angeles Completes $65 million Everport Terminal Improvement Project

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Port of Los Angeles Completes $65 million Everport Terminal Improvement Project

The Port of Los Angeles has completed the construction of its $65 million Everport Container Terminal Improvement Project. 

The scheme looked to improve Everport’s container handling efficiency and capacity, while also allowing it to accommodate the projected fleet mix of larger vessels anticipated to call at the terminal over the next two decades.

The deployment of these larger vessels encourages fewer ship calls, further reducing air emissions. This directly supports the port’s Clean Air Action Plan goals.

“The completion of this project marks years of planning and perseverance through a challenging pandemic and unprecedented cargo surge,” said Port of Los Angeles Deputy Executive Director of Development Tony Gioiello.

“Thanks to our partners, we have completed a critical step in our efficiency goals, ensuring the Everport Terminal’s readiness to receive the next generation of container vessels.”

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the project in 2017. Construction began in 2019 and included:

  • Berth deepening
  • Mooring bollard and berthing fender upgrades
  • Construction of an additional 1.5 acres of backland
  • Electrical improvements for five new Alternative Maritime Power connections
  • Electrical infrastructure for three additional container cranes
  • Charging equipment for clean-energy and electric trucks

Dredging increased water depth to -53 feet alongside Berths 266-229 and -47 feet alongside Berths 230-232 to accommodate ships loaded with up to 16,000 TEU.

Back in June 2021, the Port of Los Angeles announced its budget for capital improvements projects increased by 42.5 per cent year-on-year after the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved a $1.7 billion Fiscal Year annual budget.

Under this budget, $13 million was set aside for Everport Container Terminal improvements.

contrecoeur

Port of Montreal Partners with Canada National for Contrecœur Terminal

The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) and Canadian National Railway (CN) have reached an agreement to integrate rail transport at the MPA’s new container terminal in Contrecœur.

The Contrecœur terminal is located in the main pool of consumers and importers in Quebec and Eastern Canada, close to major rail and road routes.

The CN rail line is already in place in the area covered by the Contrecœur terminal, but both parties will now cooperate to define the technical aspects to maximise the terminal’s efficiency and ensure a competitive commercial offering.

The partnership aims at placing the new terminal into a strategic position with port users to allow greater access to the key markets in North America, especially in Ontario and the US Midwest.

“The Contrecœur container terminal is a strategic project for Quebec’s economic development, which will make it possible for local businesses to be more resilient and keep growing,” said Martin Imbleau, President and Chief Executive Officer of the MPA.

“This partnership with CN will ensure optimal integration of rail-related intermodality for strategic, competitive and enhanced access to key markets such as Ontario and the US Midwest, to the benefit of Port of Montreal user companies and the ultimate client, the consumer.”

“Teaming up with the Montreal Port Authority and future partners allows us to design an efficient rail served terminal to provide customers with a high quality, consistent and safe intermodal service on our network,” added Tracy Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of CN.

Last July, the MPA launched a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain procurement process to expand its Contrecœur terminal.

The project for the new 1.15-million-TEU terminal was approved by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Canada after a five-year consultation period.

klang business increase

Fire Breaks out in Port Klang Container Yard

Earlier this week, a fire broke out in the container yard at the Westports terminal in Port Klang, Malaysia.

According to Westports Holdings, on 4 April at around 4.45 pm, the Port Police Control Centre (PPCC) received a call regarding a fire in the container yard.

Following the call, the PPCC called the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) from Port Klang, who shortly after deployed two fire engines to combat the flames.

The FRD will soon be commencing an investigation as to the cause and source of the incident. The Royal Malaysian Police has also been notified. They too will be investigating.

“At this point in time, we are unable to ascertain the extent of the damaged containers. All the affected box operators will be notified in due course,” said Westports in a statement.

“There were no damages to port equipment and infrastructure. We are also pleased to inform that there were no injuries or disruption to our operations.

