Hutchison Ports is acutely aware of the impact of global warming on its working environment and staff. It is formalising measures to protect its staff, including by locking in measures to hear their feedback. New technology and best practices support an open dialogue that protects Hutchison Ports frontline workers.
HIT and CLP drive decarbonisation through electrification and renewable energy
Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) and CLP Power Hong Kong have partnered on a series of decarbonisation initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. These efforts include electrifying cranes and vehicles, as well as adopting renewable energy sources, leading to a reduction of over 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2023. This achievement is equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions produced by approximately 9,000 average-sized Hong Kong households. The partnership underscores HIT and CLP’s drive to improve local decarbonisation and reduce the environmental impact of port operations, positioning both companies as industry leaders in sustainable practices.
Hutchison Ports Sokhna breaks new ground at Sokhna Port
Hutchison Ports Sokhna celebrated a significant milestone in July with a ground-breaking ceremony at Sokhna Port. This ceremony heralds the start of a major development for Hutchison Ports Sokhna, aimed at enhancing container handling capacity and boosting the region’s role in global trade. The project reflects the strong collaboration between Hutchison Ports and its partners and signals a new chapter of growth and innovation.
Hutchison Ports Jazan goes from one to over one million tonnes!
Hutchison Ports Jazan has surpassed one million tonnes of cargo handled since its port’s launch in September 2022. Over four days, the port completed the handling of a pig iron export vessel and an import vessel containing ilmenite (the main source of titanium dioxide).
Considering its strategic location in the Red Sea, the Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI) Port in Jazan is becoming a “port of choice” for regular berthing of Panamax bulk vessels carrying barley, for example. The port also welcomes steel billet carrying vessels and handles the import and transhipment of other project cargo.
This accomplishment underscores Hutchison Ports Jazan’s significant role in the region’s industrial development and its ability to efficiently manage key cargo operations. Beyond this achievement, the port continues its commitment to operational excellence and its vital contribution to the local economy and infrastructure.
Hutchison Ports YANTIAN has celebrated a landmark achievement in its green port initiatives. In the first seven months of this year, YANTIAN surpassed last year’s totals, hitting new records in shore power supply. July alone saw a record 2.4 million kWh of electricity provided, while the January–July period saw a staggering 13.07 million kWh, doubling last year’s figure over the same period and exceeding the 12.44 million kWh total for 2023. This impressive output reduced carbon emissions by 10,117 tonnes – equivalent to planting approximately 560,000 trees. Providing clean shore power reduces emissions from ships burning fossil fuels when berthing. Furthermore, YANTIAN reached 626 shore power connections, doubling that of the same period last year and surpassing the previous year’s total of 595. These milestones underscore YANTIAN’s commitment to sustainable maritime operations and environmental stewardship.
Hutchison Ports Promotes Green Initiatives Across the Globe
Hutchison Ports has launched various ”Go Green” initiatives worldwide in its efforts to push environmental sustainability. Huizhou Port Industrial Corporation kicked off with a tree-planting event in Quanwan, planting over 150 trees. Jiangmen International Container Terminals participated by planting purple wind chime flower saplings in Jinji, fostering local industrial and logistics development. Ningbo Beilun International Container Terminals joined the cause, planting osmanthus frangrans trees. Hutchison Ports Busan and Gwangyang planted 255 seedlings in Gwangyang Suburban Park, continuing their 11 years of combating global warming. In the Bahamas, Hutchison Ports FCP celebrated the International Day of Forests by donating and planting fruit-bearing trees at the Dock School they sponsored, instilling environmental values in students using interactive activities.
Hutchison Ports PPC Champions Soccer for All in Panama
Hutchison Ports PPC has doubled down on its commitment to bring soccer to every child in Panama by sponsoring various youth soccer tournaments in some of Panama’s socially vulnerable neighbourhoods. Attracting over 5,000 boys and girls, the tournaments aim at nurturing talent and providing a brighter future for the children in these neighbourhoods. In addition, PPC is also sponsoring a girls’ soccer tournament, empowering over 4,000 girls who live near the ports of Balboa and Cristobal to play and compete. These tournaments work to promote gender equality and break down stereotypes whilst instilling values of teamwork and confidence in the next generation of these grassroots communities.
