It is usual within the business world to sum up the results of the passing year and discuss the plans for the coming year. 2018 was a successful year on many levels for Port Logistic LTd, the only operator of the Seaport of Vyborg. This was evident not only through their economic results, but also in their achievements in social, environmental and other issues.
Best result in 25 years!
A new cargo transshipment record is set this year. According to preliminary results, the cargo turnover for the port of Vyborg will reach over 1 900 000 for the first time in 25 years. The port topped its 2017 result by an impressive 24%.
Bulk is the main type of cargo handled by the port, where coal makes up 62% and mineral fertilizers 24%. According to preliminary data the port handled 364 vessels, an increase of 18% from the previous year.
This growth has been achieved by the optimization of technological processes and more efficient handling of transport vehicles. Better use of warehousing capacities as well as excellent teamwork of 343 employees, 80% of the being dockers have also contributed to the high results.
Every handled ton of cargo is a result of dedicated work from the staff and professionalism of the new management team.
Heading towards development
In 2018 Port Logistic LTd bought out the port premises from its previous owner, bankrupted Port Equipment LTd. The port operator as a stevedoring company and owner of the premises now plans to develop the port area and its infrastructure to increase cargo turnover and quality of services.
To further increase in cargo turnover the company considers it necessary to put three more cargo quays into operation and invest in warehousing areas. These changes will result in relocating some dust and noise producing operations away from residential areas to an industrial part of the port. The development of the port will also include the development of passenger shipping in order to add to the growth of tourist and cultural segments both in the town of Vyborg and in the Leningrad region.
Social and environmental policy
Economic development shapes the company’s social and environmental policies. The management of Port Logistic LTd places high emphasis on these factors due to the port’s proximity to the historical center of the town and residential areas.
In 2018 the company developed and started implementing an environmental programme for the port of Vyborg which includes environmental compensatory measures up until the year 2025. These measures are aimed at minimization of the negative effect on the environment and improving ecological conditions for the life and health of the local population. Within a short time frame the port has implemented the biggest part of the three-year programme for environmental protection.
In order to decrease dust generation a mobile dust suppression unit has been purchased and installed. It is used depending on the speed and direction of wind and creates a curtain of water droplets between the industrial site and residential areas of the town, preventing the distribution of coal dust. This unit has proven to be highly effective and three more units will be purchased to reduce dust distribution during cargo operations.
The environmental actions in addition to those inside the port territory include measures to improve the living conditions of the town’s population. The company has covered the expenses for installing soundproof windows in the majority of apartments in nearby residential areas and in addition has provided residents with individual air-purifying devices.
The implementation of the environmental programme is one of the most important components for the development strategy of the port of Vyborg.
As far as social matters are concerned, the management of the company finds it necessary to take care both of the employees and the port veterans. A working career at the port has long been a source of pride for generations of Vyborg citizens. Therefore, any further development of the port will also include establishing a mentoring system and support for the younger generation interested in a professional career at the port.
Port history in a book
The port’s history is an indispensable part of the history of Vyborg. In 20018 a book dedicated to the history of the town “Town. Quay. Port.” was released, and quickly became a cultural phenomenon and has since taken its rightful place among books about our town.
Olga Ansberg, the general director of the company, pointed out that the main purpose of the book was to provide as many people as possible with a better understanding of the maritime profession and to transport the reader into a a romantic world of seafaring. Additionally, the reader gets to know more about the port and its development from a small harbor into a modern and efficient port. The connection between the town, the quay and the port have been evident for centuries.
Today the port of Vyborg remains the backbone for the town where the lives of families and livelihoods have been connected to the port or port-related activities for generations.
Source: http://vyborg-press.ru/articles/40405/