Recent Projects

Regional Ports

MLA has been engaged by a number of Regional Ports to undertake analyses of their marine operations with a particular focus on the efficient use and management of assets.  This has also included the evaluation of allocation options of marine assets between ports. For these projects we developed a dynamic model of the ports’ operations to undertake cost/benefit analyses of various options and ran scenario analyses in order to design the most efficient operations. We have also developed tendering strategies for the performance of port services.

Capital City Port

MLA was engaged by a capital city port to develop a dynamic model of their land side infrastructure.  MLA then used this model to evaluate the efficiency and potential issues associated with the Port’s proposed expansion plans.  Analysis was undertaken on berth optimisation, traffic flows, space allocation and expansion capability.

Green Field Port Development

Following their acquisition of mining tenements, a mining company engaged MLA to evaluate potential export pathways for approximately 6 Mtpa or iron ore.  MLA was responsible for the following:

• Identification of a location, port design and operational plan for establishment of the port
• Provision of technical advice in the conceptualisation and design of the port
• Management of the completion of a Definitive Feasibility Study for the development of a 6 Mtpa trans-shipment operation
• Development of a ‘Design Transhipment Vessel (TSV)’ for the port
• Undertaking TSV and bulk carrier simulations to confirm the operability of the port and liaison with port authorities to obtain their approval in principle for the proposed operation
• The development of a Business Case to support the creation of  a multi-user port facility
• Completion of operational modelling to determine the ultimate port capacity
• Development of a 20 year masterplan

Transhipment Operator

MLA was engaged by an established transhipment operator to design the optimum transhipment operation for a number of projects around Australia.  Projects included both large and small scale iron ore, bauxite and mineral sands.  MLA responsibilities included defining the operating models for the transhipment operations.  This included the following tasks:

• Transhipment vessels specification, including
  • Maximum vessel dimensions (LOA, draft) possible within port conditions
  • Optimum DWT based on required port throughput, ship sees and stockyard designs
  • Materials handing requirements
  • Liaison with naval architects
• Integration with land-side infrastructure
• Cycle time assessment and design
• Scheduling requirements

Ship Simulation

MLA has been engaged to conduct ship simulations for a number of clients which include ports, ship operators and mines. The simulations have covered a range of clients’ requirements which have included, risk assessment for increasing port operational envelopes to encompass larger vessels, validation of new berths prior to construction,  accommodation of new ship types into existing berths, proof of concept of new designs, proof of concepts for greenfield ports and vessel behavioural characteristics during operations in varying sea conditions. Most of our simulation engagements have included the drafting of procedures to accompany new operations or variations to existing operations.

MLA has also used ship simulators to conduct periodic Competency Audits on marine pilots.

Pilotage, Safety Management Systems

MLA has undertaken numerous reviews into Pilot Training Programs and provided significant reports into modernising Pilot Training using the latest advances in safety science and technology resulting in improved safety outcomes and efficiency in training. MLA has also undertaken reviews or in some cases greenfield approaches to institute Safety Management Systems into Port Marine Operation areas including combining Management systems with training objectives and theoretical knowledge for Pilotage, VTS and other marine personnel.

Ship Deliveries

MLA has access to qualified personnel to undertake ship deliveries. These are mainly re-positioning, post-sale or dry-docking voyages. We can provide manning for an entire ship’s complement or for specific positions on board. We have recently completed three such projects: a delivery from Australia to Venezuela, from Australia to Singapore and from Singapore to Australia.

Audit of International Fleet

MLA is a recognised leader in the development of BRM-based Bridge Procedures. We have recently been engaged by a UK P&I Club and an International Tanker Fleet to undertake navigation audits on board their ships. We have also conducted Reviews of Bridge Procedures (including pilotage operations) for the same clients.