Hutchison Ports is the first port operator to secure SBTi’s approval for its submitted group-wide greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and 2050 net-zero target under Water Transportation – Ports and Services, with targets in alignment with the global warming limit of 1.5°C. They are also aiming at reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 54.6% and Scope 3 emissions by 32.5% by 2033 from a 2021 base year. With a comprehensive net-zero strategic roadmap, Hutchison Ports is dedicated to implementing emission reduction measures globally, steering towards a more sustainable future.
Hutchison Ports Pakistan welcomes one of the world’s largest container vessels
Hutchison Ports Pakistan set a historic milestone with the arrival of the largest-ever vessel, MSC ANNA, to berth in Pakistan, measuring 400 metres in length and with a capacity of 19,368 TEU. This landmark event highlights the terminal’s advanced technology and infrastructure, proving its capacity to handle ultra-large container ships efficiently.
This achievement also underscores the port’s strategic significance in the region. The arrival of such a massive vessel is expected to boost trade, reduce shipping costs and significantly enhance Pakistan’s position in global maritime commerce. Additionally, the increase of port activities is set to generate substantial revenue for the government, contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
Hutchison Ports BEST recently received the first Onshore Power Supply substation, allowing them to provide electricity to container ships while docked, thereby reducing emissions. This achievement is a great forerunner for the next steps of Port of Barcelona’s electrification project at BEST, which is set to charge ships with 100% renewable clean energy this summer. By embracing this transition, Hutchison Ports BEST spearheads greener maritime practices, setting a precedent for Southern Europe and contributing to a more sustainable future for the shipping industry.
Hutchison Ports YANTIAN has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in environmental sustainability with the remarkable levels of shore power used to cut carbon emissions. In 2023, its supply of shore power reached 12,000,000kWh, slashing vessel carbon emissions by nearly 9,700 tonnes – a number equivalent to planting approximately 540,000 trees. This feat solidifies the port’s position as China’s leading port in providing shore power, significantly bolstering Shenzhen Port’s nationwide standing. Through these innovative industry solutions, Hutchison Ports YANTIAN demonstrates its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and fostering a greener future for maritime operations.
Hutchison Ports KICT, COSCO-HIT and Nanhai International Container Terminals (NICT) all marked significant milestones in 2024. KICT celebrated its 25th anniversary with a grand event attended by esteemed guests and announced its support for two educational institutes under the Dock School Programme. COSCO-HIT commemorated its 30th anniversary, expressing gratitude to clients and staff for their support. NICT also celebrated its 30th anniversary, acknowledging the contributions of government bodies, customers and partners. Last but not least, Hutchison Ports celebrated the group’s 55th anniversary in March at its annual dinner themed “We Together 55 We Shine” which was well attended by management and staff. These latest milestones highlight Hutchison Port’s achievements and the collaborative efforts driving its continued success.
Hutchison Ports is ready to Go Green around the world
Hutchison Ports, from Pakistan to the Bahamas, is taking big green steps to do their part for the planet. Hutchison Ports KICT saw more than 40 staff plant trees and shrubs at the Clifton Urban Forest, Karachi. The project respects local know-how by using the Miyawaki technique to plant and nurture tree saplings of dozens of species, including moringa, sukhchain, oleander, date palms and wild almonds.
In the Bahamas, Team Hutchison Ports FHC went green by repeating their mission to collect mangrove propagules, with a view to re-planting them along the island’s coastlines. So far this year, the team has harvested and potted 2,045 propagules as part of their overall sustainability plan.
