Ports give out mixed messages on investment priorities

An independent study of almost 200 port owners/operators, consulting engineers and contractors, revealed that one-fifth (20%) prioritise whole life costs when procuring equipment for their port development.

However, further analysis of the data reveals that port owners appear to be under investing in maintenance – a core element of measuring whole life costs. The research showed that more than one-third of operators had noticed their maintenance levels decreasing as a result of budget pressures over the last two years.

“Despite all the best intentions, the reality is that port owners are not always prioritising investment in the things that will lower downtime, reduce costs and improve efficiency of their operations over the long term,” said Richard Hepworth, managing director, Trelleborg Marine Systems.