Sudan Sea Ports Handbook 2016-18 by Land & Marine Publications Ltd.

SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK 2016-18

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SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK 2016-18

RT S CO ORAT RP IO N

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SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK 2016-18

Contents 3

FOREWORD

PORT SUDAN LOCATION MAP

INTRODUCTION Major upgrade for nation’s trading hub

12 published by:

land&MARINE Land & Marine Publications Ltd 1 Kings Court, Newcomen Way, Severalls Business Park, Colchester Essex CO4 9RA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Fax: +44 (0)1206 842958 E-mail: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com on behalf of:

30 SECURITY

PMAESA CONFERENCE 2016 Harnessing the Blue Economy NORTH QUAYS Boost in handling capacity at North Quays SOUTH QUAYS SPC looks to attract new container business GREEN HARBOUR Multipurpose terminal is a strategic asset

33 TRAINING

Regional Training Centre helps SPC to keep pace

PORT EQUIPMENT

QUALITY MANAGEMENT SPC aims to deliver higher quality services

38 ENVIRONMENT

Printed by: Buxton Press The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor nor of any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions. ISSN 2397-5725 © 2016 Land & Marine Publications Ltd

SPC takes action to protect coastal habitats

40 TRANSPORT

Better-than-ever road and rail networks

DOCK YARD Dockyard available for small vessels

AL-KHAIR PETROLEUM TERMINAL Facilities on way to handle larger tankers

43 ICT

IT Department keeps pace with new technology

KOSTI DRY PORT Kosti Dry Port makes life easier for importers and exporters

CONTAINER CONFERENCE Conference looks at ways to improve container services

MARINE DEPARTMENT Duties and responsibilities of Marine Department

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SPC’s generous support for people projects

Sea Ports Corporation (Sudan) Tel: +249 311 822 061 Fax: +249 311 822 258 Email: spcp21@sudanports.gov.sd www.sudanports.gov.sd

Security gets top priority at Sudan’s seaports

OSMAN DIGNA New improved handling of passengers, livestock and transit traffic SUAKIN FLOATING DOCK New port tugs get vital back-up facility OSEIF HARBOUR Specialist ore harbour can help boost region

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Including Chief Executives

3 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: FOREWORD

Milestones on the way to success The publication of this handbook marks the 42nd anni-

• Completing Phase 1 of the livestock exports and

versary of Sea Ports Corporation (SPC) and coincides

fisheries terminal 30 km south of Prince Osman Digna

with the silver jubilee celebrations of Prince Osman

Port (Suakin).

Digna Port, 60 km south of Port Sudan.

Moreover, SPC has earmarked a number of

Sudan has several ports along its 750 km coast. SPC

priority projects in order to meet projected

operates all the Red Sea ports, namely, Port Sudan Port,

traffic demand. They include the building

Prince Osman Digna Port (Suakin) and Oseif Port for metal

and operation of the livestock and fisheries

exports, as well as several smaller ports and harbours.

terminal, construction of Saloom Inland Depot

The history of Sudan ports, particularly Port Sudan, is one of transformation from congested and unspecialised rail-served ports working general cargoes to congestion-free, road-served, specialised ports handling all types of shipments. Contrary to the situation in the past, most of the specialised terminals nowadays have adequate infrastructure and operate below capacity. The excess capacity will hopefully be utilised soon to meet the requirements of neighbouring landlocked countries as we have already signed several bilateral transit trade agreements in this regard. I would like to take this opportunity to mention some of the major milestones passed since the foundation of SPC:

• Successfully separating from Sudan Railways and

(ICD) 18 km south-west of Port Sudan, a new passenger facility at Prince Osman Digna Port, rehabilitation and development of Osman Digna Port, construction of a new berth at Oseif Port, building a second berth of 19.0 metres depth for handling petroleum products (already in progress) and construction of Suakin Floating Dock. Port Sudan, the country’s main port, has a central position on the west coast of the Red Sea, a short deviation from the main international east-west trade route. Therefore, Port Sudan stands a good chance of becoming a transhipment and logistics hub in the coming period and a bright future lies ahead. The introduction of vessel traffic management systems (VTMS) in the seaports of Sudan underlines SPC’s commitment to the SOLAS safety regulations. SPC coop-

settling all pertinent issues within the shortest time

erates at regional and international levels to prevent and

possible.

control marine pollution and to suppress unlawful acts and

• Implementing development programmes sponsored by the World Bank which resulted in upgrading the capacity

terrorism of all types. Moreover, a single window system, incorporating port clients and customs authorities, will be implemented in the near future.

for general and containerised cargo at Port Sudan from 3.5 million tons to 8 million tons between 1980 and 1986.

• Inauguration of Prince Osman Digna Port in 1991. • Inauguration in 2012 of the new container terminal, with a draught of 16.0 metres and a quay length of 780 metres, increasing capacity by 700,000 teu.

Although we have already achieved much, we will continue to strive hard in order to satisfy our clients and to ensure efficient cargo handling operations until we achieve our mission and realise our vision.

• Building of Al-Khair Terminal for handling petroleum products.

• Building deepwater berths at Green Area Terminal for handling dry bulk and breakbulk cargoes.

Dr Jalal Eldin M.A. Shelia General Manager Sea Ports Corporation

SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK

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7 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: INTRODUCTION

Port Sudan

Major upgrade for nation’s trading hub The history and growth of Sudan’s major seaport

– crossing point to Saudi Arabia for African

is both relatively brief and rapid. The harbour and

Muslims on their annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

town of Port Sudan were officially opened in 1905 when the railway arrived and the port of Suakin,

Crucially, therefore, Port Sudan functions as a

46 km south, was closed. Merchant vessels first

logistics hub and a strategic maritime gateway

entered the port in 1907 and today the port of Port

as well as a potential tourist destination.

Sudan is at the heart of Sudan’s economy. Port Sudan lies on the shore of a gulf connected to

Terminals

the Red Sea by a coral-free channel with a depth of

The main seaport of Port Sudan consists of four

18.0 to 26.0 metres. In addition to its modern dock

terminals: South Quays, North Quays, Green

facilities, Port Sudan features an oil refinery and an

Harbour and Al-Khair terminal for petroleum

international airport. Moreover, railway lines con-

products. The port of Port Sudan handles almost

necting Atbara and Khartoum to Port Sudan provide

90 per cent of the nation’s foreign trade. Each year

Sudan’s only link to the ocean.

about US$ 4 billion worth of goods are exported from Port Sudan, while US$ 7 billion of imports are

More importantly, Port Sudan is Sudan’s maritime

discharged, making the port an integral part of the

link with the Middle East and a major – if not the only

national economy.

8 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: INTRODUCTION

Sudan’s Sea Ports Corporation (SPC) manages

These ports are not only essential for Sudanese

and controls the Republic of Sudan’s essential

exports and imports but are also vital gateways for

maritime passages and gateways. SPC is a major

neighbouring landlocked countries. Hence, the role

public organisation, operating within the Sudanese

played by SPC in managing Sudan’s seaports and in

transport sector and reporting directly to the Ministry

supporting the national economy cannot be over-

of Transport.

stated.

Specialised

The whole port of Port Sudan is undergoing a major

As anticipated, Port Sudan is the only deepwater port

levels. All development projects are overseen and

on the Sudan coast. There are, however, other spe-

implemented by SPC as part of its vigorous plan to

cialised ports under SPC’s authority: the small jetty

make Port Sudan one of Africa’s top ports.

programme of modernisation and upgrading at all

of Oseif, about 250 km north of Port Sudan, which handles iron ore from the Fodikwan area, and Prince

Rehabilitation of the port began in 2006. But the

Osman Digna Port, in the ancient city of Swakin,

first major development came in 2011 with the

which is a vital outlet for cargo handling and the only

construction of a new container terminal at South

passenger terminal for African Muslim pilgrims on

Quays with an annual throughput capacity of

their way to Mecca.

