Truck and Track Summer 2024 www.truckandtrack.com 68 PORTS For the first time, the Port of Southampton welcomes two of the World’s largest container vessels simultaneously. The Port’s highly skilled Marine Pilots successfully manoeuvred two ultra-large container vessels into the terminal at DP World. Associated British Ports (ABP) has invested in widening the channel within the Western Docks, which has not only allowed the largest container vessels to pass the biggest cruise ships berthed in the Port, but also enabled ABP Marine Pilots to manoeuvre ultra-large vessels to other berths in DP World’s container terminal. This challenging task, previously reserved only for the SCT 5 berth, required precise coordination and collaboration, demonstrating the Port’s commitment to stakeholder satisfaction and its ability to support more ultra-large vessels in the Port. The ABP Southampton Marine Department, comprising the Harbour Master, Pilots, VTS, Marine Planning and Hydrography, played a pivotal role in the successful berthing of an ultra-large vessel at Southampton DP World’s SCT 2/3 berth. Steve Masters, Southampton Harbour Master said: “The team’s deep knowledge, experience and dedication ensured this operation was completed safely and efficiently. After establishing parameters, the Pilots and tug crews underwent rigorous training and simulation exercises to familiarise themselves with the manoeuvring intricacies of the CAT 7 Vessels. Their commitment to mastering every aspect of the operation ensured a smooth and safe berthing process for MV Manila Express.” Captains Noel Charlton and Chris Hoyle, entrusted with the Act of Pilotage for the “Manila Express”, reflected on the journey leading to this historic moment. They said, “This is a significant achievement at the Port to ensure it can welcome two of the largest container vessels at the same time. We both worked closely with the vessel’s Captain and crew and none of this would have been achievable without the collective efforts of all the specialist Pilots, tug crews, and stakeholders involved in the ground-breaking endeavour.” This achievement showcases Southampton’s capabilities as a premier maritime hub and sets a new standard for excellence in port operations. The Port of Southampton is home to the UK’s second largest container port, and its unique double tide means the Port has 17 hours of high tides and offers flexibility in arrival and departure times. The Port of Southampton welcomes two of the largest container vessels simultaneously 24K MegaMax “Manila Express” successfully Berths at Southampton Great Yarmouth sets sights on aggregate growth The construction of the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk has provided a major boost to the port of Great Yarmouth. The deep-water harbour has attracted aggregate suppliers providing raw materials for the building works and is eyeing the potential for more. Last year the port welcomed its largest-ever vessel discharging 55,000 of material destinated for use across the East coast, including Sizewell C. Now, the continued increase in volume this year is giving confidence that this could be an important ongoing commodity for the port. The latest ship to visit discharged a further 44,000 tonnes of cargo from the Aggregate Industries’ Glensanda quarry in the Highlands, making the last twelve months one of the busiest in the port’s history. It also helped to deliver a record year for any one single commodity handled through the new Great Yarmouth Outer Harbour, passing the 1,000,000 tonnes mark. As well as Sizewell C, aggregates are going towards upgrades of the road network and development of offshore windfarms. Richard Goffin of Peel Ports, said, “What we’ve proven in the last year is that we can handle the largest class of aggregate vessels, providing another route for companies involved in the thriving south-east construction sector. The work we’ve done with firms for Sizewell C has opened up other conversations with potential customers about supporting their needs.” Joanne Beales of Aggregate Industries added, “The depth of water at Great Yarmouth is one of the major attractions because there aren’t many places that our largest ships can dock at, especially with the facilities and team that we need to fulfil our customers’ orders. Ours is an industry with very tight margins so we have to work with operators such as Peel Ports that really understand what we need and can deliver on their promises.” TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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