Timor Port test operations
Timor Port carried out operational trials ahead of starting operations, welcoming its first two vessels in order to test the reliability of the installations deployed within the new infrastructure.
Over the period between September 14 and 17, the port loaded and unloaded nearly 1,000 containers on board the Kota Dunia and Seletan Damai from Pacific International Lines (PIL) subsidiary Mariana Express Lines (MELL).
Laurent Palayer, managing director of Timor Port, said: “Our teams successfully docked and handled both vessels. This was made possible by a training programme with experts from our network who came specially to share their knowledge and experience in the port field.
“We are ready to take the next step and start our activities, and we would like to thank MELL and PIL for working with us closely on the trial of the two vessels.”
After two days of testing all systems, in particular the Terminal Operating System (TOS) interfaced with the invoicing and customs systems, demonstrated their total efficiency.
It was the first time the port’s handling equipment were practiced in real conditions and gave “full satisfaction” over the trial period.
Olivier De Noray, managing director of ports and terminals at Bolloré Ports, said: “Thanks to the investments made in the construction of this new infrastructure, the deepwater port of Tibar will become a world-class port open to all lines.
“Its commissioning is also accompanied by a local development policy to promote employment on a national scale and thus encourage the country’s economic growth and numerous initiatives to preserve the biodiversity of Tibar Bay.”
The tests come less than a month before the launch of operations at the new Tibar Bay port.
Marking the first public-private partnership in the country, Bolloré Ports was selected to carry out this ambitious project following an international call for tenders launched by the East Timorese authorities.
This new infrastructure, built in compliance with environmental standards, aims to achieve a level of productivity and performance worthy of the largest ports in the world.
Timor Port represents a total cost of US$490m over a period of 30 years and is equipped with some of the most modern handling equipment and operating software in order to allow the operation of containerships of over 7,500 teu.