“We would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to everyone involved in helping us to put out the fire particularly FRD from various stations.”

Last month, two separate fires also broke out at the Durban Container Terminal in South Africa.

On Saturday afternoon 5 March, a fire broke out inside a container which was situated in the stacking area at the Durban Container Terminal (Pier 2).

A separate fire then broke out on Monday morning 7 March.

The cause of the incidents is still unknown.

operation boosting its quay side capacity by 30 per cent and enabling it to handle taller vessels and infra-European services.

Port of Liverpool Sets a Number of Records Across its Terminals

Since the start of 2022, the Port of Liverpool, operated by Peel Ports, has set a number of record-breaking achievements across its container terminal division.

In March this year, the port handled a total of 52,300 containers (89,400 TEU), beating its previous record high of 47,200 containers (81,750 TEU) in October 2019.

Additionally, Liverpool2 successfully deployed five cranes simultaneously earlier this week for the very first time since the terminal opened in 2016, as it handled the MSC Hong Kong in just 4,516 container moves (7,350 TEU) – shattering the previous record.

In February, the port’s Terminal 1 brought two additional ship-to-shore (STS) cranes into operation, boosting its quay side capacity by 30 per cent and enabling it to handle taller vessels and infra-European services.

As part of Peel Port’s £400 million ($523 million) investment into Liverpool2, a second phase of the programme was fully completed at the start of 2022. This saw the addition of five new cantilever rail-mounted gantry (CRMG) cranes, bringing the total set to 22 CRMGs.

“These record-breaking achievements are real evidence of the increasing capabilities and optimised efficiencies of our containerised cargo operations at the Port of Liverpool,” said David Huck, Chief Operating Officer of Peel Ports Group.

“The significant investments we have made over the last few years have enabled us to grow and develop our capabilities in order to enhance our service levels across both our terminal operations. This is a real testament to the hard work and dedication of our people.

“The Port of Liverpool has a bright future ahead as a centre of excellence providing global shipping lines reliable access to major import and export opportunities at the heart of the UK.

“We are fully committed to continuing to invest sustainably in what is one of the most efficient and modern container port operations in the UK and deliver the best possible service for all our customers.”

In other recent news, logistics firm Maritime Transport Ltd. has agreed a 30-year lease with Peel Ports and a major expansion of its transport depot at the Port of Liverpool.

The multi-million-pound project will see the facility increase from four acres to ten with a new storage yard for loaded containers, significantly enhancing Maritime’s operation in the Northwest.

FTZ The Port of Melbourne has announced major investments to expand terminal operations at Webb Dock East.

Port of Melbourne Announces Major Investments at Webb Dock East

The Port of Melbourne has announced major investments to expand terminal operations at Webb Dock East.

The port has confirmed that it is working to reduce port congestion, improve efficiency, and accommodate larger ships at Australia’s largest container terminal and general cargo port.

The project will involve demolishing a redundant section of concrete and extending the quay line by 71 metres.

The contract for the works has been awarded to Fitzgerald Construction Australia and completion is scheduled for Q3 2023.

Saul Cannon, CEO of the Port of Melbourne, insists the project is an important part of a 30-year investment strategy, designed to create a more efficient and productive port.

“Now more than ever, we need to make sure we get essential goods delivered to hospitals, businesses, schools, and homes,” said the CEO.

“We are seeing a rising number of larger vessels calling at the port and our current infrastructure at Webb Dock East at times does not allow for two ships to berth at the same time. For example, this project will enable two larger vessels to berth at the same time at this part of the port, reducing wait times for the ships to dock.”

Webb Dock East was initially designed as a two-berth terminal and this project aims to restore its intended design capacity.

“It’s essential that we ensure our infrastructure responds to global trends, and these works at Webb Dock East do that. We’re meeting present needs and also looking to the future to make the right investments on behalf of the Victorian community,” Cannon continued.

The Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) is also mapping out plans to boost efficiency at Webb Dock East.

