Page 91 - Linkline Yearbook 2017

Port of Waterford Expects Significant Growth to 2020
The Port of Waterford’s recently launched business plan lays the groundwork for a significant increase
in activity through investment in port infrastructure and services. The plan sets out the objectives and ambi- tions of the Port of Waterford for the years to 2020. Activi- ty and profitability are expected to grow significantly over this period as the groundwork and resources are put in place for the next phase of the Port’s development.
The Port of Waterford is a port of national significance within the terms of the National Ports Policy and is a comprehensive port on the Ten-T Network. It has become a vital changeover point and a fundamentally important facilitator of economic development in the region.
According to Frank Ronan, Chief Executive, “The Port is highly efficient and perfectly positioned to provide a fast, flexible, personal service that gives our customers and partners a seamless connection to their markets. We serve the Southeast Region and further afield through
excellent sea, rail and road connectivity. The main centre of operations is at Belview Port on the River Suir, 5km downstream from Waterford City. The Port handles very substantial vessels with ships drafts of up to 9.5 metres and lengths of up to 200 metres. Belview has excellent inland connectivity with direct access to the M9 and active rail connections into the port.”
Belview Port currently handles over 1 million tonnes of bulk products (mainly agri-related) together with another 100k+ tonnes of break bulk (mainly timber and steel). The Port also operates in the Container/Lo-Lo sector handling 40k TEU annually.
The new business plan forecasts the port’s container handling activity more than doubling to 90,000 TEU and bulk tonnage increasing to just under 1.6 million tonnes. These increases in activity will drive revenue to over
€9 million with EBITDA growing to €3.3 million from a current level of c €1.2 million.
The plan is to expend €7 million on capital projects
over the period and to deal with dividend and pension obligations while building profitability and available resources, as will be required to fund the next stage of the Ports development.
Mr Ronan added: “It has been 200 years since the original incorporation of Waterford Harbour Commissioners
(our predecessor). After two centuries it is immensely rewarding to see the Port continuing to play such a vital economic role.”
Meeting the Railway Challenges of the New Silk Road
Speaking at this year’s China International Logistics Development Conference, the third of its kind, held in Suining City, China, was Henrik Christensen, Co-Founder
and Advisor to the Management Board and CEO of Silk Route Rail Ltd. During the talk, Henrik explored the challenges and opportunities in re-establishing and improving the ancient East-West trading route known the world over as the Silk Road. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of freight net- works, Henrik’s analysis was considered and informative.
Henrik outlined how as a key component of the Belt and Road initiative, direct cargo trains will connect a growing number of cities in China and Europe. Demand for rail
cargo service between China and Europe has exploded
in recent years because it offers an alternative to slower
and riskier sea freight and much costlier air cargo. China’s top economic planning body National Development and Reform Commission said there will be a safe, convenient
and efficient system of China-Europe direct cargo trains by 2020 with an estimated 5,000 cargo train running between the two continents. The development plan shows that the cargo train service system will consist of three routes – an east route, a central route and a west route. The routes will not only connect China with Europe, but also with East Asia and Southeast Asia. The new freight option will also open up a route between China and Ireland, and will be particularly suitable for pharmaceuticals and dairy products.
According to Henrik, Silk Route Rail is currently working
on innovative solutions to meet the challenges faced in establishing the new rail network. These include Triple X automatic wheel changing wagons with power, which
will expedite the delays incurred due to different railway gauges in China and Russia. They are also working on new temperature controlled containers that will circumvent the many problems associated with 45’ diesel electric containers.
CILT Secretary General, Keith Newton said: “The Institute
is very grateful to Henrik for sharing his ideas with the conference, and will follow the development of this initiative with interest.”
Henrik Christensen, Co-Founder and CEO of Silk Route Rail Ltd.
The CharTered InsTITuTe of LogIsTICs & TransporT 91
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