700,000 teu.

construction of an inland container depot (ICD) in the Salloum District, 18 km south-west of Port Sudan; the construction of Al-Khair Petroleum Terminal north-east of the existing Bashayer terminal in the port of Port Sudan; and the rehabilitation of the port of Prince Osman Digna, which is now equipped with two new berths for handling general cargo and containers and a newly rehabilitated passenger hall. In fact, Port Sudanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seaport has witnessed a steady increase in handling capacity for general and contain-

Steady pace

erised cargo since the 1980s. Today, the port has an

Despite various economic setbacks in the past few

annual throughput of 12 million tonnes. And capacity

years, the seaports of Sudan have continued to

will continue to expand as SPC develops plans for

perform at a steady pace, thus enhancing their logis-

the period up to 2020.

tical and economic importance not only for Sudan but also for Africa. Although Sudanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy was

Over the past decade, SPC has implemented

impeded in 2011-2013 due to political factors, there

a number of priority projects. These include the

was a remarkable increase in total cargo handling performance at Port Sudan in 2014 and 2015. Today, Port Sudan ranks high among eastern and southern African ports, with a projected annual growth in cargo traffic of 10 per cent, putting Port Sudan ahead of Djibouti and only a digit behind Mombasa.

11 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: PMAESA CONFERENCE 2016

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Harnessing the Blue Economy N

AN)

Dear Delegates, It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the forthcoming PMAESA 2016 Conference scheduled for 27 to 30 November 2016 at Shamandora Hall in Port Sudan under the sponsorship of Sea Ports Corporation Sudan in collaboration with PMAESA. PMAESA is a regional organisation for the ports and maritime sector in eastern and southern Africa. It seeks to promote and nurture best practices among member ports by creating an enabling environment for exchange of information and capacity building to contribute to the economic development of the region. The forthcoming conference is expected to bring together a cross-section of port executives, maritime experts, equipment manufacturers and suppliers as well as port stakeholders from within and outside Africa. The theme of the Conference is ‘Port Strategies for Harnessing the African Blue Economy and Investment Options’. SPC in conjunction with PMAESA are looking forward to coming up with tangible action plans for our ports systems and the region to engage in rigorous deliberations and debate to come out with firm deliverables. We have invited some of Africa’s best brains on ports, maritime and economic issues to deliberate on pertinent matters affecting the best way to harness the continent’s Blue Economy.

The theme of the Conference is ‘Port Strategies for Harnessing the African Blue Economy and Investment Options’

It is our belief that you will take this opportunity to effectively and positively participate in deliberations on the pertinent issues affecting our ports systems. We sincerely believe that your insight into the maritime industry and the changes in the industry will help to improve the competitiveness of our ports and boost our regional economies to higher levels. The organising committee and our local hosts have drawn up a splendid pre- and post-conference itinerary which we hope you will find heartening. We also welcome you to partner with us in this event through sponsorship and showcasing your products and services in an exhibition that will be running concurrently with the conference. The ambience at the exhibition hall will offer a unique opportunity for industry leaders from Africa and beyond to meet, network and share their specialised knowledge with industry decision-makers from across eastern and southern Africa. For details about sponsorship and how to partner with us or for any further information, please contact Mr George. Tel: +254 722 703 971. Email gsunguh@pmaesa.org. Dr Jalal Eldin M.A. Shelia General Manager, Sea Ports Corporation

12 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: NORTH QUAYS

Boost in handling capacity at North Quays 12 The North Quays is the oldest part of the port of

berths with a length of 310 metres and a depth

Port Sudan, with five berths constructed between

of 8.5 metres for handling dry bulk cargo and the

1905 and 1909 and six others built between 1955

barges used to export livestock.

and 1964. All berths at North Quays are equipped with cranes Currently, the terminal has 12 berths with a total

of 35 to 100 tonnes capacity as well as fork-lift

length of 1,866 metres.

trucks and terminal trucks and trailers.

The North Quays handles mainly general cargo,

North Quays

edible oils and molasses. Berths Nos 1 to 5 have a combined length of 597 metres with a depth

The sea enclosure at North Quays has a total length

alongside of 8.5 metres and are designed to handle

of 2,845 metres and an average width of 300

general cargo and molasses. Edible oils and general

metres. North Quays now covers an area of 57,000

imports are handled at berths Nos 6 to 9, with a

square metres and includes 27 storage areas and

combined length of 730 metres and a draught of

warehouses.

10.7 metres. The North Quays also includes two

North Quays has an annual throughput capacity

corporation has made significant investments in North

of 5 million tonnes – about 48 per cent of the total

Quays. They include dredging work to increase the

throughput of Port Sudan.

water depth from 10.5 to 12.0 metres as well as construction of two more berths to cope with the growing

North Quays received 275 ships in 2014-2015 rep-

volume of cement imports.

resenting 37 per cent of all ship calls at Port Sudan. The volume of import and export cargo handled at

SPC is clearly setting ambitious targets for the port

North Quays was up by 23 per cent in 2014-2015

of Port Sudan. Even in times of economic uncer-

compared with 2013. This was due to new gov-

tainty in Sudan, the corporation aims to position

ernment policies aimed at fostering trade opportu-

Port Sudan – and quite deservedly – among

nities with neighbouring countries.

Africa’s top-ranked ports.

Boosting capacity The steady rise in cargo volumes prompted Sea Ports Corporation to invest in new and improved facilities aimed at boosting the capacity of North Quays. A major event for North Quays was the opening of Berth 5A, which is 230 metres in length and can accommodate vessels with a maximum draught of 9.5 metres. The new berth specialises in handling general cargo and cement. In addition, North Quays has recently been equipped with new mobile cranes and terminal tractors. SPC understands the importance of its role for the future of the Sudanese economy. Accordingly, the

14 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: SOUTH QUAYS

SPC looks to attract new container business Container handling facilities in the port of Port Sudan have been expanded and enhanced in recent years. There are new, deeper-draught berths, while SPC is looking to attract more transit trade and a new inland container depot has entered service at Salloum. The Sudan Ports Corporation has made key

years. For example, the terminal has installed annual

improvements to its container handling facilities

capacity of 1.2 million teu, but in 2015 it handled

in the port of Port Sudan and is looking to attract

only 482,178 teu, just over 40 per cent of its installed

higher levels of throughput.

capacity.

The port’s container berths – with a total quay length

In tonnage terms, however, container throughput

of 1,546 metres – are located south of the harbour

accounts for about 38 per cent of Port Sudan’s total

entrance at South Quays.

throughput.

A new container facility was constructed in 2011,

The South Quays container terminal has six berths:

boosting the terminal’s handling capacity by 700,000

berth No 15 for grains and general cargo and berths

teu and representing a major improvement in the

Nos 13 to 18 for containerised traffic.

infrastructure. Berths Nos 17 and 18 in the old container terminal The original container terminal has a draught of 12.6

are equipped with four ship-to-shore gantry cranes of

metres and a quay length of 420 metres, while the

40 tonnes capacity and 15 rubber-tyred gantry (RTG)

new terminal has a draught of 16.0 metres and a

cranes.

quay length of 720 metres. The old and new container terminals have a combined stacking area with a total capacity of 39,000 teu. Although equipped with adequate infrastructure, the container terminal at South Quays had been operating below its installed capacity in the past few

The new terminal at berths Nos 13 and 14 is equipped with four ship-to-shore gantry cranes and eight RTG cranes.

Inland container depot In addition, SPC has embarked on priority projects in order to meet projected traffic demands in the coming

Equipment

few years. One such project is the establishment of

Ship-to-shore gantry cranes RTG cranes

8 23

Mobile quay cranes

Mobile cranes for empty containers

Lifting equipment for full containers

Lifting equipment for empty containers

Lifting equipment for stripping containers

an inland container depot (ICD) at Salloum. Phase 1 has been completed and this facility is already in operation with a capacity of 75,000 teu. Work has already started on Phase 2 of the Salloum ICD, which is scheduled for completion in 2017. The ICD is located in the Salloum district 18 km south-west of Port Sudan. The dry port now covers

Trailers 52

12,000 square metres and has a stacking area with

Quay tractors

a capacity of over 75,000 teu per year (in Phase 1).

