ship2shorethe customer magazine of Hutchison Ports (UK) I S S U E 7

Rail records galore

Refrigerated container handling

Low carbon port operations

Keeping cranes working

Samsung renews at London ThamesportSamsung and NYK Logistics commit to a port-centric solution

this issue

2

p6p8Keeping it CoolHandling temperature-controlled consignments

p12Carbon ReductionHPUK leads the pack

p16 Keeping Cranes WorkingThe essential role of preventative maintenance

p19

Port PeopleIt’s the people that make the difference

ship2shoreI S S U E 7 DECEMBER 2010

Commercial Enquiries

Commercial DepartmentTel: (01394) 602040E-mail: enquiries@fdrc.co.uk

EditorialCorporate AffairsDepartmentTel: (01394) 602064E-mail:ship2shore@hpuk.co.uk

For further information onany of the three HPUK ports,please visit:www.hpuk.co.uk

Published by:Hutchison Ports (UK) LimitedTomline House, The DockFelixstowe, SuffolkIP11 3SYUnited Kingdom

Welcome to this, the

seventh edition of Hutchison

Ports (UK)’s magazine

ship2shore. As usual, we

have endeavoured to provide

an update on the latest

developments within our UK

operations, together with

a mix of interesting feature

articles.

In this edition we have features on the Port

of Felixstowe’s engineering trouble-shooters,

the importance and complexity of handling

refrigerated containers, and we highlight some

of the many initiatives we are taking at Hutchison

Ports to reduce our carbon footprint.

At HPUK we strive constantly to improve the

levels of service we provide to all the users of

our ports. We could not do this without the commitment and dedication

of a vast array of people, over 3,000 in total, who work across a range of

disciplines to make it happen. In this issue we are starting a new feature,

Port People, which, over time, will introduce you to some of the people

and roles that make HPUK the UK’s premier port operating company.

The handling of containerised fresh produce brings with it a number of

unique challenges. At the same time containerisation is making greater

and greater inroads into the traditional reefer trades. As we head to the

peak of the southern hemisphere fruit season, we take a timely look at

how we ensure only the best care is given to perishable consignments.

Carbon, or more precisely how to reduce carbon, has worked its way up

the To-Do list of most major companies. HPUK is no exception and having

achieved the Carbon Trust Standard we are continuing to take measures

to reduce our emissions still further. The achievements made so far will

be boosted by an additional 10% reduction in 2010. On page 12 we look

at some of the measures we are taking to ensure we remain your low-

carbon partner.

David Gledhill

Chief Executive Officer

chiefexecutive

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latestdevelopments

4

It’s a Matter of Trust

Hutchison Ports UK Ltd was awarded an accolade for reducing its carbon footprint when the company was officially certified by the Carbon Trust Standard for reducing its carbon emissions by 8.2% between 2007 and 2009.

In order to qualify for the award, HPUK was required to demonstrate examples of the robust carbon management system in place at its three UK ports: London Thamesport, Harwich International Port and the Port of Felixstowe. Also under scrutiny were the documenting and reporting systems, monitoring system, training, investments and CO2 reduction targets set by the organisation.

David Gledhill, Chief Executive Officer of HPUK commented:

“Gaining certification with the Carbon Trust Standard is proof that HPUK has taken genuine action to reduce our direct impact on climate change by cutting carbon emissions. It is a fitting recognition for the achievements made through company investment and general behavioural change across our ports.

“All the small actions employees have taken have contributed to getting the reduction needed, as well as significant investment in environmentally sound cranes and equipment, so we are justly proud of what we have achieved.”

The Carbon Trust introduced the Standard in June 2008. It is awarded to companies that demonstrate good carbon reporting, management and reductions year-on-year.

Stena Britannica is Christened at Harwich International

Stena Line’s new ferry, the Stena Britannica, has been christened by Susan Hammond, wife of the Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Transport. Mrs Hammond christened the North Sea Superferry, the largest UK-registered ferry ever, at Harwich International Port, following an address by Stena Line’s Area Director for the North Sea, Pim de Lange.

