The Aruba Ports Authority (APA) will relocate its container operations to its brand new Barcadera multi-cargo facility, which is due to open by the end of 2015. Port Canaveral has concluded a 35-year agreement with GT USA to operate and develop its container and multipurpose cargo terminal. The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) is moving forward with the dredging, development and possible expansion of the Gallows Bay Marine Facility on St. Croix. The Port of Vancouver USA is planning to market nearly 100 acres at Terminal 5 following the expiration on June 16 of an agreement that set aside the property for BHP Billiton’s exclusive use.
Aruba Ports Authority Gets Ready for the Port of Oranjestad Development
The Aruba Ports Authority (APA) is moving forward with plans for new cargo terminal. In 2013, the APA launched a US$62 million dollar project to design, build, finance, maintain, operate, and transfer the multi-cargo sea terminal at Barcadera. Ultimately, the port authority’s container operations will be shifted to the new facilty.
The contract was awarded to the local stevedoring company Aruba Stevedoring Company (ASTEC) NV. The concessionaire is responsible for the investments in terminal infrastructure, labor and operational activities.
The port’s vision is to realize a project with guaranteed sustainability. It deems the project to be of vital importance for diversification of Aruba’s economy and its future growth
A brainstorming session on June 18 involving all APA Managers included a presentation by the manager of the Barcadera Multi Cargo Sea Terminal Project that confirmed the work is on track for completion by the end of 2015, including aspects pertaining to the stevedoring company.
The plans include full compliance with IMO standards for security and safety. The port authority plans to review the results of past studies and a recent survey conducted by by the port and the University of Aruba and to continue dialogue with local stakeholders to form a solid base of information, which can be used for further planning of the area.Rendering of the Barcadera Multi Cargo Sea Terminal.
Source/Aruba Ports Authority
Port Canaveral CEO John E. Walsh (left) and Gulftainer Chairman Badr Jafar after signing the agreement between the port authority and the company.
Photo/Port Canaveral
The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) is moving forward with the dredging, development and possible expansion of the Gallows Bay Marine Facility on St. Croix.
The port authority’s governing board assigned a task order to its marine consultant to provide technical services to acquire the VI Coastal Zone Management and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits along with plans and specifications to perform maintenance dredging of the Schooner Bay Channel in Gallows Bay.
The maintenance dredging will allow small cruise ships and luxury vessels to berth safely in Gallows Bay, said Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe. VIPA anticipates that permits will be ready for submission to the VI CZM Commission within three months. The planning phase will cost $284,240 and is funded by the port authority.
The Virgin Islands Legislature recently passed Bill No. 30-0338, which included $500,000 to fund the dredging. The bill is pending the approval of Governor John deJongh.
Mr. Dowe said the port authority also plans to develop and possibly expand the Gallows Bay Marine Facility in Christiansted, St. Croix. "The VIPA Board sees great potential for upgrades and enhancements to the Gallows Bay port. Developing this facility could serve as an impetus to boost St. Croix’s tourism industry. Our marine consultant will produce a concept and feasibility study to develop Gallows Bay into an upscale marine port."
The study will include the practicability of constructing a marina, accommodating ferry service, allowing commercial or sport fishing, and the possible expansion of the facility onto adjacent government-owned land.
According to the port authority, the study should take about eight months to complete and will cost $143,720.The decision by both parties to allow the agreement to lapse enables the port to move forward on developing a prime piece of property and, at the same time, keeps the option open to continue discussions with BHP Billiton about locating a potash export facility.
"Fortunately, we have multiple properties, including Columbia Gateway, that could support this project, which enables us to be flexible," said Port CEO Todd Coleman."And because our relationship with BHP Billiton remains positive, we’re in a strong position to work with them in the future."
Columbia Gateway includes more than 500 acres of property available for future development and would allow the port to accommodate the needs of BHP Billiton or other similar world-class companies. Because the Terminal 5 acreage is no longer subject to the BHP Billiton agreement, the port can now market it for other uses.
"We’re confident that we can find a new tenant for Terminal 5 in the near future," said Mr. Coleman. "It’s an extremely attractive property due to its size and access to river, road and rail transportation."
The exclusivity agreement between the port and BHP Billiton was included in the Agreement for Lease, one of three definitive agreements the two parties entered into in February 2012. The others are a Site Improvement Agreement and an Entry Agreement. All three agreements expired on June 16. A final lease between the parties was not signed.