Berthing tugs

Total cost of the project is put at US$ 400 million to

Mooring boats

Pilot boats

include land preparation and handling equipment. According to SPC plans, the Salloum ICD will act as an alternative logistics area because of its proximity

Since the new container terminal entered service in

to the main highway and Sudan’s railway. The

2011 the storage area for imported containers has

principal purpose of the new facility, however, is to

been expanded to 28 hectares. The terminal also has

ease the pressure on storage capacity, especially in

an area of 65,000 square metres for storage of empty

the area dedicated to customs clearance within the

containers and 85,000 square metres for dangerous

seaport’s enclosure. This will ease port congestion

goods and unclaimed cargo.

while expanding the accommodating capacity of the port

Transit trade

of Port Sudan and allowing

Until recently, Sudan Ports Corporation (SPC) has

services.

the SPC to offer value added

been handling national and transit cargo with little scope for bringing in additional business. This has

More importantly, SICD will

changed, however, with the conclusion of a container

reinforce the primary role of

terminal management contract with the Philippines-

Port Sudan as a transit station

based International Container Terminal Service Inc

for cargo operations and will

(ICTSI), aimed at enhancing the level of transhipment

support SPC’s plans to attract

and transit trade with neighbouring countries.

transit and transhipment trade in the coming few years. The

A procurement contract has been signed for the

project also includes:

supply of two ship-to-shore gantry cranes and four reach stackers (two for handling full containers and two for empty containers). SPC has also recently signed a contract with ZPMC of China to rehabilitate one ship-to-shore gantry crane and three RTG cranes.

• Storage areas and warehouses • Internal roads plus a road link to the highway and the Sudan railway

• Logistics area and power stations.

SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: GREEN HARBOUR

Multipurpose terminal is a strategic asset The Green Harbour was established by Sea Ports

Now that the development has been completed,

Corporation as a long-term project to provide

the Green Harbour plays a vital role in safeguarding

multipurpose cargo handling facilities in the port

Sudanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s import and export traffic. This is evident in a

of Port Sudan.

10 per cent increase in cargo handling operations in the Green Harbour in 2014-2015 compared with the

The Green Harbour (also referred to as the

previous year.

Green-Area Terminal) is equipped to handle bulk grain and other types of bulk cargo, general cargo and containers.

Strategic location More importantly, the Green Harbour provides a

In the first stage of its development, the Green

vital space inside the port of Port Sudan for the

Harbour consisted of two berths with a total length

ongoing construction of grain silos and dry bulk cargo

of 548 metres and a depth of 14.2 metres. However,

warehouses, all the while functioning as a strategic

in the light of economic changes in the Republic of

location for multiple port operations.

Sudan, including a policy of economic openness with neighbouring countries, SPC has pioneered a major development plan in the Green Harbour. Two new berths have been constructed, adding 680 metres of quay length to the Green-Area Terminal and providing a draught of 14.7 metres. As a result, the terminal can now accommodate vessels of up to 60,000 dwt. The terminalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throughput capacity has been expanded to 4 million tonnes per year and there is a very large storage area of 43,000 square metres (4.3 hectares).

SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: AL-KHAIR

Al-Khair Petroleum Terminal

Facilities on way to handle larger tankers A landmark event in Sudanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil industry came

Al-Khair terminal has a central loading platform

in July 2003 with the construction of Al-Khair

measuring 35 x 21 metres with a top elevation of 3

Petroleum Terminal north-east of the existing

metres. The loading platform has two extensions: a

Bashayer terminal in the port of Port Sudan.

northern extension, 164 metres long, and a 109 metre southern extension, 2 metres in width. The terminal

Located south of the harbour entrance, Al-Khair

has two breasting dolphins measuring 12 x 10 metres

terminal consists of one berth with a length of 310

with a top elevation of 3 metres, plus four mooring

metres and a depth of 14.6 metres. The berth

dolphins of 6 x 6 metres and 3 metres.

entrance is 122 metres wide, with a water area of 51,000 square metres (5.1 hectares) in front of the

Al-Khair terminal is equipped with ship-to-shore

berth and a basin length of 322 metres. The quay has

offloading pipelines linked to the berth. The length of

four rubber fenders and is fully equipped with mooring

the pipelines from the oil storage tanks to the loading

facilities. The berth is dedicated to handling of light

platform is 2.7 km.

petroleum products and ethanol and has an annual throughput capacity of 2.6 million tonnes.

There was a significant rise in petroleum products imported via Al-Khair terminal in 2014-2015 compared

Al-Khair terminal can accommodate petroleum

with the previous year due mainly to an increase in

product carriers of up to 50,000 dwt with a maximum

gasoline imports in 2015.

length of 221 metres and a draught of 13.2 metres. Sea Ports Corporation has begun dredging work in

Sudanese petroleum exports fell during 2014-2015 as

preparation for construction of a deepwater berth at

they were confined to ethanol and benzene.

Al-Khair terminal with a proposed length of 330 metres and a depth of 19.0 metres. The new berth will be able

Significantly, however, the overall tonnage of exported

to receive tankers of 150,000 dwt. The existing and

and imported oil products handled through Al-Khair

new berths comply with international regulations, with

terminal was up by 16.2 per cent in 2014-2015 due to

strict safety and security measures in place.

an increase in imports.

21 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: KOSTI DRY PORT

Kosti Dry Port makes life easier for importers and exporters Kosti Dry Port (KDP) is a major logistics facility

50 tonnes capacity, two reach stackers and

that provides a vital link between northern and

four 10 tonne fork-lift trucks.

southern Sudan. The dry port was inaugurated in November 2006 and is owned and operated by

The principal aim of the dry port is to bring

Sea Ports Corporation (SPC).

port services closer to shippers in the hinterland and to provide a logistics depot that

KDP is located 400 km south of Khartoum near the

offers a range of benefits to importers and exporters

Kosti River Port â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sudanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading port on the White

including secure transport and reduced dwell times.

Nile and a vital link in the transport chain to Juba and

In pursuit of this goal, KDP operates a single-window

Malakal in southern Sudan.

system that does away with the need for cumbersome procedures.

The dry port renders vital services for the transport of goods to and from the port of Port Sudan and is designed to support the movement of trade and

Reduction

facilitate the flow of exports and imports for southern,

In addition, KPD offers shippers and prospective

western and central Sudan.

clients a 25 per cent reduction in storage fees. And goods with a final destination in southern Sudan are

SPC chose the city of Kosti, capital of the White Nile

transported to the dry port for customs clearance,

State, because of its strategic location, which makes

inspection and storage.

it ideal for multimodal transport connections. In order to strengthen international relations with KDP covers an area of 2 million square meters (200

neighbouring states, KDP offers half-price fees for

hectares) and has a warehouse capacity of 150,000

storage of goods being imported or exported to or

teu per year. Handling equipment includes a crane of

from southern Sudan.

23 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: OSMAN DIGNA

Port of Osman Digna

New improved handling of passengers, livestock and transit traffic The beginning of the 1990s marked a new era in

The number of livestock ships calling Osman

Sudan, characterised by economic and social

Digna in 2014-2015 was up, too, accounting

changes. As a result of the oil boom, Sudan also

for about 58 per cent of the portâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total traffic.

embarked on schemes of rapid modernisation and

Moreover, livestock exports from Osman Digna

development.

were up by 14 per cent in 2014-2015 due to a steady annual increase in livestock exports to

Demands on the port of Port Sudan increased; the

Saudi Arabia. As a result, the portâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall tonnage of

port could not cope and so a new port was necessary.

imported and exported cargo saw a steady increase of up to 2.8 per cent over the past couple of years.

The port of Prince Osman Digna was built to the north of the old port of Suakin and was officially inaugurated

Meanwhile, passenger ship calls at the port in

in January 1991.

2014-2015 accounted for 35.8 per cent of total traffic at Osman Digna compared with only 5.5 per cent in

Located within the historical town of Suakin, 60 km

2013.

south of Port Sudan, the port of Osman Digna consists of nine berths with a total quay length of 748 metres.