Greeted by a 22 piece brass band, over 300 dignitaries, customers and guests assembled in Harwich’s cruise terminal prior to the naming ceremony and heard Mr de Lange deliver a welcome address giving thanks to all those involved in organising the day of celebration.

Fireworks crackled and boomed for over five minutes, as the massive bow doors opened welcoming guests onto cavernous freight decks providing space for 230 cars, 300 freight vehicles, and then to the upper decks - designed to accommodate 1200 passengers.

At just over 64.000 gross tonnage, the North Sea Superferry is larger than any other under the British flag, including Stena Line’s own Stena Adventurer. The Stena Britannica’s maximum length is 240m which dwarfs other British-registered ferries.

Gunnar Blomdahl, Stena Line’s Managing Director, said:

“We at Stena Line are delighted and honoured that Mrs Hammond has christened our new British-flagged Superferry. As well as being a multi-million pound outlay, the Stena Britannica represents a considerable investment of time, planning and long-term significance to UK travel and transport, so we feel particularly privileged to have such an appropriate and high-profile godmother for our new vessel.”

Despite her size Stena Britannica is also one of the most environmentally friendly ferries operating from the UK, thanks to catalytic converters; improved combustion engines; recycling systems for glass, cardboard and food and radiant heat-blocking solar film windows. The giant passenger-freight ferry is the second of Stena Line’s two newly-built Superferries and will join the Stena Hollandica, launched in May 2010, operating the most modern ferry route in the world between Harwich and Hook of Holland. Together, the ships represent a combined investment of more than £360m and are the result of over three years construction.

latestdevelopments

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Quay Move for Felixstowe Berths 8&9

The first five ship-to-shore gantry cranes are now in place at the Port of Felixstowe’s new deep-water container development and work on the container yard is getting nearer to completion.

When they open in 2011, Berths 8&9 will be the newest container berths in the UK and the only ones designed to accommodate the next generation of container ships. The new cranes are the biggest of their type in the world, and are capable of handling container ships with 24 containers wide on deck.

Built by Zhenhua Port Machinery Company (ZPMC) of Shanghai, the cranes were transported fully erect from China to the Port of Felixstowe. Each crane weighs approximately 2,000 tonnes and is capable of lifting two containers simultaneously up to a total of 70 tonnes.

Commenting on the arrival of the cranes, David Gledhill said:

“With the first of the quayside cranes on site, Berths 8&9 are quickly becoming a reality. It was only a few years ago that we saw the first 10,000 TEU ship enter service but within the next few years there will be over 100 of these massive ships on the major trade routes. It is essential for UK shippers and receivers that we have the facilities to accommodate these mega-ships and Berths 8&9 give us that.”

To increase stability of such large cranes, the distance between the waterside and landside legs (the rail gauge) has been increased from the 30m at the port’s Trinity Terminal to 35m for the new cranes.

The cranes have been undergoing a commissioning process before entering service.

London Thamesport welcomes back UASC London Thamesport celebrated the return of United Arab Shipping Company’s AEC1 service on Sunday 12th December 2010 with the arrival of the UASC Al Faradihi at the port.

The reinstated call of the AEC1 at London Thamesport marks the return of vessel operations in the UK for the Line which has, over the last 12 months, serviced its UK business via a number of partnerships and a series of slot charter arrangements.

The AEC1 service will offer fast transit times between the Indian sub-continent and Middle East with the UK - transit times of 16 days from Nhava Sheva and only seven days from Port Said are scheduled.

Additionally, the service will also enable the Lines customers to book export cargo for Far East Asia with the AEC1 vessels connecting in Antwerp with the AEC2 service. The AEC2 Service connects North Europe to Far East Asia on the Eastbound leg with a dedicated Japan Feeder Service, covering the needs for a connection from Japan to Korea over Pusan. David Gledhill, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, which owns London Thamesport, commented:

‘We are pleased to have been chosen to host this new high-speed service which represents a significant commitment to the future by UASC. In the current economic climate, it is important that high customer satisfaction standards and commitment to service are maintained, and this new European service will support London Thamesport in delivering and upholding these qualities in the coming year.’