Hutchison Ports Duisburg celebrated its Ruby anniversary in September in style. Forty years ago, DeCeTe Duisburg opened its doors to strengthen the trading capacity of the German Ruhr industrial heartland with seaborne linkages to the world. Rail and barge connections to the open sea are part of the trimodal model that serves shipping lines, logistics service providers, shippers and operators with distinction.
Hutchison Ports BEST has welcomed six hybrid shuttle carriers that will enable a 40% reduction of carbon emissions through the use of a super-efficient regenerative energy system. The Barcelona port took on the new cranes that help to move containers from one part of the facility to another. All electricity at the port is generated from renewable sources, so every electric-powered element is a big step forward. As more and more European companies seek to reduce the carbon footprint of their transportation networks, BEST is looking like the best option for international transport.
The completion of works to dramatically deepen berths 8 and 9 at Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe has cleared the way for even bigger ships to call at the port. The OOCL Felixstowe, a massive 24,188 TEU mega container vessel operated by Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd (“OOCL”), came on 4 October 2023 to be part of the official announcement of completion. Felixstowe now provides levels of access that are unequalled anywhere else in the UK, increasing the berthing windows for the biggest vessels and the number of ultra-large vessels that can enter or leave the port on each high tide.
Hutchison Ports BEST in Barcelona now has a direct rail connection service to Toulouse in France, more than 400km by rail. There are three weekly trains that can carry 108 TEU to reduce transit time for shippers. The logistics company, Hutchison Logistics Synergy, is making this connection possible and bringing new opportunities to European exporters and importers keen to capitalise on BEST’s contribution to lowering their carbon footprint in their supply chain. They will also benefit from more flexible and dependable transport options. BEST has three gauges of rail, meaning they can take shipments from a wide variety of sources. The BEST of all worlds, indeed.
Hutchison Ports is revolutionising port operations by welcoming a new family – Veronica and her offspring. This network of AI-driven platforms aims to deliver the absolute maximum of productivity in the safest possible environment. The future is... Veronica!
HIT and other Hutchison Ports team members have taken part in a step challenge to raise money to support low-income families through the Sowers Action charity. The challenge comprised the combined efforts of 188 people in 51 teams walking over 40 million steps in 14 days! The funds raised went towards purchasing electrical appliances for families in need in Hong Kong.
Students at Kasetsart University Sriracha Campus are going to have extra opportunities for career development and internships through a partnership being developed with Hutchison Ports Thailand. The University’s Faculty of International Maritime Studies is taking concrete action to work with the company to bring practical experience and knowledge of the ports industry to their student body.
Hutchison Ports has invested US$700 million in the development of a new container terminal in Ain Sokhna Port and the Port of Alexandria, bringing Hutchison Ports’ total investment in Egypt to over US$1.5 billion.
The new container terminal in Ain Sokhna Port will have a capacity of 1.7 million TEU, providing a significant boost to Egypt’s maritime trade. The B100 container terminal will provide a new gateway to the Port of Alexandria, a key hub for trade between Europe, Asia and Africa.
The world’s biggest towage company, Boluda Towage, has invested in Hongkong Salvage and Towage Services Limited (HKSTS). The deal will enable Boluda to expand into Asia, bring its capital and share its best practice to enhance HKSTS’ service offering to clients in Hong Kong.
The Shanghai Pudong International Container Terminal (SPICT) marked an important milestone as it moved its 50 millionth container. Hutchison Ports staff were joined by contractors and friends to mark this special event in SPICT’s history.
Hutchison Ports is constantly making major capital expenditure (CapEx) investments to create safer, greener and more efficient operations at its ports. Hutchison Ports Thailand is beefing up its electric vehicle (EV) fleet and welcomed nine new autonomous trucks that deliver on efficiency and the environment at Terminal D, Laem Chabang Port.
Hutchison Ports HIT in Hong Kong launched the city’s first quay cranes equipped with solar panels on top of the machinery house. It is also expanding its fleet of remote control rail-mounted gantry cranes. Hutchison Ports Pakistan is also investing in new electric remote control quay cranes and remote control rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RCRTGCs).
Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe has taken delivery of the first six of seventeen semi-automated remote control electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RCRTGs) as part of its upgrade path. It has also signed a deal for 100 new autonomous trucks – all EVs. New EVs in ports around the world will result in quieter, safer and cleaner yards for staff, from Hong Kong to the UK.
Hutchison Ports’ subsidiary, Colour Path Holdings, is on track to manage a dry port and bonded logistics zone at SPARK – the King Salman Energy Park. The new company will be called the Energy City Logistics Company (ECLC). A US$400 million logistics facility will provide support to the SPARK energy ecosystem by handling containers, breakbulk and project cargo while managing storage yards, warehousing and customs clearance. SPARK is a global energy hub and the new facility will cement its position as an energy logistics powerhouse sitting at a confluence of new rail and road links.
Hutchison Ports KICT is installing solar panel energy systems to harness the power of the sun. KICT will expand its solar energy generation in the future, but the first iteration will save over 110 tonnes of carbon from entering the atmosphere and generate 140,000KWh a year of energy.
CK Hutchison’s Global Climate Action Conference is the first gathering of business CEOs to share how they are setting targets, taking action and proving their accountability on reducing their carbon footprint. Sphere’s three-part series on the Conference provides a sense of what was covered in depth for over 400 team members at the online event.
Hutchison Ports Yantian showcased at the United Nations Climate Change Conference
Hutchison Ports Yantian received an invitation from the Yantian District Government to participate in the world’s largest gathering to address climate change concerns, the UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt late last year. Its presentation on resource husbanding and its efforts to build an environmentally friendly society included the Port of Yantian for its efforts in developing a leading international, green and low-carbon port operation.
Hutchison Ports FCP supports career development in the Bahamas
Hutchison Ports FCP participated in a local junior high school career fair, providing the latest maritime industry information to students exploring career opportunities in various sectors within the port industry in the Grand Bahamas. FCP also joined a government-led community initiative, “Labour on the Blocks”, offering assistance and advice to jobseekers who are interested in pursuing a career in the port business industry.
Hutchison Ports Yantian is LNG bunkering to clean the air.
Port of Yantian has become only the fourth port in the world to offer liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering. LNG bunkering refers to the practice of providing LNG to specially designed ships so that they power themselves with this much cleaner fossil fuel instead of dirtier traditional alternatives such as heavy fuel oil, marine diesel fuel and marine gas oil. The port launched its service by hosting the 23,000-TEU M/V CMA CGM SORBONNE, the world’s largest LNG-powered container ship.
Port of Felixstowe is the first in Europe to introduce autonomous terminal tractor units (ATs) into mixed traffic terminal operations. The battery-powered ATs will work alongside standard human-operated trucks. The units use digital maps, on-board GPS navigation systems to know where they are and LiDAR (laser imaging, detection and ranging) to “see” their surroundings, supported by their Extreme Precise Positioning (EPP) system that can position them within 2cm of accuracy. The ATs will be used initially at the port’s Trinity and North Rail terminals.
The city of Venlo, a Dutch logistics hotspot near the Netherlands–Germany border, celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding as a rail terminal in October 2022. It has also been a barge terminal for more than 10 years, providing around 30 weekly connections to Rotterdam and vice versa as well as to other locations. Hongkong United Dockyards had a decade head start on Venlo and celebrated its 50th anniversary with management from Hutchison Ports and HPH Trust.
Doubling even that impressive milestone, the Polish Port of Gdynia celebrated its 100th anniversary. On 23 September 1922, the Polish Parliament passed legislation to transform the fishing village of Gdynia into a modern port. The 2022 gala saw over 700 luminaries of government and business join former and current port staff at the Danuta Baduszkowa Music Theatre celebrating with the people of Gdynia and the whole nation.