Development programmes are implemented steadily and regularly at Osman Digna. As part of its plan

Berths 1 to 3 have a combined length of 400 metres

to develop Osman Digna as an alternative to Port

and a depth of 10.0 metres and are used for passenger

Sudan, the Sea Ports Corporation (CPS) has ensured

traffic, ro-ro traffic and general cargo handling.

that Osman Digna has the a capacity to receive ships loading 100,000 tons. In this way the port is

Berths

able to keep pace with regional and international

The port also has temporary berths for handling

infrastructure.

livestock and cement. With a designed capacity of 3 million tonnes per year, Osman Digna has 3 million square metres (300 hectares) of open storage space and a spacious warehouse for general cargo and passenger baggage. The level of traffic handled by Osman Digna port is rising year on year. The number of vessels received by the port in 2014-2015 was up by 9.8 per cent compared with the previous year.

developments in terms of technology and marine

24 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: OSMAN DIGNA

24 In order to attract transshipment and transit trade to Osman Digna, the SPC plans for developing Prince Osman Digna Port include provision of 25 permanent and temporary berths— distributed between the northern and southern sides of the port— for transshipment and transit traffic. Widening and deepening of the approach channel is now complete. Two container handling berths with a combined length of 800 meters are planned for implementation in the near future. SPC has also signed a procurement contract for the supply of cargo handling equipment. The departures hall covers an area of 4,000 square The new development plan at Osman Digna will

metres and has a capacity of 1,800 passengers,

benefit from the ongoing construction of new roads

while the 3,000 square metre arrivals hall has a

and railways – also a key component in the devel-

capacity of 1,500 passengers. The new facility also

opment of the Suakin port-town district.

has a spacious area of 1,500 square metres for baggage as well as 3,000 square metres for man-

New passenger hall

agement services, customs offices, duty-free outlets and VIP facilities.

In order to meet the growing demands of passenger traffic and to satisfy the need for improved passenger

With the new passenger hall, the SPC aims to

services – particularly during the annual Muslim

smooth the process of customs clearance and immi-

pilgrimage to Mecca – the SPC has decided to further

gration procedures for arriving and departing pas-

develop the existing terminal hall to high international

sengers. More importantly, the new hall is a significant

specifications and standards. A new passenger hall will be built inside the Osman Digna port enclosure at Suakin. The impressive architecture of this new hall is designed to introduce visitors to the culture and heritage of Sudan.

step in dealing with the steady rise of passengers

With this new, specialised terminal, SPC aims to

embarking and disembarking at Osman Digna. This

increase fish and meat exporting activities with a view

goes hand in hand with plans by the SPC to attract

to eventually opening up new markets for the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

more passenger shipping lines while continuing to

livestock exports. Moreover, an increase in livestock

provide distinct and high quality services to both

exports will also help introduce the Sudanese public

passengers and cruise agents.

to new industries associated with livestock products and fisheries such as tanneries and butcheries

Livestock terminal

featuring high productivity and equipped with refrig-

A new livestock terminal is in progress as part of the

has a pivotal role in supporting the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s livestock

National Agricultural Revival Plan to encourage and

sector and making a greater contribution to the

foster exports of non-petroleum products.

Sudanese economy.

The new terminal is located 35 km south of Osman

Phases 2 and 3 of the new livestock terminal are

Digna port on the western Red Sea coast. Phase 1 of

under way. They will involve the construction of four

the project involved the construction of a 240 metre

additional berths with a combined length of 900

berth with a depth of 12.5 metres. Once the work is

metres and a depth of 12.5 metres.

erators and cold stores. The new livestock terminal

completed, the berth will be in operation. The new berth can accommodate vessels loading up to 20,000

In addition, preparatory work is almost complete on a

tons. The yard has 88,000 square metres of storage

new 300 metre berth for fishing vessels.

including a cattle enclosure and fodder stores.

26 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: SUAKIN FLOATING DOCK

New port tugs get vital back-up facility A new state-of-the-art floating dock designed to accommodate the latest generation of tugs and port service vessels is due to enter service in the Port of Suakin in 2017. power that might damage their ships or fritter away The introduction of the Suakin Floating Modular Dock

the benefits.

(SFMD) is regarded as a milestone in the port’s operational history.

In recent years the capacity of the largest containerships has greatly increased. For example, the world’s

SFMD will be the base for development of the marine

biggest container vessel is now 20,150 teu compared

industry in Sudan and the main assistance for a large

with 8,160 teu in 2006 while the overall length has

dockyard to be constructed in the future.

increased from 347 metres to 400 metres. At the same time, the size, power and technology of tugs

Sea Ports Corporation (SPC) has three powerful new

have grown significantly in order to deal with large

tugs that cannot be handled by its old SPC dockyard

and mega ships.

slipways. The new floating dock will be able to accommodate these and other port vessels.

To meet the challenge of serving these large vessels, SPC has focused on uniting people, ideas and

Benefits

environmentally friendly technology to bring about a systematic change.

Shipping lines and their alliances have achieved a significant economy of scale through the use of large

First, SPC purchased three large, powerful, new-gen-

vessels and ‘just in time’ scheduling and they cannot

eration tugs which cannot be handled by the old SPC

accept poor performance by tugs in terms of size and

dockyard, built in 1905.

Key advantages: • Dock length can be extended from 80 to 120 metres • Maintenance friendly • Straightforward design suitable for local construction • Self-maintain (pontoons can be docked inside DMD) The corporation also invested in the Suakin Floating Modular Dock in order to keep these state-of-the-art tugs in good running order.

• Modules and side walls are coupled afloat • Electrical power generation on dock • Simple securing of docked vessels using winches.

The overall aim of SPC is to remain a viable and competitive gateway in the Red Sea by allowing big ships

The new floating dock is intended for the docking

to call and by keeping vital trade coming into the area.

and maintenance of SPC craft, consisting of 10 tugs, seven pilot vessels, nine service vessels, one pollution

SFMD – specification

response vessel and one police vessel.

Length of pontoon (overall):

80 metres

Length of side walls:

70 metres

External breadth:

32 metres

Internal breadth:

26 metres

Total depth:

12.0 metres

Maximum lifting capacity of dock:

3,000 tonnes

Maximum CL docking block weight:

50 tonnes per metre

Work dock load:

15 tonnes per metre

The SFMD is also able to dock livestock vessels, yachts, naval vessels and pontoons.

SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: OSEIF HARBOUR

Specialist ore harbour can help boost region The geology of Sudan has made it one of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

exporting iron ore and other minerals to the Far East

richest countries in terms of mineral resources.

and Europe. The corporation plans to construct two berths with a combined length of 600 metres and

Deposits of iron, copper, gold and manganese have

a depth alongside of 16.0 metres. The project also

been found right across the country. In the past two

includes the construction of a cargo handling yard

decades, the mineral sector has had a significant

covering 200,000 square metres.

impact on the economy of Sudan. In particular, there has been a notable increase in the mining of iron ore and other mineral raw materials like manganese, copper, and gold.

Equipment The cost of the project is put at US$ 150 million to include the purchase of cargo handling equipment; the

Sea Ports Corporation was aware of the need for a

installation of a power station, a desalination plant and

specialised terminal to handle commercial quantities

a fire station; and the construction of internal roads.

of iron ore and other minerals from the hinterland and load them for export.

As a specialised harbour with dedicated mineral handling facilities, located close to the production

In 1993 the SPC responded by deciding to rehabil-

sites, Oseif port will have a key role to play in Sudanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

itate the small jetty of Oseif, 250 km north of Port

export activities. SPC says the project, which is

Sudan and 60 km south of Halayeb, to handle the

near completion, will assist the various international

expected iron ore exports of the Fodikwan region.

companies involved in exploiting the vast mineral resources of the Red Sea State.

Only recently, SPC has begun dredging work for new berths as part of its programme to transform

Oseif has a vital role to play in the development of the

the small jetty of Oseif, which was built in 1961

area, not only by helping to exploit its wealth of raw

and consisted of a single, 62 metre long berth with

materials and other resources, but also by encour-

a depth of 12.0 meters, into a major harbour for

aging the fisheries and tourism sectors.

SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: SECURITY

Security gets top priority at Sudan’s seaports Port Sudan is probably one of the most secure

Moreover, Sudan is an avid enforcer of the 2009

ports in East Africa as Sudan is a signatory of

Durban Resolution on maritime safety, maritime

most of the International Maritime Organization’s

security and protection of the marine environment in

(IMO) essential resolutions governing international

Africa.

maritime transport. Clearly, then, SPC cooperates at regional, contiThe International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS)

nental and international levels to prevent and control

Code is fully implemented in the ports of Port Sudan

marine pollution and to suppress all unlawful acts and

and Osman Digna, while a modern vessel traffic

terrorism of all types.

management system (VTMS) has been introduced by SPC with the key aim of enhancing navigational

Significantly, Sudan is a signatory of the 2009 Djibouti

safety and efficiency.

Code of Conduct concerning the repression of piracy

The introduction of VTMS in the nation’s seaports underlines SPC’s commitment to the Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) regulations as well as to the Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services adopted by the IMO in 1997.

vessels calling at Sudanese ports or those passing through the Red Sea, as well as linking ship agents with their respective vessels within the range of the radio station. Port Sudan Radio Station has a vital role to play in the rescue of ships and persons subject to piracy. The station allows communications to take place regarding the treatment and repatriation of seafarers, fishermen and other shipboard personnel and passengers subject to acts of terror or violence.

and armed robbery against ships in the western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.

Information Through its dedicated radio station, SPC shares vital marine security information with various centres and

The Sudanese Government, in coordination with

national focal points including the Regional Maritime

SPC, has introduced strong measures against piracy

Rescue Coordination Centre in Mombasa, Kenya and

and armed robbery of ships, including a dedicated

the Rescue Coordination Sub-

legal system to investigate, arrest and prosecute

Centre in Dar es Salaam.

those suspected of acts of piracy (or inciting or intentionally facilitating such acts).

One of the most visually obvious security measures in

Radio station

Port Sudan and Osman Digna

In order to limit incidents in its immediate environs,

throughout the ports. In Port

SPC has established the Port Sudan Coast Radio

Sudan, under normal operating

Station, which crucially is equipped with a global

conditions, all entry points are

maritime distress and safety system covering the Red

secure and access is subject to

Sea, the Mediterranean and part of the Indian Ocean.

permits.

is the use of access control

The radio station also has a search-and-rescue system that can locate ships in distress as well as

Moreover, the fenced and

a Navtex system for sending and receiving weather

secured port area in Port

forecasts and emergency messages.

Sudan is customs bonded, so that no cargo may enter or leave the port area without the required

Port Sudan Radio Station maintains a continuous

customs and associated documents being

listening watch for distress calls on VHF Channels

completed, submitted and approved through

16, 19, 20 and 70. The station monitors all cases of

customs control. In order to reduce theft and

distress, emergency and security within and even

pilferage within the port, SPC provides all ships at

outside Sudanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s territorial waters and reports them to

Port Sudan and Osman Digna with their own security

the authorities. It also provides advisory services for

and gangway watch.

33 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: TRAINING

Regional Training Centre helps SPC to keep pace The specialised Regional Centre for Consulting

The study highlighted several key issues,

and Training (RCCT) was set up by Sea Ports Cor-

notably the problem of accreditation of training

poration to allow Sudan to keep pace with techno-

programmes and certificates by the Interna-

logical advancements in the shipping industry. The

tional Maritime Organization (IMO), the Inter-

new RCCT was inaugurated on 7 January 2016 by

national Labour Organization (ILO) and other

General Bakri Hasan Saleh, First Deputy President

mandated institutions. This entails quite expensive

of the Republic of Sudan, accompanied by Mr

and time-consuming procedures.

Makkawi Mohamed Awad, Minister of Transport, Roads and Bridges.

SPC’s long-awaited training project is the result of a long cooperation between SPC and the Arab Academy

The RCCT is located within Port Sudan’s existing

for Sciences, Technology & Maritime Transport

Port Training Centre (PTC), which was established in

(AASTMT) in Alexandria. In 2013 the AASTMT and the

1981 with funding and technical assistance from the

Government of Sudan (represented by SPC) began a

German state of Lower Saxony.

dialogue that led to the signing of a bilateral agreement to set up the RCCT in Port Sudan.

SPC aims to meet all the maritime transport training needs of other related sectors at local and regional

The agreement was ratified by presidential decree

levels. To this end, the corporation sponsored a

and the SPC declared that a milestone would be

detailed feasibility study with a view to upgrading the

achieved soon in regard to maritime transport consul-

current PTC and transforming it into a regional centre.

tations and training in Sudan and the wider region. The RCCT will be an independent entity controlled by a board of directors formed by representatives of SPC and the AASTMT along with other stakeholders and interested parties. The RCCT is to be financed by all beneficiaries and parties concerned with the short-term aim of becoming a self-financing unit. The new centre will provide consultation and training services for:

• SPC’s cadres • The port community (customs specifications, quarantines, ship agents, clearance agents, etc)

SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: TRAINING

• Local markets in Port Sudan and other Sudanese towns

• Regional markets, particularly in neighbouring states. As a result, the RCCT in Port Sudan is expected to become a training landmark in the Red Sea region.

Training Training is considered a top priority by the SPC management and investing in human resource development is the best option for the corporation. To this end SPC has established a Training Department and a specialised Port Training Centre. The Training Department, in consultation with other SPC departments and sections, draws up plans and programmes and submits them to SPC’s top management for approval. These include:

• Programmes to be implemented locally by the PTC • Programmes to be run by training institutes in Sudan

• Programmes to be implemented abroad. The PTC has developed strong relationships with other training centres in Sudan such as the Institute of Management Development and the Sudan Academy for Administrative Sciences. At regional level, the PTC works closely with the Port Training

Institute in Alexandria and the Port Training Institute

plans. The curriculum consists of 30 training

in Morocco. Globally, the PTC liaises with the ILO,

packages in the field of container handling

Unctad, the IMO, the International Association of

and improving port workers’ performance in

Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the IPER Institute in France

general.

and the Antwerp Institute in Belgium.

Location

IPP The Improved Port Performance (IPP) programme

SPC’s Port Training Centre (PTC) is located in Main

was designed by Unctad to develop and enhance

Street, 500 metres from SPC headquarters. It was

cargo handling operations, especially quay opera-

founded in 1981 and has been equipped to modern

tions. All port workers in the SPC Land Operation

standards and specifications. The PTC has eight

Department have trained so far.

lecture rooms, three computer training rooms, an English-language lecture room, four rooms equipped with training aids and a training yard for fork-lift and

MPA

cargo handling equipment drivers, besides a modern

The Marine Protected Areas programme belongs to

workshop for practical programmes in electrical and

the United Nations, which occupies an office within

mechanical fields. The lecture room can accom-

the PTC facility. Participants from countries in the Red

modate 25 to 30 participants and has modern

Sea region and Aden Gulf attended UN courses on

audio-visual aids. The PTC also provides training for

marine protectorates.

students coming from Red Sea States or even from other Sudanese states as part of the SPC’s contri-

Programmes implemented by training institutes in

bution to educational programmes in universities and

Sudan:

higher institutes. Courses run at PTC by international organisations:

PDP Port worker Development Programmes (PDP) are designed by the ILO to improve port workers’ performance in container handling and safety, in addition to qualifying training officers. These programmes are continuously incorporated in the annual SPC training

• Management training • Financial • Mechanical engineering • Civil engineering • Marine affairs training • Purchasing and supply • Electrical engineering • Safety, health and security • Information systems training.