The Line uses six ships with capacities ranging from 3,800 to 5,000 TEU’s. The UASC Al Faradihi has a deadweight of 49,993 tonnes and a capacity of 3,800 TEU. The Port rotation of the service is as follows:

Khorfakkan - Port Qasim - Nhava Sheva – Pipavav - Suez Canal - Port Said – London Thamesport – Antwerp – Hamburg – Rotterdam and Khorfakkan.

Photograph courtesy of airshots.co.uk

latestdevelopments

6

Samsung Renews at London ThamesportSamsung has renewed its UK white goods distribution contract through London Thamesport with NYK Logistics (UK) Ltd.

Samsung has seen a fourfold increase in its white goods volumes over the last two years. NYK’s port-centric solution has rejuvenated the company’s presence in the sector and provided a platform for growth, investment and diversification of the product range.

The London Thamesport based supply chain solution has enabled Samsung’s logistics costs as a percentage of sales to reduce in line with product ticket price. In addition, a 20 per cent increase in direct deliveries to retailers has taken time, cost and carbon out of the supply chain.

Ian Ulvmoen, General Manager – Logistics, Samsung, commented: “Samsung Electronics (UK) Ltd is happy to continue this well-respected partnership with NYK Logistics via its White Goods Operation. NYK is assisting Samsung in its objective of becoming number one in all markets we trade in. Our aim is always to realise sales revenue as quickly as possible, reducing logistics cost and speeding product to the point of sale.”

NYK’s port-centric supply chain for Samsung recently won the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport’s (CILT) prestigious Logistics Best Practice Award for 2010.

Samsung’s entire UK supply chain is outsourced to NYK. This operation, at its peak, simultaneously involves in excess of 600 containers at sea and over 200 vehicles en route to NYK sites.

Sea Port Role Play Day

As part of its commitment to the community and to working with local schools, staff from HPUK and Harwich International Port recently took part in ‘Exercise Haven Seaports’. Hosted by the Essex port, and organised in conjunction with Essex County Council and the Haven Gateway Partnership, the ‘Sea Port Role Play Day’ attracted over 100 students from local schools.

The Exercise aims to improve skills and educate students about the varied employment opportunities within the Haven Gateway area. Students are given the opportunity to work alongside professionals from the major service industries in the area.

A hypothetical emergency scenario involving the collision of several vessels in the Harwich Haven formed the basis of the role-play. The students were tasked with adopting the roles of the various sectors involved with responding to the emergency including the Police, emergency planners, the Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, RNLI, Maritime Coastguard Agency and the Harwich Haven Authority.

Commenting on the exercise, David Gledhill, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, said:

”We are privileged to be involved in ‘Exercise Haven Seaports’ once again. As in previous years, we hope to inspire students to aim to achieve their full potential. This event, gives them the opportunity to explore a number of areas where they may potentially possess as yet untapped skills of leadership, lateral thinking and teamwork, skills which will serve them well when embarking upon their chosen career paths.”

The emergency scenario required the students to make key decisions in response to ever-changing conditions resulting from external factors beyond their control. Issues relating to passenger safety, customer service and logistical needs had to be considered, whilst still ensuring that resources were managed as effectively and efficiently as possible. As well as problem solving and decision-making, the students learnt important crisis management and communication skills by participating in the exercise.

Rail Records Galore

The Port of Felixstowe and London Thamesport have both set new records for the numbers of containers handled by rail. Felixstowe set a new UK bench mark handling a record 10,764 containers (16,209 TEU) by rail in the week ending 26th September 2010. The previous record of 10,582 units was also achieved at Felixstowe in the same week last year.

