Bahrain's transshipment container moves rise
Bahrain's General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) yesterday announced "an unprecedented rise in the transshipment container moves" during the past 12 months.
The total number of TEU's handled at Khalifa bin Salman Port (KBSP) during the first 12 months increased by 13.2 per cent.
This is the first annual performance statistics for KBSP, which successfully completed one year of operations in April this year.
In a statement, the company said: "The statistics reveal a remarkable upward curve in the port's commercial and operational activities with an unprecedented rise in the transshipment container moves since the transition to KBSP from Mina Salman, the kingdom's main port for more than 50 years."
According to the statistics, KBSP has greatly improved transshipment through Bahrain, which has increased significantly.
"As one of the most modern ports in the Gulf, KBSP's use of the latest technology and equipment set a new berth productivity record of 62.1 moves/hour. KBSP's sophisticated technology has resulted in an 82.1 per cent increase in average berth productivity in its first year of operations," it added.
Commenting on the first annual statistics, Hassan Ali Al Majed, Director-General of General Organisation of Sea Ports, said: "Despite the decline in world trade, KBSP's first-year results represent a quantum leap for Bahrain in the area of maritime shipping and logistics. The statistics are a testament to the increased port productivity and efficiency achieved from implementing leading edge technology under the operation of international port operation experts APM Terminals. The successful completion of the first year of operations reinforces KBSP's commitment to maintaining Bahrain's global leading position and establishing a trans-shipment hub for the upper Gulf region."
"The new port is symbolic of the kingdom's sustained development and expansion towards realising the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, and as we move forward, we continue to ensure that it remains an attractive port of call in terms of operational efficiency and high service quality," said Al Majed.
In the first year of operations, the port's gross crane productivity (GCP) shot up substantially by 65.9 per cent with the introduction of the post panamax cranes.
According to the annual statistics, though vessel movement at KBSP marginally increased by 0.7 per cent in one year, the general cargo throughput decreased during the first year of KBSP operations. The statistics reflected a decrease of 32 per cent compared to previous years – indicating decreased market demand caused by the global economic recession and its effect on the port system and shipping.
The BD136.3 million port was designed to accommodate a container capacity of more than 1.1 million TEUs annually in addition to cruise ships facilities and warehouses. The terminal has capacity of 10,800 TEUs ground slots with a five container high, lending it a capacity of five times more than that of Mina Salman Port.
Unlike Mina Salman Port, the new world-class port will ultimately have the capability to handle ships with drafts up to 15m, the size of which are becoming commonplace in the Gulf as foreign trade increases and the region prospers.