PO RT

S CO ORAT RP

IO N

AN)

Port Sudan Equipment

Handling equipment Description

Power Station A Description

Capacity Number

Ship-to-shore single lift

41 tons

Ship-to-shore twin lift

65 tons

Mobile cranes

63 tons

Mobile cranes

120 tons

RTG cranes

40 tons

RTG cranes

41 tons

Lift trucks

35 tons

Diesel generators

600 kW

Lift trucks

8 tons

Diesel generators

300 kW

Lift trucks

7 tons

Diesel generators

100 kW

Reach stackers

45 tons

Reach stackers

10 tons

Truck tractors

45 tons

Tugmasters

50 tons

Trailers

65 tons

Fork-lifts

8 tons

Fork-lifts

3 tons

Power Station B Description Diesel generator

Capacity Number 1,500 kW

37 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: QUALITY MANAGEMENT

SPC aims to deliver higher quality services Quality Management is one of the newly estab-

In a bid to deal with these internal short-

lished departments of Sea Ports Corporation. Its

comings and external pressures, business

purpose is to enhance the performance of the

establishments have taken steps to introduce

seaports in all aspects.

and apply QM concepts and practices to all aspects of their management and operation.

In particular, the QM department is working to improve the efficiency of handling operations with the aim of

Management

shortening service time and reducing and finally eliminating ship waiting time.

The success of SPC’s new-born QM department depends on several factors, most importantly the

The QM department is also looking to preserve

assistance of the corporation’s top management.

resources and to keep expenditure to a minimum.

Full understanding and support have already been provided by SPC general manager Dr Jalal Eldin

This effort is to be coupled with rigorous training

Shilaya. He is committed to helping the corporation

programmes for SPC workers with a view to further

achieve its aim of establishing QM in a systematic

increasing their skills so they are able to meet all the

and scientific way through the training and technical

requirements of SPC’s clients.

assistance made available by the International Centre for Quality in

Although the concept of QM was introduced to Sudan

Khartoum.

at the start of the new millennium, SPC was not able to establish the QM department until recently. Such

Other remaining factors are mani-

a customer-oriented approach will undoubtedly help

fested in an educational campaign

SPC to achieve its goals and ultimately fulfil its mission.

by SPC to spread the literature and culture of QM among its

Both public and private-sector business establish-

workers. This will be the corpora-

ments are having to deal with internal shortcomings

tion’s target from now on.

and external pressures. Among the internal shortcomings are inefficient services, a lack of updated

Since QM has been defined as

key performance indicators (KPI) and other helpful

conforming to customer requirements, SPC will do

yardsticks normally used for assessing the efficiency

its best to improve its business environment and

of management performance in general. External

develop the standard and quality of port opera-

pressures can be seen in the strong competition at

tions and services. The ultimate goal is to help SPC

both regional and international level coupled with a

achieve its mission and hence continue to make a

greater demand from customers for their requirements

viable contribution to the wellbeing of the national

to be fully met.

economy.

38 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: ENVIRONMENT

SPC takes action to protect coastal habitats The Sudanese coast, stretching for about 750

More importantly, SPC conducts Environmental

km, is widely known for its unique and diverse

Impact Assessment (EIA) studies for all coastal and

marine and coastal wildlife. Their habitats include

marine development projects before they are carried

coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves, which

out. Under the auspices of SPC, the Institute of

harbour and support a diverse range of marine

Marine Research at Red Sea University conducted

organisms that embrace commercially important

an EIA study in advance of the construction of two

types of fish, turtles, mammals and seabirds.

container handling berths in South Quays and a bulk grain handling berth in North Quays. The corporation

This ecologically valuable biological system – and

felt it was vital to have baseline data on the state

particularly the coral reefs – has become vulnerable

of environment at the two sites and to evaluate the

to various types of pollutants as a result of increasing

magnitude and extent of any environmental impact

coastal activities including the developments in the

arising from this or other coastal and marine activities.

ports of Port Sudan and Osman Digna.

Environment Sea Ports Corporation is mindful of the need to preserve the marine environment along the Sudanese Red Sea coast. In order to mitigate any impact on the marine environment and marine living resources, SPC has developed and implemented a contingency plan for emergency responses to minor or major disasters. This involves the prompt control of any resultant contamination of – or damage to – the marine environment and marine life in Port Sudan, especially oil spills.

A similar study was carried out prior to the upgrading

It is also worth mentioning that Sudan is a member

of Prince Osman Digna port, which involved dredging

state of the Programme for the Environment of the

and widening the harbour inlet and creating several

Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA), set up in 1982

new berths with the aim of boosting the portâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

under the auspices of the Arab League Educational,

capacity to handle cargo ships, ro-ro vessels and

Cultural and Scientific Organisation.

passenger ships. PERSGA is an intergovernmental organisation that SPC is responsible for overseeing dredging, as

develops and carries out programmes to protect and

well as land reclamation operations for urban

preserve the marine environment of the region. It is

developments, port construction and the dredging of

governed by a council of environmental ministers

navigation channels.

from each of the seven member states: Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia,

SPC has also established a reception facility in the

Yemen and Sudan.

main harbour of Port Sudan for the proper handling, treatment and disposal of liquid and solid waste collected from ships calling at the port, and land-

Protect

based resources, such as sewage, litter, mining and

In March 2006 PERSGA

dredging operations, and oil hydrocarbons.

organised a three-day meeting in Port Sudan to consider the implementation of a five-year action plan to protect and preserve the marine and coastal environment in Sudan. Among participants were representatives of SPC and the Institute of Marine Research at the Red Sea University that are directly involved in various environmental projects in Sudan, such as the mangrove rehabilitation project and the oil spill response plan. SPC is also involved in the development of an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) programme for the management of coral reefs and coastal habitats along the whole coast of Sudan.

40 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: TRANSPORT

Better-than-ever road and rail networks 40 Sudan has invested heavily in its infrastructure

The nation’s trading artery is the route connecting

in recent years, with noticeable achievements in

Kosti with Port Sudan via Khartoum. This route

the transport sector. The size of the road network

sees the highest volumes of traffic in the country.

was almost doubled between 2010 and 2015 while

It consists of a good quality road, particularly from

more than 3,000 km of railway have been renewed

Khartoum to Port Sudan.

across the country. There has been a major expansion of the road network As Sudan’s main hub for foreign trade, Port Sudan

involving the arterial routes linking Khartoum with Port

plays a vital role in the transport chain at both national

Sudan and onward to Egypt and North Africa. There

and international levels. Sudan’s infrastructure devel-

is also a major route connecting Khartoum with the

opment has mainly a national focus; but there has

Eritrean border and another that leads to Ethiopia.

been an ongoing effort to improve the transport chain between Port Sudan and neighbouring countries. The

The Ministry of Transport has invested hundreds of

aim is to send cargo on its way from the port of Port

millions of dollars in developing new roads linking the

Sudan as quickly and efficiently as possible. The port’s

nation’s main commercial centres, for example con-

performance has improved in recent years in terms of

necting Port Sudan and Khartoum with international

shorter dwell times, lower costs and great capacity.

frontiers. In this context, the new Khartoum-Djibouti highway will link Port Sudan with the Djibouti corridor,

Roads

providing a connection to the ports of Djibouti and Addis Ababa.

Sudan’s road network almost doubled in length between 2010 and 2015. Overall, the country’s main

Recently, the Sudanese Ministry of Transport

internal corridors are well developed and in good

completed the construction of the Halayeb-Port Sudan

condition. They extend to provide cross-border

coastal highway in the Red Sea State. The highway

connections with neighbouring countries.

connects Port Sudan with Oseif Port and stretches to Suez city in Egypt. This new road will boost Sudanese exports and strengthen economic and commercial ties with Egypt as well as encouraging tourism and movement of citizens between the two countries.

Railways Sudan Railway Corporation (SRC) operates one of the longest railways in Africa. It operates a railway system with a total length of 6,000 km. The railway

main route extends from Port Sudan via Atbara to

in exports of livestock and products such as

Khartoum with an alternative link between Haya and

cotton and gum Arabica.

Sennar via Kassala. It also has branch lines to the north to Karima and Wadi Halfa, with more exten-

Furthermore, an agreement has been signed

sions added in the late 1990s for the transportation of

with South Korea to replace and repair rolling

Sudanese crude oil.

stock and passenger trains, as well as buying new rolling stock renewing the tracks.

