The UK Government commissioned research identifying potential export prospects in the Russian ports sector. Like other countries Russia has been through a period of growth followed by downturn. However cargo volumes held up well at the ports with exports of commodities strong. Container trade is now expected to re-start its strong growth.

Beckett Rankine researched current and future prospects for port development in Russia. An initial desk study was followed by visits to Moscow, St Petersburg and Novorossiysk to meet with port authorities and port developers. The final report can be seen on our Rankine website.

The lifting gate at Bhavnagar port had exceeded its design life and was suffering from leakage that prevented the continued maintenance of the correct water level in the impounded port basin. This was caused by corrosion to the underground sheet pile cut-off wall because of severe scouring of the concrete panels on the seabed.

Beckett Rankine inspected site surveys and developed various designs to solve the problem. The works were carried out by the contractor on a turnkey contract and we reviewed drawings, surveys and other documents as required. The leak was repaired by patching the hole and grouting.

A jetty has been constructed for handling 30,000dwt dry bulk carriers with an approach extending over 2km out into the Gulf of Cambay. Although the sea is calm for much of the year the site is exposed. A maximum tidal range of 10m gives rise to currents of up to 6 knots at the 14m deep berth. There is further scope for development.

Beckett Rankine has studied the potential for converting this single berth into a stand alone port on a BOOT basis. Our report included traffic and technical analysis. We have also advised on geotechnical problems encountered during installation of large diameter piles.

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The Economic and Legal Advisory Services Division (ELAS) of the Commonwealth Secretariat were formulating plans for the privatisation of marine transportation. Industry experts were required in order to reinforce the plans and to offer additional advice to the government on the subject of the lake transportation vessels and ferry terminals.

Beckett Rankine were recruited by the ELAS to advise upon the subject of privatisation of the lake services. This involved inspection of the craft and facilities already in use at the sites, from which a suitable strategy could be developed in order to maximise potential revenue.

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The Gujarat Government has decided to develop a network of ferry services around the Gulf of Cambay with the objective of helping to draw together the people around this vast gulf. Both passenger and Ro-Ro ferry terminals were needed at four locations. Three of these are at entirely new port sites and two at developing harbours.

Beckett Rankine co-ordinated the project with design of berths, breakwaters, linkspans and dredging together with shore terminal facilities for freight and passengers. We have also provided an assessment of possible ferry routes, economic analysis and advice on operator selection.

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Due to a decline in business and an overall lack of funding, the Port of Pembroke near Milford Haven was to be sold. The owner required expert assistance in preparation of market material. The port has two deep water general cargo quays plus a smaller dedicated berth for bunkering vessels up to 20,000 DWT.

Beckett Rankine found the three solid quays to be in servicable condition. It was ascertained that the port was suitable for the handling of timber, refrigerated goods, bulks and semi-bulks. Subject to an agreement with the neighbouring site, Ro-Ro services could be introduced.

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The Port of Nansha is found on the Pearl River, which flows through China into the South China Sea. With the major international port of Hong Kong thriving, it was thought that Nansha could develop to offer an alternative route for exports. International expertise was required to assess the potential that the site offered.

Beckett Rankine inspected the site of the port and made an evaluation of the possibility of further expansion. An assessment was made of the relative merits of shortlisted development schemes. Consideration was given to types of construction that would be efficient in this location.

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The island of Aride in the Seychelles is a nature reserve for seabird breeding. There are a great number of rare tropical species, as well as the highest density of lizards in the world. This has made it very popular with tourists; however the docking facilities at the island were substandard and a new scheme was required.

Beckett Rankine devised a strategy that minimised interference with the natural wildlife of the area, as well as being functionable and long-lasting. A simple berthing structure was proposed that could handle passenger and small cargo boats and protect them from the waves and surf.

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The principal mineral resource of Mauritania is iron ore. This is exported via the dedicated terminal at Port Etienne, north of Nouadhibou. However an inspection was required to ascertain the need for expansion and the condition of the port, in particular the main export jetty that had been deteriorating for several years.

Beckett Rankine carried out an inspection of the jetty and associated marine facilities. It was found that significant restoration was needed and in order to keep up with modern technology the plans for a new jetty would have to be implemented.

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India has a significant requirement for additional port capacity together with the modernisation of existing facilities. As part of its support to exporting companies the UK Government set out to identify opportunities in this market. This covered planning, construction, operations and equipment supply.

Beckett Rankine project managed the study and undertook much of the research work. This included a tour of the coastal states of India, holding interviews with key players in the public and private sector. We worked closely with a team of Indian professionals.

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