.
.
Some recent projects by Seaport Consultants - please click on the buttons on the image map below to view projects by region, or scroll down the page to view a chronological listing.
| Representative
Projects Chronological Listing 2007: Confidential Client. Evaluation of port terminal acquisition. Seaport served as commercial advisor and port consultant to an investment institution that was bidding for container terminal concessions in North America. 2006 – 2007: Confidential Client. Preliminary evaluation of port terminal acquisition. Seaport served as commercial advisor and port consultant to an investment institution that was considering a bid for port terminals in North America. 2006 – 2007: CANAC Inc. for Baja California State Government, Mexico. Development of Punta Colonet concession. Seaport served as technical port consultant on the development of the port, container terminal and railroad concession for Punta Colonet in Baja California, Mexico. 2006: Confidential Client, Canada. Proposal to container shipping line. Developed a detailed proposal for presentation to a container shipping line aimed to secure container shipping for a container terminal. 2006: Confidential Client, North America. Bid for multipurpose shipping terminal. Seaport served as commercial advisor and port consultant to a port terminal operating company that was bidding for a container and break-bulk shipping terminal. Seaport’s role in the assignment included: · Review of the potential container market. · Evaluation of alternative uses and business concepts. · Evaluation of data room materials, attendance at management presentations and site inspections. · Advice on competitive aspects and bid prices for the assets. 2006: Confidential, Europe. Traffic forecast for regional ports. Seaport prepared traffic forecasts for several ports operated by a terminal company in a region of Europe. Although the terminal company handled a variety of cargoes, the emphasis was on containers. The work was part of investigations regarding a possible acquisition of the terminal operating company by an investment bank that specializes in international infrastructure. 2006: BMT Maritime Consultants for Mubadala Development Corporation, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Business plan for new port. Seaport prepared the traffic forecast and assisted BMT with other aspects of the strategic and business plans for Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi. The port will be a multi-purpose facility that handles container, break-bulk and bulk cargoes, in part for the adjacent Khalifa Port Industrial Zone, a free-trade area. 2006: Vancouver Port Authority, Vancouver, Canada. Comparative port gateway pricing study. Seaport evaluated the regional competitiveness of Vancouver for the transit of containers from a shipping line’s perspective. The evaluation encompassed marine charges, pilotage and tugs, port authority and terminal operator fees, and intermodal rail activities. Seaport also developed a financial model for use by VPA to conduct comparative analysis and perform “what if” assessments. 2006: Agri-Tec International Inc., Nakhon Sawan, Thailand. Transformation of river port into a multimodal hub for export of containerized rice. Seaport assessed the proposed suitability of the Kumnum Song Rice Port (KSRP) located on the Chao Phraya River to be transformed into an International Multimodal Hub (IMH) for the direct export of containerized rice via the Ports of Bangkok and Laem Chabang. Seaport’s work involved assessing the rice trading practices and rice volume being exported from the region to define the rice market, establishing the framework for a business plan and developing a site layout plan for the IMH. Seaport also developed a container handling operating plan and estimated the container equipment requirements to enable KSRP to function competitively in accordance with established operating best practices for Inland Container Depots focused on serving exporters and also shipping lines. 2006: TDK Logistics Ltd., British Columbia, Canada. Development of site plan and container tariff. Seaport prepared a site plan, developed equipment needs and operating procedures, and estimated container handing charges for an off-dock container storage depot and stuffing facility. Seaport subsequently developed a tariff for the container storage depot. The work included developing the structure of the tariff, drafting all clauses and sections and establishing individual rates for services. 2005 – 2006. Fraser River Port Authority, British Columbia, Canada. Implementation of tariff schedule. Seaport assisted Fraser River Port Authority (FRPA) in implementing the tariff that Seaport developed for FRPA in 2004. Seaport’s work included a review and update of comparative tariff rates, an evaluation of the market impact of the tariff, and development a strategy to introduce the tariff. 2005: Bridge Terminal Transport Inc., British Columbia, Canada. Review of proposed container transfer facility. Seaport assisted the client to develop an expansion plan of their Vancouver off-dock container terminal to double its size and integrate a bulk transfer facility to handle specialty agricultural products from rail wagons directly to containers, or via storage bins or a bagging plant into containers. The work involved developing layout plans to harmonize the container handling activities with the bulk transfer facilities in a manner to optimize container capacity and traffic flows to avoid both traffic bottlenecks and operational conflicts. 2005: Terminal Operating Company, Canada. Evaluation of marine terminal site. Seaport evaluated capacity and expansion potential of a combined bulk and break-bulk cargo terminal the client was considering acquiring. Seaport evaluated the potential for break-bulk capacity increases within the existing terminal site and in conjunction with a vacant adjacent site. Seaport also prepared a conceptual layout of a container terminal on the site in conjunction with bulk handling. 2005: Confidential, Canada. Evaluation of bulk terminal. Seaport reviewed bulk commodity markets as part of an evaluation of a dry bulk terminal. 2005: Confidential Client, Middle East. Feasibility study of ferry service. Seaport participated in a feasibility study of a regional ferry service in the Middle East. Seaport’s principal work was in the area of ferry traffic projections. 