London Thamesport achieved its best ever share of inland movements by rail in July 2010. 25% of import containers were moved by rail in the month. Rail movements during the same period were the highest handled at the London port since 2008.

The increased volumes at Felixstowe follow a number of track and equipment improvements made over the past two years, including a 39-metre extension of the South Rail Terminal to accommodate 22-wagon trains, a major line refurbishment of the same terminal over the New Year 2008/9, and a second brand new Rail-Mounted Gantry Crane in August this year.

David Gledhill commented:

“In a world where shippers are looking to reduce carbon footprints, the use of intermodal rail freight offers one of the best ways to make substantial carbon savings, and there are more rail services, to more inland destinations, more often, from Felixstowe than any other UK port. The scale of operations at Felixstowe means we are able to offer a unique range of intermodal and coastal feeder services which, together with the reductions we continue to make in our own carbon emissions, makes the Port of Felixstowe the low-carbon option.

“These record volumes highlight graphically Felixstowe’s position as the port-of-choice for UK importers, and justify the investments we have been making to improve the rail services available to all our customers.”

Daily intermodal rail services at the Port of Felixstowe operate to and from Coatbridge (Glasgow), Trafford Park (Manchester), Liverpool, Leeds, Daventry, Barton Dock, Cleveland, Birmingham, Tilbury, Selby, Wakefield, Hams Hall, Birch Coppice, Ditton, and Doncaster.

Hutchison’s Award-Winning PARIS system

Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited’s PARIS transport optimisation software has been recognised at two prestigious award ceremonies. The application won the Chartered Institute for Logistics and Transport (CILT) annual award for Excellence in Information Management, presented by HRH the Princess Royal to PARIS General Manager Andy Barker (below), and was a finalist in the Technological Innovation category at the IFW Awards.

PARIS is the most advanced, real-time, inland container transport planning software tool available on the market today. Driven by Hutchison Ports, PARIS can automatically match imports with export reloads, allocate containers to rail, barge and feeder services, and optimally position empty containers to instantly produce the overall least cost transport plan for an organisation, saving planning time, cost and resources.

The PARIS system is remarkable and unique, increasing laden multi-modal moves, and reducing “empty” road miles. Its innovative business process automation and use of technology provides an invaluable tool to help its users save real costs and measurably reduce their carbon footprint.

The PARIS system is used by some of the world’s leading container shipping lines, planning over half a million individual transport orders in Europe. The system works by creating the optimal transport plan and then allowing the user to automatically allocate all the jobs to the best haulier/vehicle based on cost and pre-defined business rules. Crucially, PARIS works in real time, facilitating last-moment and normally time-consuming amendments that would otherwise be costly and disrupt the most detailed of plans.

To find out more about PARIS contact Andy Barker at andy.barker@paris-tms.com or tel: 01223 531821

latestdevelopments

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Reefer containers: keeping it cool

8

When the fresh produce season starts heating up,

it’s time for Felixstowe and London Thamesport

to keep their cool … because handling reefer (refrigerated) containers

requires a truly systematic approach

based on clear thinking, top efficiency and total

reliability.

Reefer containers: keeping it cool

9ship2shore

The conventional reefer ship fleet is declining at a swift rate and increasing volumes of fresh fruit, vegetables and other products are being transported in reefer containers, offering shippers the advantage of regular containership connections between the world’s major ports.

How does this impact on Hutchison Ports (UK)? Dramatically, as it happens. The number of reefer boxes coming through Felixstowe and London Thamesport is steadily increasing, and HPUK has already built a strong reputation for its service in this area.

When you think ‘reefer box’, do you automatically think grapes, citrus fruit and avocado pears? You would be right, of course, and the ports are gearing up for the peak fresh produce season, when volumes really start ramping up from February.

But you might also think pharmaceuticals and blood plasma, chilled meat and party foods, dairy products, live trees, flowers, beauty products … and even valuable works of art. Temperature control doesn’t always mean frozen or chilled but it does mean the contents require a constant, exact temperature.