The main line between Port Sudan and Khartoum via Atbara carries about two-thirds of the nation’s

Many private companies have played a part in the

total rail traffic. Most imports are taken first to

rehabilitation of Sudan’s main railway lines. The Sayga

Khartoum and then on to final destination. Another

Flour Mills company rehabilitated 900 km of line and

main line connects the Gezira cotton-growing,

provided spare parts for wagons to haul grain and

irrigated region, and the Arabic gum-producing

other freight from Port Sudan to the hinterland.

district of al-Obeid. This line carries a lot of traffic for Chad and Central African Republic. The south-east

The Sudan government has signed a contract with a

line connects Port Sudan with Asmara in Eritrea

Chinese company to operate freight trains along the

and is one of the most 'challenging' stretches of

main corridor from Port Sudan to Khartoum. The gov-

mountain railway in Africa.

ernment also paid for spare parts for the rehabilitation of 300 freight wagons and six mainline locomotives at

Sudan’s current rail system, however, dates from the

a total cost of US$ 6 billion.

1890s and most of the track was laid before 1930. As late as 1990, the railway had fallen into disrepair

A total of 3,000 km of track has been renewed across

and its narrow-gauge track was unreliable and too

the country. This will help to rekindle the role of the

narrow for modern containers. Unsurprisingly, until

railways as the backbone of the national transport

recently, the Sudanese railway system carried less

system and to rebuild trust with major clients.

than six per cent of the country’s traffic on a slow network with an average commercial speed of 30

Other new railways connecting various parts of Sudan

to 40 kph. The government is now facing a major

and the region are also planned, including a new line

infrastructure challenge to replace and rehabilitate the

parallel to the existing Khartoum-El Obeid railway and

national railway system.

another new line parallel to the Nayala-Um Dafoug railway in Central African Republic.

In 1991 Sudan signed a contract with China to upgrade the railway between Khartoum and Port

Long-term, SRC is also planning new rail links

Sudan, converting it to a double-track line that meets

between Sudan and the neighbouring countries of

international standards. This has led to an increase

Chad, Central African Republic, Ethiopia and Egypt.

42 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: DOCKYARD

Dockyard available for small vessels The dockyard has 12 workshops equipped to carry out repairs to vessels and machinery within

Slipway Slipway No 1

Total length of cradle track 516 ft 9 in

the capacity of the slipways and to maintain gov-

Cradle dimensions

ernment vessels in a state of efficiency.

Capacity (displacement)

Minor and temporary repairs can usually be carried

Cradle keel blocks mean draught

out to the average seagoing vessel. Electric and

Slope of slipway

No 2 440 ft

150 x 40 ft 150 x 30 ft 500 tons

200 tons

10.0 ft

6 ft 6 in

1 in 17.5

1 in 23

oxygen welding and burning equipment are available. There are four slipways with electrically operated cradles. Slipways Nos 1 and 2 are for tugs, pontoon barges, tenders, etc. Nos 3 and 4 are for light craft such as launches.

The current dockyard was built in 1905 to maintain commercial ships, warships, small yachts and other vessels. With the coming of very large ships, and the new advanced tugs required to serve those ships, the dockyard is no longer capable of performing the required maintenance. In terms of length, width, weight, power and modern technology, these vessels require new maintenance methods that cannot be implemented by small slipways and outdated equipment. This is underlined by the fact that the latest generation of SPC tugs need to be periodically maintained abroad at a very high cost. In order to adopt a strategy that would enable SPC to maintain its new vessels in future, the senior management decided to install the Suakin Floating Dock (see Page 26).

43 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: ICT

IT Department keeps pace with new technology The Information Technology Department of SPC was established in 1989 to improve and develop IT services in the Sudan seaports by introducing proven methods and strategies to reduce the cost and time spent on various port activities while ensuring security and reducing the risk of system

The IT Department has three sections: - Analysis and Design - Programmers - Networks.

failure. The IT Department has 70 employees consisting of The IT Department aims to:

various IT specialists and technicians. The information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure

• Focus on providing services in line with its clients’ requirements.

• Consistently deliver innovative solutions to business requirements while minimising operating expense.

• Reduce the cost and time of IT services by leveraging resources, streamlining processes, consolidating facilities and adopting new technology.

• Reduce IT costs by eliminating the duplication of work.

of the Sudan seaports is based on fibre optic and wireless networks.

Software The IT Department uses Oracle 11g software. This is being upgraded to Oracle 12c in the course of 2016. All the following information systems are designed by IT staff employed by Sea Ports Corporation (SPC): - Operations systems

• Improve and develop IT services and systems.

- Finance and auditing systems

The mission of the IT Department is to improve and

- Administrative, management and services systems

develop the quality of IT services. - Engineering systems - Ports community system - Electronic data interchange between SPC and ship agents and clearing agents.

44 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: CONTAINER CONFERENCE

Conference looks at ways to improve container services The 8th Container Conference was held on 7 and 8 February 2016 at Shamandora Hall in Port Sudan, involving the Ministry of Transport, Roads and Bridges, Sea Ports Corporation and the General Administration of Planning and Economic Research, Port Sudan. Nearly 400 guests attended the 8th Container Conference in Port Sudan, including delegations

• Impact of port efficiency on port competitiveness – East Africa and Middle East container market.

from neighbouring countries and maritime organisations such as the Port Management Association

• Trade facilitation through single window concept.

of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA), headed by Secretary General Nozipho Mdawe, and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and

• Container transport market with a special view on East and South Africa.

Maritime Transport.

• Highlights on transit trade. Other participants included China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and International Container Terminal Services, Inc (ICTSI) of the Philippines as

• Role of maritime administration in enhancing and facilitating container trade – the Jordanian case.

well as delegates from Jordan and Mauritania.

• Recent developments in container terminal There was a large participation from within Sudan,

management and operation in light of global

particularly by companies and public sector organ-

competition.

isations involved in ports and container transport. Also present were national experts in the field of transport, particularly maritime transport, as well as

• Investing in human resources training so that ports can sustain their competitive advantage.

a large number of SPC personnel from all departments, especially those employed at the South Quay container terminals.

• Sudanese seaports – current situation and way forward.

The conference embraced the following topics:

• Future projects of Sea Ports Corporation.

• Port-centric logistics – a new perspective.

• Investing in new equipment versus rehabilitation of old units.

• Challenges in infrastructures of transit transport corridors within East Africa region.

• An international engineering company with a high reputation in China.

• Container terminal information technology. Conference coordinator Ismail Hisabo welcomed delegates and stressed the importance of the conference in the light of current global competition. He

• Modern container terminal management.

praised the role of the Arab Academy in organising and preparing the event.

Port community representative Abdullah Hassan

The conference made the following recommendations:

Isa acknowledged the role of SPC in coordinating the conference and appreciated its active role in the

• Sea Ports Corporation (Sudan) to sponsor a Transit

Consultative Council set up in compliance with presi-

Trade Activation Initiative (TTAI) comprising South

dential decree.

Sudan, Ethiopia, Chad and Central Africa.

Prof Ismail Abdel Ghaffar, president of the Arab Academy, thanked SPC for hosting the event. He

• Multimodal transport system to be adopted and implemented.

touched on the importance of the shipping industry in the light of current international developments.

• Rules and regulations on exports and imports, transhipment and transit trade to be revised by

Dr Jalal Eldin M.E. Shelia, general manager of SPC

central government to eliminate unnecessary work

(Sudan), thanked the State Minister of Transport

and to further simplify and integrate systems and

for coming to Port Sudan to participate in the

procedures.

conference. He spoke about the construction of a second deepwater quay of 19.0 metres draught

• Transit trade procedures to be simplified and

at Al-Khair Petroleum Terminal, the Sheikh Ibrahim

controlled by a management organisation – for

Terminal for livestock exports and fisheries and a

example, Port Sudan Transit Transport Corridor.

container terminal at Prince Osman Digna Port. Dr Jalal declared the arrival of the largest ship ever

• Consultative committee of national experts to be

received by a Sudanese port, belonging to CMA

formed to assist SPC in preparing feasibility studies

CGM. He also told delegates about an Ethiopian

and conducting training programmes to enhance

ship due to call at Port Sudan in a continued effort

and improve overall port performance.

to enhance transit trade via Port Sudan. Dr Jalal announced that the first Council Meeting of the

• Presidential decree No 550 of 21 October 2015

Regional Centre for Consultations and Training

on regulation of port dues to be implemented

(RCCT) would be held at the end of the conference.

immediately.