Ports aren’t just on the water! Hutchison Ports Yantian expands inland
Modern ports are host to far more than just big boats; they are multi-modal transport hubs with trucks, rail and more all connecting their hinterlands to the sea. Hutchison Ports Yantian now has 11 inland ports in Mainland China. It opened its 10th inland port in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province followed by Chenzhou, Hunan Province. The rail connection facility in Chenzhou is the third inland port operated by Hutchison Ports Yantian in the province. This network of inland ports has supported the rise of Hutchison Ports Yantian’s rail–sea throughput by 10% year-on-year.
Freeport East in the UK’s East Anglia region is moving ahead as part of a national plan to create free ports that will invigorate the national economy. Locally, the project will generate 13,500 jobs. The project will work with key stakeholders including local government, the private sector and educational institutions to attract new investment, creating a hotbed for trade, innovation and green energy and driving growth in both the regional and national economies.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited Hutchison Ports Yantian in Shenzhen, China. He toured the port and Premier Li had supportive words for the Hutchison Ports leadership, encouraging them to establish themselves as a leading world-class port. The Port of Shenzhen is the world’s fourth biggest port by throughput and Hutchison Ports Yantian handles about 49.2% of the total throughput.
Hutchison Ports Pakistan is implementing a youth internship and training programme to bring people into the world of port management and engineering. Working with the Hunar Foundation, they are supporting technical education for underprivileged students. They will be accepting interns into the engineering department of the terminal adjacent to the city of Karachi.
Hutchison Ports Gdynia, on Poland’s north shore near Gdansk, has opened a new playground at a children’s shelter that has been taking in orphans from Ukraine. They started their charitable fundraising that led to the commissioning and installation of the playground in June. Today, children can escape the darkness in their lives with happy times in the playground with other children.
Hutchison Ports Ajman is taking inspiration from its customer service representative, Nayla Al Baloushi. She is the first Emirati woman to climb Mount Everest, conquering the dangerous ascent. Hutchison Ports Ajman is taking the opportunity to promote women’s fitness and achievement in the company.
Hutchison Ports is expanding its cooperation with the Egyptian government by signing concession agreements to operate two new terminals in Ain Sokhna Port and El Dekheila Port. Ain Sokhna is on the Red Sea, while El Dekheila is part of the Alexandria metro area on the Mediterranean Sea. The signing ceremony was hosted by the prime minister of Egypt, Mostafa Madbouly, and the transport minister of Egypt, Kamel Al-Wazir.
From Panama to The Bahamas, celebrations are in order! The 25th Anniversary of Panama Ports Company hosted sports competitions, a BBQ lunch and recognition for employees who had been there the full 25 years!
In The Bahamas, Freeport Container Port celebrated its 25th anniversary in July with a cake-cutting ceremony. The next month, it welcomed the MSC Francesca, the largest vessel ever to visit the port. At an impressive 363.57m long, it has a capacity of 11,336 TEU. All good reasons to celebrate!
Thailand loads its 35 millionth TEU and keeps on rolling
Hutchison Port Thailand celebrated the milestone of processing 35 million TEU since its opening in 2002. The port has led the Group in implementing cutting-edge technology, facilitating 24-hour operations.
5G is powering an Internet of Things (IoT) revolution at the Port of Felixstowe. The first phase will see IoT used for two major initiatives: the predictive maintenance of quay cranes and communications for remote control yard cranes. The £200 million investment in 5G deployment will deliver a range of efficiencies, starting with improving maintenance priorities as IoT devices monitor heavy equipment in real time.
Hutchison Ports Tanzania has broken its own throughput record yet again! The port celebrated an impressive increase to more than 60,000 TEU in March 2022. Specifically, the new record of 61,237 TEU was an 18.4% increase over their previous record set in September 2020.
There is plenty of sun in Oman and Hutchison Ports Sohar is harnessing its power for its new Solar Powered Integrated Inspection Facility Project. The US$30 million project will enhance inspection services and support Oman Customs with safe and efficient security measures as part of the Sultanate’s Oman Logistics Strategy. The inspection facilities will be spread across the 37,000 sqm of Terminal C and are expected to come online mid-2023. The use of solar power will reduce energy usage by about 5,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.
