The Port of Southampton is an 800 acre
jigsaw puzzle that is daily pieced together
– and pulled apart – to meet the
ever-changing demands of diverse
customers and trades.
Moving the pieces to make them all dovetail
into a landscape of maritime ingenuity and
efficiency is a small but expert team of
managers led by ABP southampton’s Head of
Port operations and safety, Hanif Brora.
the eight experts in cargo handling, port
security and health and safety are responsible
for allocating the appropriate dockside space,
calling for the timely provision of manpower
and applying the vital facilities and plant to
produce the solutions that hoist the port’s
reputation ever higher.
the strategy is aimed at maximising the
assets that Associated British Ports has applied
to its premier south Coast gateway. But it is
equally beneficial to the many clients of the port, ensuring the
appropriate reaction to every challenge.
southampton has a similar response team working under
Harbour Master Captain Martin Phipps to provide the waterside
facilities for ships and their cargoes. Close liaison between the
two ensures the smooth reception and servicing of vessels and
their carryings, from new cars arriving by road transporter and
specialist railway trains for export, to bulk ships loading cargoes
such as recycled metal and cruise ships ushering aboard their
thousands of delighted passengers.
As Port operations Head, Hanif Brora describes the Dock
estate and its activities as a complex patchwork that changes
with every day, influenced by the number and size of ships
seeking berths, the complexity of loading or discharging
operations for their cargoes – and always demanding a “Plan B”
as a ready response to the unexpected.
His eight-strong team of managers ensures that the
southampton Port jigsaw puzzle loses none of its vital
elements and sparkle.
the Port of southampton is compliant with the demands of
the International ship and Port Facility security Code, the
global standard set after the 9/11 atrocity to counter terrorism
and criminal activity.
As Head of safety, Mr Brora sets his team the unrelenting task
Port of southampton 2013/2014
19
PoRt oPeRAtIons & sAFetY
soUtHAMPton
Setting the benchmark
for maritime efficiency
the Dock estate and its activities are a
complex patchwork that changes with
every day, influenced by the number and
size of ships seeking berths and the
complexity of loading or discharging
operations for their cargoes.