“The reefer fleet is declining at an astonishing rate – and increasingly those volumes are being picked up by containers. For us, it is an opportunity to offer a high-quality value-added service,” says Andy Herriott, Senior Commercial Manager for HPUK.

“Handling reefer containers involves a lot more than simply unloading a container and waving it out the gate. After unloading from the vessel, a reefer box must be plugged in within a strictly laid-down period of time; it must be monitored regularly; we may be required to take the box to the examination facility for inspection by the statutory authorities such as Port Health or Customs. It’s critical that the temperature is kept constant, and it’s critical that the turnaround for any examination is very short, because we may be dealing with products that have a limited shelf life.”

Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) is carrying significant, and growing, volumes of reefer boxes on its many trade routes, the most significant being West Coast South America, South Africa and Mediterranean services into Felixstowe.

Lesley Isola, MSC’s Reefer Manager for the UK, says: “Consumers want blueberries all year round, and overall we have become more adventurous in terms of eating different products from around the world. Because of this, our reefer volumes are growing steadily.”

She emphasises: “When you are handling perishable products that are subject to a short shelf life, when somebody says to you ‘jump’, you ask ‘how high?’. You have to be really quick to respond to customer needs.”

On board ship, the reefer boxes are monitored constantly during the voyage to ensure they are kept within the temperature range stipulated by the customer. And on arrival, HPUK takes responsibility for that same level of service.

“I regularly bring customers to Felixstowe for a tour of the port and everybody goes away very impressed,” says Lesley. “The system works incredibly smoothly. We know that the port does its housekeeping at night, so if a vessel comes in on Monday, a box that has been called for inspection can be moved to the examination shed on Monday night for examination on the Tuesday and then delivered back to the quay on the Tuesday night making the equipment available for collection early Wednesday. Everyone knows how the system works – and it is working well. The port always keeps us fully informed so we can plan. We are really impressed with Felixstowe’s reefer services and look forward to growing together.”

HPUK has invested in additional reefer plug-in points at both Felixstowe and London Thamesport, and more are planned. The added bonus at Felixstowe is the option of cold storage in the purpose-built facility operated by

Seafast Celsius, while the development of major new logistics parks next to London Thamesport underlines this facility’s fantastic location for distribution throughout the southeast.

Container specialist Eldapoint is contracted at Felixstowe to take responsibility for connecting, disconnecting and monitoring reefer containers – and sounding the alarm if there are any problems.

Eldapoint maintains a 24/7 presence on the dock, 365 days a year; at any one time there will always be a team of five and a manager on duty, while at peak times more staff are brought in.

“We look after all the reefer containers coming through the terminal; we are responsible for the reefers from the time they come over the ship’s side until they are collected

Reefer containers: keeping it cool (continued)

10

for import delivery,” says Eldapoint General Manager Ian Whyte. “We connect them to the shoreside power supply, we verify temperature, air exchange, humidity and controlled atmosphere settings to ensure everything is running OK, and we are responsible for connecting and disconnecting when there are any internal moves, such as to the examination facility.”

Critically, the ‘unplugged’ time of any reefer box is kept to an absolute minimum. Once a reefer box has been discharged from the vessel, it must be plugged into a reefer point on the container yard within half an hour. The time lapse between being unplugged and loaded to a truck for inland delivery is no more than 20 minutes. The time limits are even tighter for extremely critical cargoes, such as blood plasma or chilled meats.

The entire operation is based on a highly automated system. “Everything is computerised, so we know before the vessel arrives the details of what reefer boxes are due – they are already on our system and in our handheld computers used by the team on the terminal,” says Ian. “We verify that they are all connected and at the temperature they are supposed to be, and we work through any issues.”

On occasions the Eldapoint team will find problems such as a split cable or malfunctioning refrigeration unit – then it’s time to call in a service company to rectify the fault or, sometimes, to organise the transfer of the contents to another container.