2005: B.C. Wharf Operators Association et al, British Columbia, Canada. Evaluation of rail service issues at marine terminals. Seaport reviewed rail service issues at marine and off-dock terminals in the Greater Vancouver area. Information compiled from terminal operators and other sources was assembled into an overall picture of the level of and trends in rail service to the terminals. 2005: Barbados Port Inc., Bridgetown, Barbados. Review of port operations and market. Barbados Port Inc. retained Seaport as a port consultant to review its port operations, labour agreement, traffic and market competition, and company bylaws. The work involved discussions with senior managers, preparation of divisional operating policies, recommendations regarding restructuring of operations, a review of the labour agreement with the port union, and an evaluation of the company bylaws created when Barbados Port Authority became a corporation. The market review comprised compilation of traffic statistics for regional ports, development of a matrix of container shipping services for the Caribbean region, benchmarking the Port of Bridgetown with selected regional ports for container handing performance and costs of services for container and cruise trades, an assessment of the container transshipment market for Bridgetown, and formulation of an overall competitive analysis. 2004 – 2005: Confidential Client, Port of Bourgas, Bulgaria. Evaluation of bulk terminal concession. Seaport introduced the client to a concession opportunity in the Port of Bourgas and conducted a preliminary financial evaluation of two concession options: a bulk terminal, and a mixed bulk and general cargo terminal. Seaport assembled data on the port and terminals, evaluated alternative concession structures for the concessions, estimated operating costs and developed a competitive tariff. The company then used this information to evaluate the financial feasibility of the concessions and performed sensitivity analyses for the selected option. Seaport subsequently developed the outline and content of a proposal to be presented to the Bulgarian authorities for the concession. 2004 – 2005: Confidential Client, British Columbia, Canada. Break-bulk terminal capacity and traffic. Seaport compiled from statistical information and surveys a consistent picture of the break-bulk port traffic in B.C. ports. Seaport developed information on the break-bulk terminals, estimated their development potential, reviewed vessel productivity by product and ship type, reviewed storage densities by product and estimated the berth and storage capacities of the terminals. Seaport then reviewed the implications of alternative capacity scenarios for the division of break-bulk cargoes among the ports. 2004: Royal Arctic Line, Denmark. Royal Arctic Line (RAL), the only shipping line connecting Greenland with Europe, calls at one European port, Aalborg, in Denmark. As RAL’s contract with the Danish port operator is expiring in 2006, RAL wanted a cost and service quality-benchmark for Danish ports to asses the most suitable port to utilize as a base. The benchmark included an analysis of the container terminal operations and organizations, access to and capacity of CFS facilities, access to rail, and proximity to transhipment facilities. An important decision driver to RAL was the pros and cons to their larger customers, as some of them have invested significant amounts in cold storage and agent offices. Last, the economic impact to RAL of moving from Aalborg to an alternative port should be assessed. Because of the climatic conditions on the west coast of Greenland, especially outside the summer months, the vessels often arrive considerably outside ETA. The terminal must therefore have excess berth and crane capacities to provide the necessary service guaranties. Additionally, the terminal must have a good operations set-up with sufficient container handling equipment to turn the vessel around speedily. Seaport was brought in to assist with its expertise in container terminal operations analysis. Seaport interviewed the terminal management and visited the terminal operations to get a good understanding of their current operations efficiency, operations strategies, volume capacity, berth utilization, vessel productivity, quality of container handling technology, proximity to rail handling facilities, CFS, transhipment, unions, etc. 2004: Confidential Client, Denmark. Seaport conducted a terminal design and capacity study for a Danish container and bulk terminal operator. The operator sought a terminal operation that could handle ro-ro and containers without one operation negatively affecting the other. Because of uncertainties in volume growth for ro-ro versus containers as well as the limited yard area and quay length, Seaport’s assignment was to design a flexible operation with minimum initial investments and high utilization of quay wall, yard area and handling equipment. Seaport carried out: · Selection of cost efficient and flexible handling equipment · Terminal layout, allowing simultaneously ro-ro and container operations · Development plan for future volume expansions · Optimum position and handling technology for rail operation · Sizing, location and prices of infrastructure, superstructure and handling equipment · Required investments in handling equipment and IT systems · Estimation of labour and equipment hours · Suggestions for container terminal organisation The innovative terminal solution has very high flexibility due to the selection of straddle carriers for the container handling. There is no dedicated container stacking yard, but a yard that can be expanded and reduced on demand. The 1 over 3 high straddle carriers allow a high yard density, releasing storage area for ro-ro cargo. 2004: Confidential Client, North America. Container terminal development. Seaport assisted a terminal operator in the development of its container terminal project from planning to implementation. The work included financial evaluations, reviews of operating parameters, evaluation of partnering options and preparation of internal management documents. 2004: US Department of Agriculture, Mexico. Costs of trans-border shipping. In this project, Seaport defined the costs of trans-border shipping in light of post-September 11 border security requirements. The work included analysis of modal competition and overall transportation system costs. 