For key ports to remain competitive, they have to accommodate and handle ever-increasing ship size with the associated size increase in ship-to-shore cranes, internal operating equipment, and increased capacities at port gates.
Our engineers have been actively engaged with port authorities to develop engineering solutions that allow existing quays, wharves, and jetties to be upgraded to receive vessels larger than those for which they were originally designed, in addition to supporting the enhanced ship-to-shore handling equipment.
Such enhancement of operational equipment extends throughout the on-terminal area to transfer systems and stacking and storage areas. Upgrading has also included the widening and deepening of port approach channels, vessel turning areas, and alongside depths at the berths.
Looking toward the future
Future expansion, flexibility, and sustainability are key criteria adopted in our designs for new facilities. Life-cycle considerations form important considerations in our optioneering work.
In many cases, port operators wish to take larger vessels onto berths without berth enhancement. Our engineers, using previous experience and working knowledge of the design standards, can provide advice on safe operational practices.
Port facilities are regularly subjected to upgraded environmental control measures and goals. Our environmental specialists can advise on how to improve operations to meet enhanced requirements, and can devise good practice environmental management plans for port operations.
Recent changes in legislation have led to enhanced requirements for port security, in accordance with ISPS requirements. Mott MacDonald engineers have experience of applying these standards in practice for both new ports and to upgrade existing systems.