SHIPPING

CASA hails port expansion, new projects

The Colombo Port has experienced a total growth of 23.6 percent to date in 2010 than last year and Colombo Port expansion project is making good progress with 3000 metres of the break water construction already completed with over 50 percent of reclamation, Ceylon Ship Agents Association Chairman Nimal Ranchigoda said.

Making his speech as Chairman at the AGM he said the dredging works have been completed along with the completion of the pipe laying work. Colombo South Harbour Terminal project is also falling into place with negotiations being finalized.

In the recent past it was reported in the media that the shippers in the Asian Region have raised objections about the so-called anti-competitive practices and the levying of arbitrary charges by shipping lines.

"There is no anti-competitive practice or any profit making by the shipping lines with the levying of these charges. It is purely all cost recovery charges which is in turn paid to the Ports and Terminals," Ranchigoda said.

Today the situation is much improved but shipping lines still continue to experience financial setbacks this year too going by the losses incurred in the first quarter 2010.

The only consoling factor is that the losses incurred in the first quarter 2010 when compared to the first quarter 2009 saw a decline.

It is a published fact that the combined losses of the shipping lines in 2009 was well over US$ 15 billion and they are expected to sustain losses this year too, he told the AGM.

"We need to act fast to overcome this situation. In doing so increase freight rates and focus on Ports to reduce the cost for the shipping lines are important," he said.

He thanked the SLPA management for the relief plan extended to the shipping lines during the crisis period.

"We would be most grateful if the SLPA Chairman will extend this relief plan from the present expiry date of October 15, 2010 to December 31, 2010," Ranchigoda said.

"As confirmed by the SLPA Chairman we are happy to note that the procurement of equipment at JCT is On Line as this will enhance all operational aspects at JCT.

A total of six gantry cranes, 30 transfer cranes and 50 yard tractors have been ordered. The first batch of two gantry cranes and five transfer cranes will arrive by end 2010."

The balance will arrive latest by July 2011. The supply of the 50 yard tractors will be completed by April 2011.

"We need to reiterate the fact that the South Harbour Terminal Project has to be fast tracked as it is of utmost importance to Colombo Port to be the major hub in Asia in the future.

The CASA in collaboration with the Colombo University has entered into an agreement to conduct a special degree course in Transport Economics and Commercial Shipping for the first time in the history of University Education in Sri Lanka.

Hyster unveils new options for empty container handlers

Hyster Europe has announced a series of new options on its empty container handling products including lay-back mast options.

Hyster's Empty Container Handlers have seen several new developments in 2010 in addition to the well reported XTL axle that reduces tyre wear and costs.

The new 'lay-back' mast options on the H16.00-22.00XM-12EC, enables the truck to pass easily underneath overhead obstacles, which are commonly found in port and terminal environments, such as bridges or pipelines, where previously the mast would have to be dismounted.

This model provides up to eight high stacking capability with class leading lift speeds and a rear mounted cab for excellent visibility.

On the hooks and side-clamps EC spreader option, Hyster has also further improved visibility by re-positioning the vertical end pillars and the work lights, useful when the spreader is in the 20 retracted position.

There is also a new ISO / European Union* ruling that affects empty container handlers, unless they are equipped with twistlocks.

This means empty container handler versions with hooks and side-clamps will have a conditional travel speed limitation of 10 km/h, if the side-clamps are not moved into the closed position by the operator.

Regional ports development to benefit industry

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

The capacity enhancement projects undertaken at the regional ports and the development of Colombo and Hambantota Ports will prepare the country to face the growth of the global shipping industry.

The regional port development will be an essential component in country's port related service improvement. It is important to upgrade facilities at a time when the shipping industry is recovering from the global downturn.

This will benefit the industry as well as the country, Sri Lanka Ports Authority Managing Director Capt. Nihal Keppetipola said.

"The country will focus on working with Indian Ports which are developing fast on a positive relationship where it could derive mutual benefits. We do not see Indian Ports developments as a threat, but as an opportunity," he said.

A dialogue on 'Ports Development in Sri Lanka towards a Logistics Hub' organized by the Community of Business with Britain (CBB) and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was held last week in Colombo.

The measures taken to develop our local ports and the efforts to convert it into a logistics hub could make a reality in the future.

However, improvement of soft skills and training of human resources will play a key role in this regard. The country needs to address the manpower requirement to capitalize on anticipated industry growth," Capt. Keppetipola said.

"The Colombo Port has 26 trade unions and this should be converted into an advantage by providing enabling working environment.

"We need to change the mindset and focus on developing the country.

"This will ensure rapid development of the shipping industry," he said.

The Galle Port will be developed as a tourist attraction. Trincomalee port area will also be promoted as an eco-friendly leisure park providing entertainment with more facilities.