Vital role The State Minister of Transport, Suraj Eldeen Ali

• Electronic data interchange via a unified and secure platform to be established to facilitate container transport operations.

Hamid, praised SPC and its leadership for their vital role in the transport sector and said the Ministry was

• Shipments to be verified and checked in advance, in

keen to support the implementation of any recom-

accordance with bilateral agreements, to minimise

mendations or suggestions by the conference to help

accidents and achieve better risk management.

SPC keep pace with rapid changes in the shipping industry.

• Authorities of Arab countries shall undertake to consolidate and unify customs and other regulatory

Finally, the Governor of the Red Sea State, Ahmed Ali

procedures at Arab League level to facilitate mutual

Hamid, welcomed all participants and distinguished

trade.

guests from abroad who had come to Port Sudan city. He thanked SPC for its efforts in developing seaports to keep pace with international changes. He

• Conference confirmed the importance of establishing free trade zones.

emphasised the close coordination and cooperation between the Government of Red Sea State and SPC

• Port community parties shall cooperate closely

and declared his firm stance with SPC in the fulfilment

with each other, especially on customs clearance,

of all development projects.

stevedoring and freight forwarding.

46 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: MARINE DEPARTMENT

Duties and responsibilities of Marine Department • To manage the navigation and movement of

• To initiate, specify and supervise contracted works

vessels in the port area, including navigation rights

relating to the maintenance of harbour moorings,

and safety/security requirements.

navigation marks, maritime structures and port

• To maintain and operate navigation lights, buoys, marks and beacons.

• Designation of anchorage areas. • Direction of the removal or movement of vessels during emergencies.

• To provide mariners with advice and guidance on navigation and safety.

• To carry out and interpret hydrographical surveys as required for management purposes.

• To work afloat in support of harbour marine operations.

• To provide, maintain and allocate moorings, berths and anchorages in ports.

• To maintain and control the use of all port-owned piers, quays, berths, slipways and pontoons.

• To allocate mooring positions and control the maintenance standards of all privately owned moorings.

• To charge harbour users for services at rates prescribed by the port authority.

• To manage and maintain the port premises as defined by the port.

• To manage the operation and maintenance of all boats, safety and other marine equipment.

• To provide and maintain public safety, rescue and environmental protection equipment in the harbour.

• To manage all leisure and tourism harbour-related activity including the use of boats and water craft and to oversee such activity in respect of the port premises.

• To implement and enforce all legislation relating to ports.

• To implement port legislation relating to harbour management, safety, security, waste management and pollution.

premises as required for the safe and efficient operation of the harbour.

• To work in partnership, consult, liaise and discuss with national and local bodies, agencies, clubs and other organisations in order to protect, promote and develop the ports and maritime interests.

• To work with local authority environmental services department, and any other relevant bodies to protect the marine environment.

• To act on behalf of Sudan Seaports Corporation in port maritime emergency situations.

• To manage all harbour operations personnel on a day-to-day basis.

• To assist with the management of port maintenance and operations budgets.

• To prepare annual budgets relating to the port. • To submit written reports to and attend relevant meetings of the board of directors as required by the general manager.

• To develop, maintain and monitor statutory requirements, including health and safety and port security, through appropriate assessment and the establishment of systems and procedures in all areas of work.

• To ensure that personnel are aware of their responsibilities through training and information.

• To recommend policy direction, alternatives and costing with respect to port services improvement.

• To identify priorities and allocate available resources to ensure effective and efficient operation of the port services.

• To advise the general manager on maritime matters.

• To establish good working relations both internally and externally.

47 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK: CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

SPC’s generous support for people projects As a key national entity, Sea Ports Corporation (SPC) is justly proud of the role it plays in Sudan’s economy. At the same time, mindful of its wider responsibilities as an organisation, SPC has an enviable track record in supporting a wide range of projects of direct benefit the Sudanese people. This support is provided at both national and regional levels and there is a long and impressive list of schemes that SPC has backed.

National At national level, SPC has contributed to:

• The building and rehabilitation of river ports and inland water transport facilities on the River Nile, comprising: - Halfa river port on the border between Sudan and Egypt - Malakal river port in South Sudan - Elrunk and Kosti river ports on the White Nile.

• Expansion and rehabilitation of bridges in Port Sudan town and neighbouring districts.

• Rehabilitation of Ageeg Jetty south of Port Sudan near the border with Eritrea.

• Building schools and mosques in various districts of RSS.

• Building lecture rooms for Red Sea University.

• Support for Swakin town water supply projects.

• Substantial and ongoing assistance to RSS with the building and rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, farms and mosques.

• Supporting events in RSS and its various municipalities, either in kind or financially.

• Support for services rendered by Port Sudan Municipality, namely, education, health, hygiene,

• Rehabilitation of bridges in South Sudan (prior to secession).

Regional At regional level, meanwhile, SPC has supported a range of Red Sea State (RSS) projects, including:

• Implementation of dam projects near Port Sudan

environment protection and medical treatment.

• Making a significant annual financial contribution to RSS.

• Financial support for the needy, with a permanent committee to oversee this.

SPC is one of the biggest employers in RSS and

and Oseif Metal Port to secure water resources for

in Sudan as a whole. At both regional and national

the townspeople of Port Sudan and Oseif.

levels, its economic contribution is considerable.

48 SUDAN SEA PORTS HANDBOOK

Sea Ports Corporation

Chairmen of SPC Board of Directors since 1974 No Name

From

Gen Nasr Eldeen Mustafa

8/12/1974 2/4/1976

Mr Karrar Ahmed Karrar

3/4/1976 18/10/1976

Gen Mustafa Hassan Osman

19/10/1976 8/1/1979

Brig Khalid Elsadiq Onsa

9/1/1979 4/12/1988

Brig Nasser Burma Nasser

5/12/1988 9/8/1989

Brig Khalid Elsadiq Onsa

10/8/1989 7/4/1990

Gen Mohamed Abdel Gader Omer

8/4/1990 1/5/1999

Brig Ismail Eltayeb Ali

7/6/1999 17/3/2001

Sheikh Abu Ali Majzoub Abu Ali

11/9/2003 15/8/2011

Dr Abdel Rahman Mohamed Dirar

16/8/2011

Present day

Chief executives of SPC (Sudan) since 1955 No Name

Title

From

Mr Mohamed Essayed Osman

Port manager

1/10/1955

23/11/1957

Mr Makki Essayed Ali

Port manager

24/11/1957

5/1/1960

Mr Hassan Abboud

Port manager

6/1/1960

31/12/1967

Mr Mohamed Mokhtar Mustafa MD

1/1/1968 2/4/1976

Mr Abdel Rahman Hassan Yaqoup MD

3/4/1976

Mr Ali Mohamed Malik

24/3/1978 1/3/1980

Capt Hassan Mohamed Saleh

21/5/1980 4/4/1981

Mr Ali Ahmed Abdel Rahim

4/5/1981

Mr Mohamed Saleh Ali

1/1/1989 5/8/1990

Mr Mohamed Tahir Aila

5/8/1990 8/2/1995

Eng Omer Mohamed Mohamed Nour GM

22/3/1995

Eng Hamza Mohamed Osman

17/8/1997 3/11/2006

Eng Ibrahim Al Amin Ahmed

13/11/2006 23/3/2011

Dr Jalal Eldin M.A. Shelia

24/3/2011

19/10/1977

31/12/88

16/8/1997

Present day

Sea Ports Corporation (Sudan) Tel: +249 311 822 061 Fax: +249 311 822 258 Email: spcp21@sudanports.gov.sd

www.sudanports.gov.sd

PO R

TS CO RPORA

TI O N

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