2004: Confidential Client, North America. Development of draft tariff schedule. Seaport’s work included development of the structure of the tariff, drafting all clauses and sections, and building up individual rates for some services. 2004: US Trade Development Administration, Madagascar. Multimodal transport mission. Seaport participated in aTDA Definitional Mission regarding multi-sector opportunities in Madagascar. The project involved analysis of port and tug and barge system business opportunities for US firms and suppliers. 2004: Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development and Ministry of Transportation, Province of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada. Development of BC port strategy. The Province of British Columbia undertook a port strategy study to provide a comprehensive understanding of the competitive situation and outlook for BC ports. The goal of the study was to recommend a strategic direction for the Province with respect to identifying opportunities for the Province to facilitate, along with its key partners, the sustainable development and growth of BC’s key trading ports over the next 20 years. Seaport associated with Colledge Transportation Consulting Inc. (prime consultant) and Seabulk Systems Inc. for this work. Seaport’s role in the study comprised: · Projections of port traffic growth on the West Coast of North America and in British Columbia with a particular focus on containers. · Assessment of the competitiveness of British Columbia container ports with major container ports on the US West Coast. · A review of container handling technology and automation, and its implications for inter-port competitiveness and the development of British Columbia ports. · A review and projection of bulk, break-bulk and container shipping on the West Coast. · Participation in workshops and development of port profile and overall strategy papers. 2003 - 2004: Confidential Client, North America. Financial evaluation of container terminal. Seaport assisted a port authority and terminal operator in the financial evaluation of the conversion of a breakbulk terminal into a container terminal. The project involved structuring of the financial model and estimating operating parameters, operating costs and equipment needs to handle projected container volumes. 2003 - 2004: Confidential Client, North America. Advice on financial evaluation of container terminal. Seaport provided assistance to a port authority regarding the development plans of one of its container terminal lessees. Seaport reviewed the lessee’s market and operational plans and financial projections for its container terminal. Seaport also examined alternative structures for the site lease and as part of this work reviewed regional port authority charges. 2003 - 2004: Confidential Client, North America. Container traffic forecast for West Coast of North America. Seaport prepared a container traffic forecast for the West Coast of North America, with a focus on one port. The study examined historical patterns of world traffic, drivers of container trade growth on a world and regional basis, and North American market shares by coast and port area. The resulting forecast involved base case, high and low estimates of reasonable traffic levels plus sensitivity analyses that reflected more extreme events. 2003 - 2004: Potato Growers of Idaho, Idaho, United States. Agricultural transport study. Seaport investigated ways to improve domestic and international transportation options for Idaho fresh and processed potato growers and shippers and for associated onion growers in eastern Oregon. The work included analysis of current Union Pacific and Eastern Idaho Railroad services and rates, truck traffic, and possible intermodal services using various inland gateways. It also included investigation of export shipping alternatives. 2003: AMEC Infrastructure Limited for Neptunia, S.A., Lima, Peru. Evaluation of private container port. Neptunia S.A., a stevedoring company that handles about one third of the containers passing through the Port of Callao (Lima), retained AMEC to investigate the feasibility of developing a private container port to compete with Callao. Working with AMEC, Seaport was responsible for the market review and financial evaluation of the new port. Seaport developed an overview of the world and regional container trade, investigated the trends and drivers of Peruvian container traffic, projected container traffic for Callao and the new port, and evaluated the shipping services and vessel types in the container trade on the west coast of South America. Seaport also estimated a competitive tariff for the new port, developed a financial model that captured the port cost structure in Peru, and conducted financial evaluations of the new port. 2003: Japan Research Institute, Limited for Naha Port Authority, Naha (Okinawa), Japan. Evaluations of market for container terminal concession. In preparation for a call for tenders for the lease of the international container terminal at Naha Port, Naha Port Authority (NPA) retained Japan Research Institute (JRI), in association with a Japanese law firm and other consultants, to develop the concession contract and related bid documents. Seaport assisted JRI by evaluating the market aspects of the container terminal. Seaport provided an overview of container port traffic and growth patterns in East Asia and in particular in China, defined the intercontinental container shipping services in East and Southeast Asia, described the development status of container port facilities in China and in the competing transhipment ports in South Korea and Taiwan, estimated competitive transhipment tariff levels in the region, and reviewed NPA’s plans to attract transhipment traffic to the Naha terminal. Seaport also identified potential bidders for the concession and advised on various aspects of the concession contract and process. 2003: Dubai Ports Authority, Dubai, UAE. Assistance with development of management information system. Seaport worked with a team of information technology specialists from BMT Maritime Consultants on the development of the “PROMIS” management information system for Dubai Ports Authority and its container terminals. Seaport contributed expertise in container terminal management and operations and the information needs of operational personnel. 