editor’s letter

HOPE ON THE HORIZON

BY SANDRA SPEARES

The industry is facing tumultuous times, but there are reasons to be optimistic about the future

Although companies are continuing to grapple with the backlash of the pandemic and struggle with logistical difficulties arising from the conflict in Ukraine, there have been some positive messages about the outlook for industry.

In its recent analysis, trade association BIMCO was reasonably upbeat about the prospects for supply and demand over the coming year on the basis that new environmental regulations coming into force may well encourage slow steaming to save energy and meet decarbonisation requirements. That said, slow steaming brings with it its own raft of requirements and challenges.

Environmental challenges continue to dominate the agenda for ships, although recent political shifts as far as fuel supplies are concerned have been impacted by the Russia/Ukraine situation and sanctions on Russia imposed by the big trading blocs. This has led to a shift in supply-and-demand patterns and the emergence of new trading partnerships.

As U-Ming pointed out as it announced the launch of its new post panamax eco-friendly bulk carrier, the covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine/ Russia situation have pushed many countries worldwide into looking for alternative sources to secure their internal supply, thus changing global supply chains and pushing up freight rates. The company, which placed an order for 12 eco-friendly bulkers and one cement carrier in 2020, says it has made savings of the order of 20% when compared with current market prices.

Coming up with eco-friendly solutions in the run-up to the arrival of new environmental regulations has been a key component of industry moves, as has the increasing application of electronic and web-based solutions to many of the challenges faced by the industry.

While a concentration on web or screen-based solutions may from one perspective raise concerns that crew members may stop looking out the window and thus get involved in accidents that might have been avoided, there is no doubt some innovations will ensure that crew members are sheltered from dangerous scenarios by the use of drones, for example, to explore at-risk enclosed spaces.

With new rules such as the upcoming International Maritime Organization's Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) in January 2023, shiponwers will need to ensure they are prepared – not just to meet the requirements, but also to ensure they are not just following a “tick box” approach to the new rules. For those ships that cannot comply, the only solution is the scrap yard – and obtaining slots for new vessels is a tough and expensive process in the current environment.

However, there are plenty of new designs and innovations to be explored as owners, operators and ports seek to improve efficiency and cut down overheads. While the remote imperative resulting from the pandemic may not be as important as it has been in the past couple of years, these practices are set to continue to some degree, alongside face-to-face activities. Vessel inspections are a good example of this.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Bulk Terminals International and look forward to face-to-face meetings as the year progresses.

BULK TERMINALS international

Published by Editor: Sandra Speares speares1@aol.com Designer: Justin Ives justindesign@live.co.uk PROJECT DIRECTOR: Jonathon Ferris jonathon.ferris@bulkterminals.org PROJECT MANAGER: Alex Corboude alex.corboude@bulkterminals.org Sub-editor: Samantha Robinson Sam.robinson.journalist@gmail.com Publisher: Bill Robinson production@bulkterminals.org

ABTO 35 Beacon Drive Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 1GG Chief Executive: Simon Gutteridge ce@bulkterminals.org Technical Adviser: Ian Adams tech@bulkterminals.org

The views expressed in Bulk Terminals International are not necessarily those of ABTO or the publisher unless expressly stated to be such. ABTO disclaims any responsibility for errors or omissions or their consequences or for advertisements contained in this magazine and has no legal responsibility to deal with them.

CONTENTS

» p22

» p34

» p55 » p40

01 editor’s letter

Sandra Speares on why there are silver linings in the industry’s outlook

06 welcome

ABTO CEO Simon Gutteridge looks at the cost of the war in Ukraine and its effect on global supply chains

09 world news round-up

New industry initiatives, plus calls for governments across the globe to raise funding to aid post-pandemic recovery

17 cranes and grabs

Investment continues in innovative systems, with the emphasis on eco-friendliness as well as efficiency

23 shiploading

How technology is transforming port operations to improve productivity and keep supply chains running smoothly

35 grain handling

As the grain trade expands, the demand for efficient, cost-effective equipment has grown apace

41 transportation

Ports and terminals are ramping up their rail links to improve the flow of goods across countries

44 Viewpoint: Iron Ore

Basil Karatzas looks at the ups and downs of the iron ore market in a

post-pandemic world

46 viewpoint: safety

Holger Pfriem, business manager – Asia and Australasia, Dafo Vehicle Fire

Protection, evaluates port fire risks

48 classification

What are classification societies

doing to prepare for the raft of new environmental rules?

56 spotlight: South Africa

The government’s recently published National Infrastructure Plan to 2050 has

plenty for ports to be pleased about

59 spotlight: India

With an increase in cargo expected, Indian ports are investing in infrastructure to deal with a rise in capacity

62 spotlight: Scandinavia

Scandinavian countries continue

to spearhead the move towards environmentally friendly ports