Ports and Shipping

Over the last four decades, total seaborne trade has quadrupled, driven largely by increased transportation of bulk cargo – grains, minerals, fuels, and chemicals. The switch to containerization has been rapid and widespread and continues to dominate global flows.

Investment in ports, most often by the public sector, has repeatedly failed to keep pace with demand, as the provision of additional capacity often faces environmental and financial constraints. As port management and ownership structures change – through management arrangements or outright sale – the private sector is sought to finance port developments on behalf of the government while yielding financial rewards for the investors.

The increasing regulation of international shipping and port operations results in an ever -increasing need to adapt and update facilities to meet more stringent standards and ensure the ability to participate in world trade. The introduction and rapid expansion of information technology (“e-logistics”) challenges long-term working practices.

LeighFisher has prepared feasibility studies for small, medium, and large ports in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Using a collaborative approach with our clients, we apply our technical, organizational, and financial skills to assess alternative ways to achieve their vision, recognizing that each port is unique. Our experience has shown that some projects have more political challenges than technical ones, while others may present technical challenges requiring focused expertise.

Working closely with government, port management, and funding institutions, we develop technical and financial plans that are designed to support investment decision-making and funding applications.