2003: Barbados Port Authority, Bridgetown, Barbados. Establishment of central container examination facility. Seaport worked with the General Manager of the port to address a number of issues the port is facing. One involved establishing a central container examination facility to strengthen port and customs security, control and inspection procedures. Other issues addressed included the review of the specification for the acquisition of container cranes and handling equipment, and design concepts for rehabilitating the existing container wharf and new wharf structures. 2003: UMA Engineering Ltd. for Vancouver Port Authority, Vancouver, Canada. Feasibility study of off-dock intermodal container transfer facility (ICTF). The objective of the ICTF, located near the Roberts Bank area of Vancouver’s outer port, was to improve the flow of intermodal rail containers and to induce capacity increases in the container shipping terminals by removing a portion of the intermodal activity from the on-dock intermodal yards. The study comprised site evaluations, preliminary designs, capital cost estimates and economic evaluations. Seaport was responsible for economic evaluations of the ICTF and its impact on port operators and users. Seaport also evaluated the commercial environment in which the ICTF would operate. 2003: PADECO Co., Ltd for Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Bulgaria. Port of Bourgas expansion project and port concessions. As port consultant, Seaport provided port management expertise to assess the impact of a new bulk terminal on the future operations of the port. Seaport also evaluated options for the transfer of cargo handling activities from the Port of Bourgas Authority, a public corporation, to the private sector as operating concessions. Seaport’s work included:
2002 - 2003: ARCADIS Geraghty & Miller, Bulgaria. Macedonia rail corridor feasibility study. Supervision of a traffic forecast and performance of a comprehensive financial feasibility assessment for a rail corridor linking the ports of Varna and Bourgas on the Black Sea with Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania. 2002: Fraser River Port Authority, Vancouver, Canada. Review of automobile terminal cost structures. Seaport reviewed how US Pacific Northwest ports structure the allocation of port costs between the ocean carrier and the terminal operator for automobiles handled at their port facilities. The objective was to assist Fraser River Port Authority (FRPA) to determine if its fee structure for automobile terminals is in accord with today’s competitive marketplace. The review recommended actions FRPA should take regarding revisions to the fee structure for the use of auto facilities under either a fixed lease or a terminal services agreement. 2002: US Department of Agriculture, Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda. Evaluation of transport-related aid programs. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) implemented a series of training programs and workshops focusing on concrete steps to improve the efficiency of agricultural trucking and rail movements to and from regional ports. Seaport assisted in monitoring progress of the training program and in assessing the results. Seaport also recommended changes to future programs. 2002: International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), Vancouver, Canada. Acquisition of container terminal company. The Province of British Columbia instructed BC Rail, a provincial Crown corporation, to divest BCR Marine, a division that comprised primarily a bulk terminal and the Centerm container terminal in the Port of Vancouver. Seaport provided expert advice and assistance to ICTSI, an international container terminal operating company, in its bid to acquire the company that operates the Centerm container terminal. Seaport’s services included strategic and marketing advice regarding container terminal operations in the Port of Vancouver, establishment of contacts for ICTSI, and reviews of confidential information memorandum and other data. Seaport also estimated operating and equipment capital costs for the terminal, developed a financial model of the terminal and provided preliminary estimates of its value. 2001-2002: Confidential Client, Evaluation of Proposed Container Terminal Development. Conducted an evaluation of the business merits and container market for the proposed development of a new container terminal. The work involved estimating equipment requirements, equipment costs, staffing and manning costs, and operating and maintenance costs for various market scenarios. The objective was to project the financial performance of the container terminal development from the perspective of both the port authority and the terminal operator based on joint development of the terminal by the port authority in partnership with a private sector operator. The work included developing a financial pro forma model for use by the client to assess the financial performance of the container terminal based on various scenarios for the apportionment of costs and market capture. 2001 - 2002: Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Philippines. Review of Philippine maritime sector. Conducted a top-down review of the Philippine maritime sector with a particular focus on the ports of Mindanao for the purpose of recommending a course of intervention by CIDA in providing technical assistance to the Philippine port system. 2001 – 2002: BMT Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. for Asian Development Bank, Papua New Guinea. Study of marine transport. The study dealt with small-scale marine transport to the smaller communities on the coast and inland waterways that do not receive a high level of commercial marine transport services. Among other things, the study addressed the demand for community marine transport, the availability of marine infrastructure, small craft operations and vessel safety. It included economic, financial, social and environmental evaluations according to ADB’s guidelines, and reviews of the institutional aspects of implementing the project that results from the study. 