Ports Give Out Mixed Messages on Investment Priorities

SINGAPORE, November 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Ports appear to face a conflicting range of priorities when it comes to specifying and purchasing new mooring and berthing equipment, a new industry survey reveals.

An independent study of almost 200 port owners/operators, consulting engineers and contractors, conducted for Trelleborg Marine Systems, reveals that a 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. Indeed, the research shows that more than a third of operators have noticed that maintenance levels have decreased as a result of budget pressures over the last two years.

Richard Hepworth, managing director, Trelleborg Marine Systems, says: "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.

"In the current climate, the financial pressures on ports to lower costs are considerable. But the industry must resist the temptation to do business with low grade suppliers delivering cheap, unreliable mission critical equipment. This can only be achieved if ports, and other decision makers in the supply chain, put short term savings to one side and focus on the bigger picture," adds Hepworth.

Despite the views of the majority of respondents, more than a quarter of those polled admit to not knowing which criteria to put first when procuring mooring and berthing equipment.

In addition, just 5% said they value suppliers' technical support, ahead of other factors, while just 2% and 1%, respectively, appreciate the importance of aftersales care and product warranties offered by marine equipment providers.

Richard Hepworth concludes: "If decision makers were to give whole life costs greater precedence, this will naturally steer them towards quality products, backed by good manufacturer guarantees and strong technical support. This will also help address the crippling levels of unscheduled downtime suffered by ports, harbors and terminals across the globe."

About Trelleborg Marine Systems and Trelleborg Group

Trelleborg Marine Systems specialises in products and solutions for the safe berthing and mooring of ships within ports and harbours, on terminals and in waterways around the world. The company encompasses brands including Fentek, Seaward, Trellex and Harbour Marine. http://www.trelleborg.com/marine

Trelleborg is a global industrial group whose leading positions are based on advanced polymer technology and in-depth applications know-how. Trelleborg develops high-performance solutions that seal, damp and protect in demanding industrial environments. The Trelleborg Group had annual sales during 2009 of approximately SEK 27 billion, with about 20,000 employees in over 40 countries. The Group comprises four business areas: Trelleborg Engineered Systems, Trelleborg Automotive, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Wheel Systems. The Trelleborg share has been listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange since 1964 and is listed on the OMX Nordic List, Large Cap. http://www.trelleborg.com.

SOURCE Trelleborg Marine Systems