Hutchison Ports Thailand has signed a contract with Nawarat Patanakarn Public Company Limited to move forward on the final construction phase of Terminal D at Laem Chabang Port. This phase will see the build-out of an additional stacking area for dry and reefer containers, additional automated trucking gate lanes, an engineering workshop and an administration building. In three years’ time, the port will be able to support the movement of up to 3.5 million TEU a year.
“Every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver”
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words echo through the ages and through the heart of Hutchison Ports. Its global Go Green initiative has seen port staff plant trees around the world. Team FCP (The Bahamas) planted trees and grass, and developed irrigation projects. Nanhai International Container Terminals launched their tree-planting initiative in March as part of their 28th anniversary celebrations. And Team Tanzania joined local government officials to plant more than 200 trees in the Oyster Bay area.
The Port of Felixstowe is leading the hydrogen revolution building in the UK. It aims to transform not only its own operations but the regional eco-economy too. First, the Port – then trains, trucks and homes will follow.
Hutchison Ports has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) to create a joint venture to manage and operate a dry port and a bonded logistics zone. These will sit at the heart of a dynamic energy, manufacturing and logistics zone, serving and energising both investment-driven and organically grown businesses in the surrounding area.
The Port of Felixstowe has claimed the crown for the biggest 5G deployment at a UK port. Internet of Things sensors have been deployed to empower predictive maintenance for quay cranes. Data are being shared with partners such as Cambridge University, who will use them to drive an algorithm that predicts equipment failure and allows for optimisation of maintenance schedules. This reliable and real-time data transmission will occur over the same network that is handling the manipulation of remote-control quay cranes.
Hutchison Ports welcomes a new member to its global network: Hutchison Ports Delta II, a versatile Dutch terminal able to accommodate the world’s biggest ships. The port also works with smaller feeders and barges to serve the Dutch economy.
The Port of Felixstowe smashed through a new record by loading its 100 millionth container since it opened in 1967. The capacity of the Port is expanding as Berths 6, 7, 8 and 9 have completed or will complete the deepening of their facilities in the next two years to allow even bigger, more efficient ships to berth. Two hundred million TEUs – here we come!
Hutchison Ports are looking into the future of Egyptian maritime logistics by signing an exclusive agreement with Egypt’s Ministry of Transport to study the expansion of two ports: one on the Mediterranean and one in the Gulf of Suez. Under the memorandum of understanding, they will examine the feasibility of investing in and operating a container terminal project in El-Dekheila Port and a multi-purpose terminal project in Sokhna Port.
Port of Felixstowe’s 5G plans not only put the power of massive dockside cranes in the delicate digits of desk-driving derrick directors, but also connect a legion of sensors to help train AI that could save Hutchison Ports millions of pounds in maintenance efficiency.
Already thriving ports vital to UK, European and global trade, Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe and Harwich International have been selected as two of the UK’s new Freeports. They will enjoy special regulations that will reduce red tape and provide tax benefits that support the creation of more jobs, trade and economic success in their respective areas. Their growth will be driven by green energy initiatives, including a major hydrogen fuel supply infrastructure that will support a planet-friendly transformation in the surrounding region.
5G technology is coming to Sohar Port in Oman. Hutchison Ports Sohar has signed a memorandum of understanding with local telecoms firm Omantel and China’s Huawei to develop a proof of concept (PoC) study. The study will encompass two phases. The first will cover 5G-based video surveillance of port facilities and the use of artificial intelligence. The second phase will explore the use of handheld and push-to-talk devices to improve port operations. The PoC will support the national logistics aims of the ‘Oman Vision 2040’ programme.