2001 – 2002: US Department of Agriculture, Mexico. US – Mexico agricultural traffic study. Seaport performed a transport cost analysis of wheat, corn, and high unit value commodities moving between Mexico and the US and Canada. The primary focus was on the growth in market share of direct rail shipments of Midwestern grains to central Mexico, versus Mississippi river and rail movement to Gulf ports. The study analyzed the possible effects of dredging at Veracruz in order to accommodate Panamax ships through the use of a vessel cost model developed for the project. Also studied were possibilities for use of Mexican Pacific ports for Western US and Canadian grain destined to central Mexico, instead of direct rail movements. The second phase of the analysis examined direct trucking versus intermodal rail or coastal ship for high unit value agricultural commodities, such as bananas, melons, and mangoes. A paper describing the analysis was published by USDA in 2003 as part of “Transportation Bottlenecks in the U.S.-Mexican Food System: Impact on Bilateral Food and Agricultural Trade.” 2001: PRTI Transport Inc. (A.P. Moller), Vancouver, Canada. Evaluation of greenfield sites for use as off-dock container terminal. Evaluated various greenfield sites for use as an off-dock container terminal to service the Port of Vancouver and ports located in the US Pacific Northwest. Developed layout plans and assessed the business merits for each site and the container handling methodology. Developed capacity plans and prepared detailed site plans for the staged development of the chosen site and the operating methodology to be used. 2001: Confidential, North America. Proposal for terminal services. The client, the operator of a break-bulk terminal, received from a major shipper a request for proposals for terminal services that involved both containers and break-bulk cargoes. Seaport was retained to evaluate options for container services at the terminal and to prepare major sections of the company's proposal to the break-bulk shipper. Seaport's work included:
2001: Confidential Client. Estimation of the financial performance of a proposed container terminal. Estimated equipment requirements, equipment capital costs and operating costs for various market scenarios in order to evaluate the financial performance of a container terminal from a terminal operator's point of view. Developed a financial pro forma model to assess the financial performance of the container terminal based on various scenarios for market capture. 2001: Confidential Client, South America. Assessment of bulk-hauling rail operations between a mineral deposit and a river port in South America. Analysis of rail and barge technologies, levels of service, and costs. Recommendations for further action. 2000 - 2001: Seabulk Systems Inc., Vancouver, Canada. Evaluation of market for Seabulk Cape Unloader. Seabulk Systems Inc. has developed a unique system for unloading of Capesize bulk carriers (80,000 to 250,000 deadweight tonnes) with floating equipment. The system can discharge to other vessels or with minimal shore installations to land. Seabulk wished to investigate the world market for the Seabulk Cape Unloader (SCU). The work of Seaport Consultants involved:
2000: Belgrano Cargas, SA, Argentina. Study of market potential, track and equipment rehabilitation options, communications and control systems, and port siting options for a rail system in northwestern Argentina. The US Trade and Development Administration funded the study in order to find methods to reduce state subsidy to the current concessionaire. The study focused on the line connecting the provincial capital of Salta with the Chilean border and running through a zone that produces industrial minerals. The potential for interchange traffic with Chile was also examined, as were port issues for minerals and other cargo handling. 2000: Confidential Client. Litigation support regarding an intermodal transport system. Review of intermodal transport system involving trucking, container terminals and marine transport and preparation of expert witness report.2000: Barbados Port Authority, Bridgetown Barbados. Review of port regulations. Seaport reviewed the existing port regulations and developed a proposed draft of changes and additions to be incorporated into the Port Regulations for Bridgetown Port and the maritime sector of Barbados. This work was a preparatory step to the Government of Barbados establishing Barbados Port Authority as a corporation. 2000: Adelaide Brighton Cement Ltd., Australia.. Study of leasing options for a major cement plant and limestone quarry located on the Gulf of St. Vincent in southern Australia. The marine terminal adjacent to the industrial facility was due to be transferred from a public port to its privatized successor, and Seaport was engaged to determine optimal leasing strategies under a new administration. A comprehensive assessment was also made of company shipping activities including coastal and ocean shipping and recommendations made where necessary. 2000: Rio Tinto/Hamersley Iron, Brazil and Argentina. Analysis of river transport options for a large iron ore deposit near Corumbá in Mato Grosso, Brazil involving barging ore down the Paraguay River to a port near Buenos Aires for transfer to ocean vessels. Investigation of river development scenarios, required dredging and navigational improvements, current and possible future towboat and barging rules, and other factors. 1999 – 2000: Barbados Port Authority, Bridgetown, Barbados. Update of economic and financial evaluations. This project was an extension of earlier work for Barbados Port Authority. It involved updating the port traffic forecasts from a 1999 base, economic and financial evaluations of the final project defined by the study, and pro forma financial analyses of Barbados Port Authority with the final project. 1999 - 2000: Confidential Client, Canada. Evaluation of container terminal market and feasibility. Seaport reviewed the container market on the West Coast of North America, estimated container terminal operating and equipment capital costs, and developed a container operations plan for a marine terminal operating company. Seaport also worked with other consultants to prepare terminal layouts and provided board-level strategic advice to the project. The market study involved a review of world and West Coast container traffic growth patterns and the factors influencing traffic growth, statistical analysis of container traffic, and a definition of the container services by shipping line. The study recommended target markets and developed market capture scenarios for the terminal operating company. 