Tim Vancampen, CEO of VICT, added: “To complement Port of Melbourne’s investment, VICT will also be committing AUD$150 million ($111 million) in infrastructure to support the market with faster vessel turn around and additional slots for our landside customers.

“The $150 million (in this phase) out of a total new investment of AUD$235 million ($173 million) by VICT will include two additional Ship to Shore Cranes (STS), six Auto Container Carriers (ACC) and six Auto Stacking Cranes (ASC), bringing the total STS cranes to seven. The additional infrastructure is expected to be operational in Q3 2023.”

The Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) has welcomed the announcements as it has engaged regularly with VICT senior managements on improvements to landside operations at Webb Dock East.

The Webb Dock East project is the third of nine projects that make up the 2050 Port Development Strategy.

According to the Port of Melbourne, this strategy is key to ensuring it stands ready to accommodate the growing needs of Melbourne and continues to make a major contribution to Victoria’s social and economic prosperity.

“Port of Melbourne delivers around $6 billion in economic benefits to Victoria each year. It’s critical we have the right infrastructure in place to support the economy. What’s good for the port, is good for Victoria, Tasmania, and southeast Australia,” concluded Cannon.

The Port of Melbourne also recently made PTI’s list of ‘Top 5 Ports in Australia 2021’ after a total of 3,278,635 TEU passed through its facilities last year.

A spokesperson from the port told PTI: “Port of Melbourne has continued to operate every day of the year during the pandemic.

“While the port has not been immune to the global supply chain challenges of manufacturing shutdown, container shortages and increased demand for consumer goods, we have worked hard to keep freight moving.

demurrage The Port Authority of Valencia (PAV) has approved the concession of a space in the Port of Sagunto to ZELEROS to carry out a pilot for its hyperloop transport system.

Hyperloop technology to be installed at the Port of Sagunto

The Port Authority of Valencia (PAV) has approved the concession of a space in the Port of Sagunto to ZELEROS to carry out a pilot for its hyperloop transport system.

The start-up company will soon begin building a prototype of its Sustainable Electric Freight-Forwarder (SELF) autonomous container transport system in the port.

This technology aims help Sagunto decarbonise and automate container movements between terminals.

The PAV’s Board of Directors (BoD) approved the concession of land on 11 February 2022.

The system consists of vehicles guided by rails and propelled by a 100 percent electric linear motor, this can also be operated in a fully automated way.

The Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) also played a large hand in developing the motor.

Additionally, the prototype will make use of a 100-metre shuttle which will be subjected to several missions to validate the functionality of the overall system.

The Port of Sagunto will provide an ideal location for the mock version as it can bring the technology as close as possible to the final application environment.

“Hyperloop technologies are also applicable to other sectors, such as the port sector, and with this pioneering pilot we will demonstrate and optimise the SELF system, accelerating the path towards its commercialisation that will allow its implementation in ports all over the world,” said David Pistoni, Co-Founder and CEO of ZELEROS.

Aurelio Martínez, President of the PAV, added: “The concession of this space to the Valencian start-up ZELEROS reaffirms Valenciaport’s commitment to innovation.

“Ports are spaces of innovation that host innovative experiences; this is how progress is made towards increasingly sustainable, efficient and safe operations. And of course, with this project, the Port of Sagunto is sending out a clear message of identifying itself as an industrial and innovative enclave of reference in the Mediterranean for future generations.”

The project is supported by the European Eureka-Eurostars programme and is co-founded by the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) and the Polish National Research and Development Centre (NBCR).

Therefore, the ZELEROS system is aligned with the EU Sustainable Development Goals, paving the way towards a low-carbon future.

In other recent news, Valencia port has reaffirmed its place as one of Europe’s biggest ports, handling 5,604,478 TEU in 2021.

These figures demonstrate an increase of 3.25 per cent compared to the port’s performance in 2020 and sees it surpass the yearly results from the Port of Piraeus in Greece, cementing its position as the fourth busiest port in Europe.