Maritime

Container traffic at the Port of Valencia falls by 7% in 2022

Published

2 months ago

January 31, 2023

Port Authority of Valencia

Container traffic at the Port of Valencia falls by 7% in 2022. Image: Port Authority of Valencia

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Valenciaport, as a thermometer of economic activity and world trade, reflects in its 2022 data the international crisis that is affecting the business situation and the global exchange of goods, which is facing a complex situation marked by the war in Ukraine, increased neo-protectionism, high inflation and the rise in fuel and raw material prices. Despite the fall in total traffic (-6.92%) and container traffic (-9.85%) during the previous year, Valenciaport maintains its share of 40% of import/export traffic in the Spanish port system, as in previous years. The year closed with an increase in the number of cars handled, which rose by 22.25%, and passengers, both on regular lines (+48.67%) and cruise passengers (+376%).

Thus, according to data from the Statistical Bulletin of the Port Authority of Valencia (PAV), a total of 79,365,321 tonnes of goods were handled in 2022, representing a decrease of 6.92%, while TEUs amounted to 5,052,272 with a fall of 9.85% – in line with the indications of the SeaIntelligence consultancy of a drop in world traffic of around 10%. A decrease in containers that occurs mainly in transit containers with a drop of 416,137 units, 16.81% in relative terms with respect to the 2021 financial year. They went from 2,475,802 in 2021 to 2,059,665 last year, traffic that has been diverted to other Mediterranean ports. Regarding full cargo containers (export), which reached almost one million, there was a decrease of 82,032 containers, -7.59% less than in 2021. And full unloading containers (import) have grown by 1.55% to 850,589 units. Empty containers fell by 5.54% in 2022.

About the type of goods, the current situation is a clear reflection of Valenciaport’s traffic and the change in the arrival/departure of products. Thus, liquid bulk has mobilised 5,818,821 tonnes (+50.44%), highlighting the natural gas that has been managed through the Port of Sagunto, which has doubled in 2022 compared to 2021 to reach 4,118,575 tonnes. In fact, the number of ships dedicated to the transport of products such as energy products was 322, 10.65% more than the previous year. The United States accounts for half of all natural gas imports. Solid bulk cargoes exceeded 2,255,164 tonnes, up 4.45%, with an increase of 12.14% in cereals and their flours. Non-containerised cargo maintained the 2021 quota with 14,763,010 tonnes, while the decrease occurred in containerised cargo with 56,125,555 tonnes, 12.33% less.

In general, traffic has decreased in all sectors. Iron and steel fell by 9.85%, construction materials by 12.61% and chemical products by 9.99%. The agri-food sector maintains in 2022 the figures of 2021, with a decrease of 0.47%. The sectors that increased are energy (+63.5%), other goods (+2.39%) with wood and cork (+12.95%) and vehicles and transport elements (+1.36%) standing out.

About automobile traffic, during 2022 it should be noted that 603,566 units were handled at the València and Sagunto docks, a 22.25% increase. In absolute figures, 109,869 more vehicles were handled than in 2021. This vehicle traffic is mainly with Italy, Belgium and Turkey, which account for 50% of operations. In terms of ro-ro traffic (a system whereby a vessel transports cargo on wheels), total traffic amounted to 12,946,088 tonnes, 0.64% more than in 2021.

The United States, Italy and China, the main partners

In terms of total traffic by country, according to the APV’s Statistical Bulletin, the United States generated the most traffic with a total of 8,433,368 tonnes and an increase of 9.43%. This is followed by Italy with 7,490,11 tonnes – a similar figure to 2021 – while China is in third place with a decrease of 12% and a total of 6,073,718 tonnes. The Asian giant occupies the first position in container traffic with 530,902 (-13.32%), followed by the United States with 487,828 (-8.18%) and Turkey with 250,731 (-21.29%).

The United Kingdom is the most dynamic country in 2022 with an increase of 34.16% in total goods and 25.14% in containers. Other countries that have grown in 2022 include Nigeria (+39.64%), Belgium (+34.11%) and the Netherlands (13%).

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Maritime

Wartsila to supply Cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply systems

Published

11 hours ago

March 31, 2023

Wartsila

Wartsila to supply Cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply systems. Image: Wartsila

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Technology group Wartsila has again been contracted by the Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard to supply the Cargo Handling and integrated Fuel Gas Supply systems for Very Large Ethane Carrier vessels. This latest order, booked by Wartsila in Q1, 2023, is for two VLECs being built for Japanese ship owner Iino Line.

It follows a series of ongoing deliveries of similar newbuild VLEC vessels at HHI. Wartsila has had a long-standing relationship with HHI, especially regarding a wide range of gas related products and systems for various types and sizes gas carriers

“We have great respect for Wartsila as a provider of high-quality cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems, which are essential elements in the design of these ships. In today’s maritime market, close cooperation with trusted partners is increasingly important for ensuring that projects are completed in the most efficient way possible,” said Mr. Sangryul Kim, Vice President, Hyundai Heavy Industries.