1999: Confidential Client, Hong Kong, China. Review of financial information memorandum for container terminal. Seaport reviewed traffic forecasts, container shipping trends and container handling tariffs for the lead bank in the lending consortium. This work was part of a due diligence review of the Information Memorandum, prepared by a major investment bank, for the Container Terminal 9 project in Hong Kong. 1999: Confidential Client, Oregon, USA. Point traffic counts and origin-destination analysis of auto and truck traffic moving over I-84 and local roads throughout the Pendleton-Hermiston area in northeastern Oregon. Assessment of local warehouse activity and likely future demand for such services. The study determined the suitability of an agricultural products distribution center complex to be located on tribal land in the Pendleton-Hermiston area. 1999: Confidential Client, Vancouver, Canada. Litigation support. Review of potential market for a deep-sea terminal site as expert witness and prepared expert witness report.. 1999: Seabulk Systems Inc., Vancouver, Canada. Evaluation of market for self-unloading bulk barge. Seaport evaluated the prospects for a self-unloading bulk barge to provide lighterage services in the Vancouver area. The barge would deliver small lots of special bulk cargoes to ships loading other cargoes at terminals in the Port of Vancouver and Fraser Port. 1998-99: Confidential Client, USA. Litigation support for liquidated damages claim. Seaport provided litigation support services in a case involving liquidated and actual economic damages that resulted from late delivery of container cranes. As an expert witness, Seaport was responsible for reviews of case documents, development of position papers for mediation briefs, estimates of actual damages and participation in mediation hearings. 1998-2000: International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Assistance and advice for bid for container terminal concession. Seaport brought together ICTSI, a major international container terminal operating company, and a Tanzanian firm, Vertex Financial Services, to bid for the container terminal operating concession in the Port of Dar es Salaam, an important port on the east coast of Africa. Seaport also assisted ICTSI and its local partner in their bid for the concession. The work involved gathering cost and operational data, preparing national and regional port traffic forecasts, evaluating the concession's financial performance, developing tender documents for the concession under internationally-competitive bidding, and advising on the ultimate bid price. In October 1999, the partnership was successful in its bid for the concession. Canadian International Port Services Inc., a sister company of Seaport Consultants Canada Inc., provided executive and operational expertise to the partnership during the mobilization and initial hand-over period of the terminal from governmental to private operations. The container terminal privatization has been a success for both its operator, Tanzania International Container Terminal Services (now owned in part by Hutchison Port Holdings), and for Tanzania. 1998: Hecla Mining, USA. Analysis of all transport options, audits of current rates, and formulation of alternatives for a northwestern US mining company exporting product throughout North America and worldwide. 1997-98: Kentucky-Tennessee Clay, USA. Audit of current rates, estimation of customer shipping costs, and evaluation of new transport options. 1997-98: PT Hickling Indonesia for BAPPENAS (National Development Planning Agency), Jakarta, Indonesia. Technical assistance for private sector infrastructure development. PT Hickling Indonesia provided policy and legislative advice regarding identification, advertisement and procurement of private sector participation in Indonesian infrastructure projects. The work involves assistance with drafting of implementing legislation (signed by President Suharto in December 1997), development of a plan for an information centre, review of regulatory issues, and various other tasks. One Seaport individual was seconded to Hickling to provide expertise in infrastructure economics. 1997-8: Confidential Client, U.S.A. Industrial mineral transportation study. Seaport conducted an audit of current rates, estimated customer shipping costs, and evaluated new transport options. 1997: Western Stevedoring Co. Ltd., Vancouver, B.C. Proposal for cruise vessel services. Seaport assisted Western Stevedoring in the development of a proposal to Vancouver Port Corporation in response to a request for proposals to provide cruise vessel services at the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal and the Ballantyne Terminal in the Port of Vancouver. Seaport formulated the overall proposal strategy and proposal outline, and worked with Western Stevedoring staff to write the proposal. 1997: Lauga Associates for Vancouver Wharves Ltd., Vancouver, B.C. Agri-bulk Products Terminal Rail Simulation Analysis. Seaport collected data and determined evaluation criteria for a simulation model of a Vancouver Wharves/BC Rail yard on the north shore of central Vancouver harbour. The model tested the cost effectiveness of a new loop track and dumper for various agricultural products as well as the suitability of various yard track configurations. 1997: PT Dwipantara Transconsult for PSA Corporation, Indonesia. Traffic forecast for major port as part of a feasibility study of offshore land development. Seaport compiled and reconciled international, regional, Indonesian and local port traffic statistics, gathered national and provincial economic data, and interviewed shipping lines, agents, industrial estate developers and manufacturing companies. Seaport developed an overall forecast model for the port and prepared forecasts by cargo handling mode with a particular focus on containers. 1997: Monenco Agra Inc. for Asian Development Bank, Indonesia. Marine transport aspects of coal sector policy study. Seaport provided assistance to Monenco on the marine transport aspects of this coal policy study for the Indonesian ministry of energy and Asian Development Bank. The work involved building up costs of generic coal receiving terminals associated with Indonesian power plants and estimates of the costs of Indonesian and world coal shipping. 1997: Morrison Knudsen, Mining Logistics Study, East Africa. Assessment of rail and maritime logistics alternatives for a new copper mining venture in central Africa. Seaport's work included:
