While maintaining operations, the Centerm Container Terminal was doubled in capacity and operation efficiency significantly improved.
The project required major excavation works and reconstruction of the entire container yard to allow RTG (Rubber Tyre Gantry) container handling operations. Significant soil excavation and remediation were required, followed by construction of new RTG runways and placement of new asphalt pavement throughout the yard Impact on terminal operations was minimised by the phased implementation of the construction work.
Berths 5 and 6 were extended, deepened and strengthened to accommodate up to 8 000 TEU vessels and support new Post-Panamax quay cranes. Extensive densification of the fill surrounding the old caisson structures and innovative structural measures were incorporated to minimise the risk of a crane collapse following a major design seismic event.
The intermodal yard was upgraded and expanded to include full RTG service along four new 610 m (2 000 ft) long tracks. The refrigerated container (reefer) storage yard was also doubled in size to 546 plugs, with installation of several new reefer towers. Site services, power and control systems, new maintenance facilities were provided or enhanced to support the new state-of-the-art terminal.
All work was safely completed within the two year project schedule set by the client, without interruptions to container terminal operations. This was achieved through careful planning of construction activities and monitoring of stringent safety measures.
Following this successful project, Ausenco has been responsible for the annual maintenance inspections and design of maintenance works for the terminal.