Food safety and the traceability of carriage temperature is becoming an ever more important issue, and Eldapoint’s system is vital in this regard. While the physical connection and disconnection of the reefer box has to be done manually, everything else is based on an unbroken chain of information.

Every time a container is checked, moved, disconnected or connected, that information is fed directly from handheld computer into the server, so the record is updated instantly.

“If anybody has a query, the product can be traced back: when it came in, when it came off the vessel, what temperature it was, the exact records of disconnection, whether it went for inspection, etc.,” says Ian. “This builds up to a very complete record of each container.”

The fresh produce/reefer sector has tended to be quite a traditional market in terms of the port choices made by shippers but the move into reefer boxes is changing all that.

“Felixstowe and London Thamesport offer the advantage of the broadest range of services, connecting all the strongest reefer markets with the most efficient port and statutory facilities,” says Andy Herriott. “These deep-water ports, capable of handling the largest container vessels, bring reefers into the UK economy through efficient gateways – vital to such valuable and sensitive products.”

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12

carbon Reduction: leading the pack

Being ‘green’ is an obvious virtue these days – but reducing your consumption of fuel and other

resources and cutting waste also make commercial sense. Hutchison

Ports (UK) has made huge strides in reducing the carbon emissions of its operations, in a programme that stretches from the purchase of low-

emission RTGs to the simple act of putting used battery collection

boxes in its offices.

13ship2shore

carbon Reduction: leading the pack

HPUK signed up to the 10/10 campaign, with a commitment to reduce CO2 emissions by 10% in 2010 – and 9% was achieved within the first half of the year.

The attention to detail has been such that HPUK has recently achieved Carbon Trust certification, based on extensive auditing across the Port of Felixstowe, Harwich International Port and London Thamesport.

“In order to achieve Carbon Trust certification, we had to demonstrate that we have a robust carbon management system in place,” says HPUK Environmental Safety Manager Alan Tinline. “We had to show a reduction in our carbon footprint, which we did through our ‘absolute’ footprint but also, importantly, our ‘relative’ footprint – i.e. carbon per teu handled. We had to demonstrate how we calculate and verify energy consumption and emissions,

and all of this was audited by the Carbon Trust.”

Of course, global warming is the big driver behind the general move towards reducing carbon but, as Alan points out, there are other hard facts to consider.

“There is concern about rising fuel costs and energy security going forward. Prices are only going to continue rising, and we need to manage that within the business.”

In addition, ports’ carbon emissions are to be measured under the UK’s Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) rules, and a strong position on the ‘league table’ will clearly be important when environmentally conscious customers are making their choices.

He adds: “To be a ‘green’ business, to have that at the core of your business strategy, means you are going to be an efficient business. The two are synonymous and that is a message we need to get across both externally and internally. Because if you manage your resources well and are less wasteful, it must be good for the company.”

The objective is ‘least intensity’ in terms of kilograms of carbon dioxide per teu handled and a major advantage at the Port of Felixstowe, for example, is size. “Busier machines are more environmentally friendly and carbon-efficient,” says Alan.

Broadly, HPUK’s environmental programme focuses on planning, yard strategy, deployment of resources (people and equipment), making the best use of resources and technical improvements.

In terms of high-profile actions, the 22 Eco-RTGs (rubber-tyred gantry cranes) being supplied by ZPMC for the new Felixstowe South expansion will deliver a 40% reduction in fuel consumption – “and that gives us a massive step forward in energy efficiency for that terminal”, says Alan. The fuel saving is based on an engine-idling system; when an RTG is not moving boxes, it will automatically drop engine speed. HPUK is now retrofitting 20 RTGs at Trinity Terminal with similar eco-drive systems.

RTG energy storage trials are also going ahead. In essence, the lowering of the container generates energy into the capacitor. “Even if you get 10% energy storage, on a fleet of 90 RTGs that is a lot of fuel,” says Alan. “Our ship-to-shore cranes already operate so that when the box is lowered, it regenerates electricity.”