1997: Morrison Knudsen, Peru. Antamina trucking alternatives review. Seaport assessed two trucking alternatives for a copper mine in the Peruvian Andes. Seaport evaluated both routes via field interviews and costing, and as part of this work used a vehicle operating cost computer model developed by the World Bank. 1997: US Grains Council, Southeast Asia. Bulk agricultural product shipping and handling in Southeast Asia. This project studied current and projected feed grain transport costs and characteristics from the worlds producing regions to Indonesia and other Southeast Asian locales. The study provided the US Feed Grains Council with a comprehensive assessment of transport infrastructure and costs for feed grain imports throughout Indonesia, Malaysia, and the other nations of Southeast Asia. The study comprises five tasks:
1997: Barbados Port Authority, Barbados. Engineering services for the rehabilitation of the Port of Bridgetown and the design of a new cruise pier to be built under a build-operate transfer (BOT) arrangement. Seaport provided engineering expertise to assist with this project. 1997: Barbados Port Authority, Barbados. Continuing assistance to the management of Barbados Port Authority. The work included a specialist advisory to the General Manager and Board, implementation of a new port tariff, improvements to the port's management information system and development of a maintenance management system. 1996: Confidential Client, Oakland, California, USA. Rail intermodal terminal pre-feasibility analysis. The project involved a preliminary assessment of the operational and financial feasibility of a large rail terminal designed to handle container traffic at the Port of Oakland. Seaport formulated a demand forecast, given competition form other US West Coast container ports, and evaluated design concepts produced by the Port of Oakland and judged their operational and economic effectiveness. Seaport also suggested alternative concept designs and operational structures, and developed a set of preliminary operating cost assessments and pro-forma financial statements. The client was contemplating financial participation in the project. 1996: Anacostia & Pacific Company, Inc., Mexico. Southeastern Mexico rail reconnaissance study. The project comprised a preliminary assessment of rail infrastructure and operational efficiencies of the Southeastern sector of the Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Mexico (Mexico City -Veracruz - Yucatan to Guatemala border), due to be privatized in 1997. The client was a New York-based investment and rail management firm contemplating financial participation in the project. The team performed an analysis of current traffic levels, tariff structures and levels of service. The team also assessed the operational status and reliability of the locomotive and wagon fleet, including shop operations and mechanical failure patterns, as well as yard operations. The report concluded with negotiating strategy suggestions if privatization was pursued, and suggested institutional and operational improvements which Anacostia & Pacific Company, Inc. should make if it became the successful bidder. 1996: Babtie BMT (Hong Kong) Ltd for Fairyoung Port Investments Limited, Nanjing, China. Traffic forecast for the Port of Nanjing. Fairyoung had entered a joint venture to operate the Nanjing Huining terminal at Xinshengwei, the foreign trade area of the Port of Nanjing. Seaport's work involved data gathering in Nanjing and compilation of statistics on economy of Jiangsu Province. Seaport met with the Jiangsu Province Ministry of Communications, State Planning Commission and Commission of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade, China Chamber of International Commerce, Nanjing Commission of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade, and two Nanjing-area Economic Technical Development Zones (industrial estates). We evaluated the economics of container transhipment via Shanghai and Hong Kong, intermodal transport of high-value cargoes between Nanjing and Shanghai, and container transport on the Yangtze River. We reviewed the implications for Port of Nanjing container traffic of Shanghai container port developments and introduction of linehaul vessel calls, creation of the Shanghai International Trade Centre, transhipment cargo restrictions imposed by the Chinese national government, and opening of the Nanjing - Shanghai expressway. 1996: Barbados Port Authority, Barbados. Specialist advisory to the General Manager and Board to achieve change in organization, management, operating systems and work practices at the Port of Bridgetown. A Seaport advisor spent over half a year working with the management of Barbados Port Authority. 1996: Barbados Port Authority, Barbados. Study of management information system. Seaport led team of MIS specialists that defined the port's needs for cargo control, accounting, statistical and executive information in a mixed mainframe - personal computer environment. Over 1996-97, Seaport provided specialists to implement the recommendations of the study. 1996: Barbados Port Authority, Barbados. Port tariff development. Seaport worked with Barbados Port Authority staff to rewrite the port tariff. Our work included development of the structure of the tariff, its clauses and individual rates, and testing the results in a financial model. 