HLPFI reviews the shortlisted entries for the Port/Terminal Operator of the Year, sponsored by UTC Overseas.
This award will be presented to the port authority or terminal operator that has demonstrated its commitment to handling heavy lift cargoes over the last 12 months.
The shortlist for the Port/Terminal Operator of the Year award 2023:
Blue Water Shipping
Blue Water Shipping has heavily invested in its activities to become a leading terminal operator for wind-related cargoes, handling thousands of onshore and offshore components each year. With its permanent terminals in Esbjerg (Denmark), Cuxhaven (Germany) and recently announced Novaporte (Canada), Blue Water Shipping has a wide range of owned assets; a detailed HSSEQ and training programme; as well as technical engineering departments for the planning and calculations during arrival, storage and loading.
Logistec Stevedoring
Logistec Stevedoring showcased its commitment to the safe and efficient handling of oversized cargo through the investment and development of its Project Pesqueria – a USD25 million development to reimagine a complex steel-slab operation at its Brownsville terminal to double throughput while reducing costs and increasing safety. Aside from Brownsville, Logistec’s North Wind Teams achieved perfect safety records at the ports of Oswego, Erie and Lemont; invested in road surveys and engineers to evaluate critical points for the transport of wind cargoes in Oswego; and invested in equipment and training to maintain its most active project heavy lift terminal – Texas Manchester Terminal in Houston.
Port of Açu
Brazil’s port of Açu’s Multicargo Terminal (T-MULT) has presented an outstanding ramp-up of project cargo handling. The terminal has handled a wide portfolio of heavy lift and oversized cargoes, such as risers and reels, wind blades, turbines, off-road trucks, excavators and cranes. It has invested more than USD150 million in port handling equipment, supporting its remarkable annual growth rate of 61 percent for heavy lift cargoes, solidifying it is a key port to enable major oil and gas, energy and infrastructure projects in Brazil.
Port of Everett
The port of Everett moves nearly USD30 billion worth of US imports and exports annually and is regarded as one of the region’s premier breakbulk facilities, with a niche in handling high-value, over-dimensional cargoes for the aerospace, manufacturing, military, construction, agriculture and energy industries. Over the past decade, it has invested more than USD150 million to modernise its seaport facilities and expand cargo handling capabilities.
Solent Stevedores
Solent Stevedores continually demonstrates its strong commitment to high-quality project cargo and heavy lift services. At the port of Southampton, for instance, its recent activities include yacht, passenger craft, plant and machinery, and other heavy equipment moves. The team regularly operates any of the eight Gottwald mobile harbour cranes, capable of lifting 125 tonnes, for project cargo lifts. Three Kalmar 4x4 Tug Masters, meanwhile, are deployed to move heavy units when loaded on Mafi trailers.
Terminal San Giorgio
Italy’s Terminal San Giorgio highlighted its commitment to technological innovation, safety and environmental stability and the handling of oversized cargoes with significant investment in the past year. Investment was directed to port equipment and cranes (including a 150-tonne capacity mobile harbour crane), as well as technology across its 10,000 sq m terminal. A new fully automated gate, meanwhile, can accommodate all types of traffic, from rolling stock and containers to exceptional loads.
Zuidnatie
Zuidnatie, based in the Port of Antwerp, showcased its expertise in handling heavy lift and project cargo, with more than 400 ships calling at its three terminals in 2022. As one of the market leaders in its region, Zuidnatie has undertaken several initiatives to address the importance of safety at its terminals; invested in its equipment fleet to handle heavy cargoes; worked to minimise wait times for customers; and invested in technology to optimise loading procedures.
The winner of this year’s Port/Terminal Operator of the Year award will be announced at the Heavy Lift Awards 2023 ceremony on October 25 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. To join the celebrations, book your space today.
