Image Courtesy: Port of NYNJ
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has launched steps aimed at charting its growth path for the upcoming period.
Namely, the port authority has issued a request for proposals for a planning consultant to develop a long-range Maritime Master Plan to guide future growth and development of the port for the next 25 to 30 years.
The port said that the review will look at each of the port’s six container terminals as well as its auto, bulk, cruise and adjacent real estate holdings along with support services and operations. The review is expected to take up to 18 months to complete.
The Master Plan should be aligned with data and information from previous studies, including the 2014-2015 Land Use Plan and the 2015 Port Demand and Capacity Study.
According to the port, the aim of this study is to provide the framework to maximize land use, ensure an appropriate diversity of uses, increase operational efficiency and provide for enhanced revenue opportunities.
“Our port has been a national trendsetter in the maritime industry and continues to be the leading East Coast gateway for international shippers,” said Port Commerce Director Molly Campbell.
“To continue this positive trend, we must take a holistic look at the entire port operation and develop an optimum plan that will allow us to efficiently grow the business for decades to come following a record 10.4 percent increase in cargo volumes in 2015.”
The review also will explore industry trends and developments that could impact the port, and analyze the ability of the existing complex to effectively and efficiently meet future demand while generating increased revenues, look at port capacity, the current tenant mix and whether the current structure will allow for future demand to be effectively met. It also will look at other unique strategies such as off-port support facilities, inland ports, expansion of the free-trade zone and short sea shipping.
The selected consultant will be asked to conduct a market analysis and identify emerging technologies and potential changes in operating practices that could improve efficiency.
Source: http://worldmaritimenews.com/