Low-energy LED floodlights were trialled and then retrofitted to RTGs; shore supply reports have been set up to ensure that when RTGs are idle they are ‘plugged in’ to the shoreside electricity supply, which keeps the battery and electronics ticking over without the need for idling the engine.

Fuel consumption is monitored so it becomes clear if any one machine (or driver) is using more fuel and any issues can quickly be resolved. Ongoing maintenance regimes are strictly adhered to in order to keep machines at their highest efficiency levels.

Rather than ‘living with’ the existing layout, HPUK is constantly looking at the most efficient way to run its terminals, with double rewards – more operational efficiency and more energy efficiency.

Intelligent operating systems ensure that IMVs (internal movement vehicles) don’t run empty unnecessarily, and also calculate the best ‘next move’ for each RTG to reduce distance travelled. Having said that, of course, there are operational requirements where priority has to be given to a particular ship, for example.

“You have to balance customer requirements with being ‘green’ and energy efficient,” says Alan.

Across the port, electricity and water consumption is measured via automated meter readings which provide a live feed. A burst water main was detected within minutes and quickly resolved after water consumption

14

carbon Reduction: leading the pack (continued)

15ship2shore

showed a dramatic peak on the live feed.

Trials are going ahead to test heating and lighting time limits, as well as the use of LED lighting more widely across the port estate.

And yes, the efforts still include reminding people to switch off lights (whether on the quay cranes or in the offices), to print out fewer emails, and to recycle wherever possible. Employee forums meet several times a year to discuss ‘green’ measures and part of every supervisor’s responsibilities every day is to keep an eye on energy use in their own area.

Waste management is a major focus at HPUK’s facilities, and in September the Port of Felixstowe achieved a record 77% recycling performance. Everything from RTG tyres to the usual paper, metal and glass is collected for recycling. Remarkably, the effort even extends to recycling road sweepings on the port estate. The dust, sand, stones, aggregates and metals swept up and sent to a local recycling facility for sorting and 90% of this is recycled.

Then there is ships’ waste to be dealt with, under strict regulations. HPUK operates waste mafi trailers loaded with separate receptacles for the various types of waste, as well as a sealed skip for catering waste, which must be securely managed because of concerns such as foot & mouth disease.

The focus stretches beyond the port’s boundaries too, as the gate system is managed to minimise truck queues outside the port.

HPUK is determined to be a key part of many low-carbon supply chains. “We handle a lot of boxes at Felixstowe and the options for onward transport to shortsea, feeder and rail are there because of our critical mass,” says Alan. “Rail has been a big growth area through the recession and we are continuing to work with shortsea and feeder operators to provide a low-carbon logistics solution.

“We may not have control over emissions beyond the port gate but we can give our customers the choices and opportunities that enable them to be ‘green’ further along the chain.”

16

engineering: the dReam team

Well, we can all dream – but it’s true to say that when you’re handling thousands of containers over the quay and through the terminal every day, you need something that’s as close to that dream as possible. In short, you need to know that you can rely on the kit.

The Port of Felixstowe’s Operational Engineering team is responsible for the servicing, care, maintenance and, where necessary, repair of some 2,400 pieces of equipment, including ship-to-shore cranes and RMGs, that are vital to the smooth running of the container terminal operations.

However, if you suggest to Senior Manager Jim Alsop that his Operational Engineering team is the ‘fourth emergency service’, he isn’t too keen on the idea. The flashing blue light response, he says, is the exception – not the rule. Of course the team’s breakdown crews jump into action instantly if there is a problem.

But in Jim’s book, granny really did have the right approach: Prevention is better than cure.

Wanted: a fleet of ship-to-shore cranes, rail-mounted gantry cranes and other handling equipment that works round the clock and never, ever goes wrong.

“We have worked very hard over recent years to shift from a ‘reactive’ service to a planned maintenance programme in which we anticipate and deal with any issues before they become a real problem,” he says. “And we have been successful in that around 75% of our work activity is carried out in a planned, structured way.

