When port operators and managers set out to develop container terminal facilities, their chief consideration is obtaining an optimum return on their investment. So even before projects are officially sanctioned, important questions about the cost, time scales, availability of local resources and likely returns must be answered.

The size of commercial vessels has grown substantially over the last 50 years, driven by economies of scale and advancements in technology and handling techniques. Recently this has been the case in container shipping. Increasing pressure is put on ports to provide deeper berths in order to retain their customers or attract new ones. In many cases the most appropriate solution is to deepen the existing berths, particularly as environmental concerns make obtaining approvals for the construction of new facilities more difficult. Royal Haskoning applies its extensive experience of quay deepening projects and innovative thinking to develop appropriate and economic solutions.
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Ideally a marine facility is located where a headland or offshore island provides protection from sea and swell. However, this it not always possible and artificial protection is needed through the use of breakwaters. Such structures, whilst fundamental to the safe operation of the facility, are costly and in themselves non revenue earning. So cost effective solutions are needed, with construction being phased in line with the overall development requirements.
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Royal Haskoning has considerable experience of the services required for modern ports, being responsible for the design of fresh water and salt water firefighting distribution and pumping systems, high voltage and low voltage electrical distribution and switching, terminal lighting, and other terminal services. So even before projects are officially sanctioned, important questions about the cost, time scales, availability of local resources and likely returns must be answered.
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Investment in assets can make services available when the port’s customers need them. However, customers will not wish to see facilities that stand idle and therefore compromise productivity levels. Whether ports are contemplating the repair and upgrade of existing facilities or the purchase of new assets, we encourage dialogue between both operations and maintenance teams to generate effective solutions.
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The maritime structures that port operators and asset managers value the most are all under high exposure to physical, biological and chemical attack. Installations like quay walls, jetties, RoRo berths, marinas, sea walls and breakwaters exist in a destructive environment that does not encourage long term survival. But a successful port management process can extend the working life of structures by many decades.
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