1996: Fluor Daniel Wright Ltd., Brazil. Privatization of Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (CVRD). Seaport joined the Merrill Lynch - N M Rothschild et. al. consortium study of privatizing CVRD, the Brazilian state mining and industrial holding company. The consortiums client was the National Economic and Social Development Bank of Brazil (BNDES). Seaport was responsible for reviews of the ports of Tubarão and Ponta da Madeira, and Navegação Vale do Rio Doce S/A (Docenave), CVRDs bulk shipping company. The work involved evaluating the management and operations of the ports, and modeling the ports financial performances over the next 15 years as part of the valuation exercise. The study also involved detailed financial evaluation and modeling of Docenave. As measures of the scale of the project, CVRD was worth some US$10 billion in total and the share offering is US$3.4 billion. The ports of Tubarão and Ponta da Madeira handled between them over 100 million tonnes a year of cargo (Tubarão is the worlds largest bulk loading port). Docenave, then the tenth largest bulk shipping company in the world in terms of beneficially-owned dead-weight tonnage, transported over 30 million tonnes a year of bulk and semi-bulk cargoes. 1995: P&O Australia, Indonesia Port Corporation II, McMillan Britton & Kell Pty Ltd., et al, Indonesia. Bojonegara container port feasibility study. Container traffic through the Port of Tanjung Priok (adjacent to Jakarta) grew at some 20 to 25 percent a year for the last decade. The Government of Indonesia, Indonesia Port Corporation II (which operates Tanjung Priok) and private Indonesian investors decided to develop a new, private container port in the Bojonegara area west of Jakarta. These parties in turn engaged a consortium of Australian companies to investigate the feasibility of building the container port under a build-operate-transfer contract. The Australian consortium retained Seaport Consultants Canada Inc. and PT Dwipantara Transconsult (an Indonesian consultancy) to assist with the feasibility study. Seaports role included:
The project forecast that container traffic will continue to grow at high rates, although at growth rates below those of the recent past. Notwithstanding that Tanjung Priok received about half of its container throughput as feeders from Singapore and much of the residual traffic was in second-generation vessels in the intra-Asian trades, the study concluded that the new port should be for post-Panamax ships. Traffic development in Indonesia had reached the point where major shipping lines may add western Java ports to the major Asia/Europe and Asia/west coast USA trades and feed traffic to them from other Indonesian ports. 1995: Vancouver Port Corporation, Vancouver, Canada. Port operations study. As a prelude to filling the bight between the Centerm and Ballantyne terminals, Vancouver Port Corporation engaged Seaport to develop a plan that would harmonize cruise ship operations and cargo handling at the combined terminals. 1995: Vancouver Port Corporation, Vancouver, Canada. Brief on port industrial relations to an Industrial Inquiry Commission on West Coast Ports. Vancouver Port Corporation retained Seaport to prepare a brief on port industry labor relations to submit to the Commission. 1995: Nuevo Central Argentino, S.A. Railway, Argentina. Auto transport feasibility studies. The project was a preliminary analysis of auto transport alternatives for service between auto manufacturing plants near Rosario, Argentina and Buenos Aires port facilities. The project began with a tour of North American facilities for NCA staff. Following this, fieldwork in Argentina determined staff requirements and training needs for a new automobile business unit, and calculated unit costs of service for each technology. The study concluded with a design review of an intermodal terminal to be located near Buenos Aires Retiro Station and development of an alternative design. 1995: Cruz Blanca, S.A., Chile. Feasibility study of Quintero Bay container port. This project began with an evaluation of intermodal container markets (see below) and a review of container port sites in Chile. It progressed to a competitive evaluation of a new port at Quintero Bay with the ports of Valparaiso and San Antonio, and managing engineering studies on the port. 1995: Confidential Client, U.S.A. Terminal impact analysis. Seaport analyzed several alternative designs for a large rail intermodal terminal adjacent to a mixed-use and residential area. We also derived likely operating costs (i.e., switching requirements) for each alternative. 1995: Client Cruz Blanca, S.A., Chile. Container rail market Assessment. The project was designed to evaluate a possible intermodal rail container service in central and southern Chile. This was performed for Cruz Blanca, S.A., a Chilean insurance company which had obtained the national concession for freight operations of the Chilean National Railway (FEPASA). The analysis began with an assessment of truck competition, especially along the corridor from Santiago to Puerto Montt, as well as impact of eventual international linkages to Argentina. The team developed an initial concept for an intermodal business unit, its staffing, training, and terminal development on the outskirts of Santiago. The project concluded with an overview of the international used rail wagon market with a view to providing suitable container wagons suitable for this service. 1995: Ministry of Public Works, Chile. Review of container port design. Seaport reviewed plans for the conversion of three berths at Valparaiso to container use. In 1996, Seaport provided specialist personnel to assist with the port rehabilitation. 1994-95: Delcan International Corporation for Barbados Port Authority, Barbados. Port reform and expansion study. Barbados Port Authority awarded Delcan this study of the Port of Bridgetown (funded by Inter-American Development Bank). Delcan subsequently engaged Seaport to conduct particular tasks:
1994: Vancouver Port Corporation, Vancouver, Canada. Cruise terminal stevedoring study. Vancouver Port Corporation retained Seaport to estimate the costs of stevedoring at the Port of Vancouver's two cruise terminals. The project involved detailed estimation of manpower, equipment, management and support staff, and overhead costs. Seaport also modeled the financial performance and determined the profitability of the services. 1994: Fluor Daniel Wright Ltd. for Mount Isa Mines, Argentina. Mineral concentrate transport study. Fluor Daniel retained Seaport to manage a study of transport options for this new copper-gold mine. The project involved an evaluation of rail, road and slurry pipeline transport from the mine site in the Andes to the Parana River and alternative port locations on the river. |
Home | Overview | Project Planning | Operations Analysis | Intermodal and Logistics |
Container Terminal
Technology
Contact Us | Links
| Seaport Publications | Site Map