“We haven’t done that on our own; we have built excellent relationships with our operational managers on site to create a plan in which they release quay cranes and RMGs for maintenance. And because we schedule such a high percentage of what we do, we pride ourselves in the fact that when a piece of kit goes back to work, it stays there.”

The Port of Felixstowe employs 235 engineering staff in its team, of whom 180 are skilled technicians or experienced engineering craft people specialising in disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, electronic or hydraulic engineering.

17ship2shore

engineering: the dReam team

There are four workshops within the port’s boundaries, each of them well-equipped and supported by strict systems and work methods.

As technology advances extremely rapidly, it is vital that the port’s specialists keep up to date, and HPUK operates a dedicated engineering training school to meet this need and also, crucially, to train up new engineers.

The shortage of good engineers and of new recruits to the industry across the UK has been well documented, and in response to this issue the Port of Felixstowe has worked closely with local schools, colleges and other technical establishments over recent years to encourage and support young people into engineering careers.

The port’s Engineering Training School has won two accolades. First, HPUK’s engineering apprenticeship scheme has gained accreditation from the Engineering

Council. Second, HPUK is one of only two businesses in the UK (the other being Rolls Royce) to have an accredited skills development programme to develop its craft people into technicians. “We are very proud of this achievement,” says Jim.

“Finding good engineering people is becoming increasingly difficult,” he adds. “We are proud of the fact that more than 50% of our engineers have come through our own training programme.”

Operational Engineering’s strategy is based on four key points: improved reliability and predictability; increased asset availability and utilisation; best value for money; and supporting business expansion.

That goes hand in hand with its training commitments, which respond directly to the twin challenges of upgrading skills and attracting people into what is currently an unfashionable career.

18

engineering: the dReam team (continued)

Steve GriffithS

Job title: Senior Manager, Container Terminal Operations

DeScribe your role at the Port of felixStowe: Delivery. Translate the needs of the customers and the needs of our business into everyday operational targets. Drive the operational teams to deliver a consistent service that meets the productive and cost-controlled nature of an industry that has undergone some attacks on revenue; but define it to ‘actions & standards’ levels for the service delivery teams. Sounds fancy – but make it simple.

what iS the biGGeSt challenGe of your Job? Attempting to achieve consistency of thoughts and actions across a multi-shift 24/7 busy operation!

what Do you finD moSt SatiSfyinG about your role? Seeing people happy with their own input, happy with the achievements they have made from personal effort – seeing people smile while at work. They’ll come back tomorrow and try just as hard if you give them the chance to succeed.

what Do you like beSt about workinG at the Port? The people. I have been fortunate to work with some talented, passionate and ‘entertaining’ characters over the years. They helped build this port into the success it is, and inside or outside the port environment they are good people to know.

beSt Day? Actually – watching the latest ZPMC cranes enter the harbour. Securing the Felixstowe South investment; watching the build that has happened over a long period. The sight of the cranes, the realisation that we are prepared for the next generation of vessels, and remain one step ahead – fantastic, it offers security to my friends, colleagues and family. Nice cranes too!

what DiD you Do before your current role? Over the past 23 years I have been a Planner, Quayside Operations Manager, Berthing Coordinator and, immediately prior to this role, Resource Manager for the Container Division. I’ve covered most operational and logistic elements of why we are here and that helps me to understand and explain to my teams what all parties want!

favourite film: Pulp Fiction … I’m about to educate my children in mighty fine cheeseburgers.

iDeal Dinner GueSt: Sir Alex Ferguson or Katie Perry (for different reasons).

firSt recorD bouGht: Motorhead’s Ace of Spades (I actually used to have hair).

laSt DownloaD or cD: Gaslight Anthem.

favourite book: Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series.

favourite meal: Chinese.

iDeal holiDay DeStination: The time spent on Hamilton Island will take some beating but anywhere where my wife and girls are with me will do just fine.

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