“It is satisfying to be awarded the order, and we are grateful for the trust shown in our products by HHI. This latest order further strengthens Wartsila’s position as a market leader in cargo handling and fuel supply systems, and notably for large sized ethane carriers. These are advanced and very specialised vessels requiring advanced and specialised solutions, which we are proud to deliver,” commented Harald Øverland, Sales Manager, Cargo Handling and Fuel Supply Systems, Wartsila Gas Solutions.

The Wartsila equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard in mid-2024.

Wartsila Gas Solutions is a market leader with innovative systems and lifecycle solutions for the gas value chain. Our main focus areas are handling of gas in seaborne transport (storage, fuel, transfer and BOG management), gas to power, liquefaction and biogas solutions. We help our customers on the journey towards a sustainable future through focus on lifecycle, innovation and digitalisation.

Maritime

AD Ports to use Vessel Traffic Management Information System

Published

12 hours ago

March 31, 2023

Abu Dhabi Ports

AD Ports to use Vessel Traffic Management Information System. Image: AD Ports

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AD Ports Group is to implement a state-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Management Information System across its UAE operations, as the company continues to invest in innovative solutions to drive safety, security and efficiency. The new technology is set to be installed across Khalifa Port, Zayed Port, Free Port, Musaffah Port, and Al Dhafra region ports.

The investment marks the latest move by AD Ports Group to deploy advanced digital solutions within the UAE in support of the nation’s efforts to develop a world-class maritime and ports sector.

The implementation of an advanced and fully integrated VTMIS is a vital requirement in developing an enhanced Ports Community System (PCS) and ensuring the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The system is used to ensure the integration and interconnection of all assets in a port and maritime environment, integrating tools such as radar, CCTV, radios, meteorological systems, radio direction finders and towers. This provides port operators with access to real-time information and improves vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore communication.

Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, Acting CEO – Maritime Cluster and Safeen Group, AD Ports Group said: “AD Ports Group has made this investment in a state-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) to maximise the safety, security and efficiency of our port and maritime operations. This demonstrates our drive to improve quality and safety in accordance with the highest international standards, and assists our marine services team in making smart, rapid decisions informed by real-time information.”

This advanced level of transparency and communication can support safe and secure management of maritime operations, by supporting functions such as traffic management systems including collision avoidance and safe navigation, search and rescue, oil pollution detection and environmental protection.

To support the implementation of the new system, AD Ports Group intends to advance and upgrade the current VTC Centre with video walls and operator consoles, to provide a comprehensive view of tracked vessels within the VTMIS area.

Once implemented, the new technology will support safe and efficient navigation, enhancing AD Ports Group ability to remotely monitor shipping from the command centre at Khalifa Port, in locations as far as 300km away.

Environment

Jeddah Islamic Port boosts decarbonization drive

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2023

Saudi Ports Authority

Jeddah Islamic Port boosts decarbonization drive. Image: Pixabay

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The Saudi Ports Authority has announced cutbacks in crane activity and truck turnaround times at Jeddah Islamic Port in line with its annual target of lowering carbon footprint at the Kingdom’s busiest port by 1,046 tons in 2023.

Complementing the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), the Jeddah port’s decarbonization efforts form part of Mawani’s Green Ports initiative that seeks to slash energy consumption by 15% through equipment electrification and diesel phaseout across the Kingdom’s trade hubs.

Through a 33% decrease in average yard crane moves for every imported container that requires manual inspection as well as a 17% reduction in truck turnaround times, the port further solidifies its standing as a cost-competitive and operationally-efficient logistics destination at the crossroads of East-West trade.

The national maritime regulator’s environmental strategies are inspired by the Saudi Green Initiative, a national climate action plan that aims to unite the Kingdom’s push towards ecological protection, energy transition, and emissions reductions through a joint collaborative approach between the public and private sectors.

The Red Sea based hub had recently bagged the Port of The Year award at the Green Shipping Summit 2023 that was held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands for its successful track record in harnessing innovative and sustainable technologies and solutions for a greener tomorrow.

Mawani has been keen on transforming the Saudi ports into investment platforms and facilitating the Kingdom’s trade with the rest of the world. The Authority seeks to achieve an effective regulatory and commercial environment supported by an operating model that enables growth and innovation in the Kingdom’s maritime industry.

It also envisions developing a sustainable and prosperous ports sector to consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a leading global logistics hub. Mawani strives to realize Saudi Arabia’s economic and social ambitions by ensuring reliable and efficient logistics operations, as well as creating a safe and sustainable maritime environment.