Hutchison Ports Yantian celebrated a new milestone as it moved its 200 millionth TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) in 2021. Yantian’s traffic defied a global slowdown in 2020, increasing its throughput by 2% year-on-year. From its humble beginnings in 1994, Hutchison Ports Yantian now serves one-third of the import and export trade for the workshop of the world, Guangdong province in Mainland China. This also encompasses one-quarter of all Sino-US trade. The port continues to invest to support continued growth arising from the increased TEU traffic.
Hutchison Ports is expanding to encompass a neighbouring deep-water quay in the Port of Rotterdam. It will acquire the 13 ship-to-shore gantry cranes and facilities currently owned by APM Terminals Rotterdam. This will further strengthen the port operator’s presence in the Port of Rotterdam, where it currently handles the majority of containers in the port through ECT’s Delta and Euromax terminals.
Hutchison Ports Pakistan and SOHAR are for the kids
Children at the SOS Children’s Villages benefited from the generosity of the Hutchison Ports Pakistan team that donated computer equipment for online classes. The SOS Children’s Villages is an orphanage that delivers not just a home, but also education and job training. The ports team also provided desperately needed hygiene products, a vital support in the COVID-19 era. Likewise, Hutchison Ports Sohar supported the Sheikh Abdullah bin Bashir Al Hadrami School with a donation of laptop and desktop computers.
Felixstowe and Harwich selected to join UK freeport initiative
Freedom begets freedom and, in this case, freeports. In the wake of Brexit, the UK will create eight freeports – including the Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe and Harwich International. Beginning operations from late 2021, the freeports should enjoy simplified planning, lower customs and taxes, and incentives that will promote investment and job creation in areas surrounding the ports. The increased economic activity will attract more goods to pass through the freeports and further strengthen their position as major hubs of British trade.
Hutchison Ports, in an online signing ceremony in February, committed to developing a new port in Jazan on the southern extremity of the west Saudi Arabian coast. The Jazan City Primary and Downstream Industries Port lies on the Belt and Road Initiative route and will play a vital role in the economies of southern Saudi Arabia and its neighbours in southern and eastern Africa. Commercial operation is expected to start in early 2022.
The ‘Oman Vision 2040’ plan will get a supercharge with the addition of plans to expand SOHAR Port and Freezone to accommodate next-generation mega vessels at a new container terminal. Hutchison Ports Sohar has signed an agreement to conduct a feasibility study for the expansion. In line with implementing state-of-the-art equipment at the port, eight remote-controlled hybrid rubber-tyred gantry cranes have been deployed, improving efficiency.
Hutchison Ports HIT is being recognised for its efforts in Hong Kong. It is a signatory to the ‘Good Employer Charter 2020’ organised by the Labour Department of the HKSAR government, which noted HIT’s dedication to family-friendly employment measures. It has also received the ‘Partner Employer Award’ from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business for its internship programme that helps minorities, students, retirees, people who have retrained, and the disabled to enter the workforce.
The employees of Hutchison Ports Gdynia raised funds and donated Christmas gifts for children at the Amber Harbour Children’s Hospice in their hometown. Toys and clothes were given to help lift the spirits of families during their time of hardship. Nurses were not forgotten either, as much-needed hygiene products were donated to help them stay safe as COVID-19 makes their challenging jobs even more difficult.
Breaking records is nothing new for Hutchison Ports Yantian, which once again broke a world record in September for its monthly throughput of over 1.46 million TEU. This breakthrough makes it the current highest total for a single terminal run by a port operator. Only one month ago, it broke the world record of 1.42 million TEU.
Hutchison Ports HIT welcomed the world’s largest container vessel to its berths. The ship is fitted with state-of-the-art technology and systems which allow it to function with reduced sulphur emissions and a lower impact on the environment. No one will look at the HMM GDANSK and think, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
A new container terminal is in the works in Abu Qir as Hutchison Ports confirmed a US$730 million project with the Egyptian Navy that will connect a two-way highway to Alexandria and a national road network to Cairo. The first phase is expected to commence operations in 2022.
