Cargo handling volumes - in keeping with the schedules

11.12.2002

Slowly but surely, we are approaching the end of the year 2002 which allows for preliminary assessments of this year's estimated cargo handling schedules.

As a reminder, it is worthwhile bringing to mind that in the year 2001 the overall volume of various cargoes handled at the port of Gdansk totaled 17,162 thousand tonnes, of which 6,067 thousand of coal, 7,030 thousand tonnes of liquid fuels and 1,653 thousand tonnes of general cargo. Similar volumes had been scheduled for the year 2002 based on a realistic outlook that the trends would remain at the same level. The schedules provided for a total volume of various cargoes to be handled by the Gdansk stevedores amounting to 17,014 thousand tonnes, of which 6 million tonnes of coal, 6.5 million tonnes of liquid fuels, 240 thousand tonnes of ore, 2 million tonnes of other bulk cargoes, 315 thousand tonnes of grain, 9 thousand tonnes of timber and 1,950 thousand tonnes of general cargo.

On November 25^th, this year we're talking to Marek Czernowski, Chief Dispatcher of the Port of Gdansk and, at, this stage a cargo handling volume totaled 15,438 thousand tonnes, which means that in order to achieve a targeted volume it is necessary to handle yet about 1,400 thousand tonnes of cargoes ...and this can be done - says M. Czernowski. Though it is clear that the 17 million tonnes of cargoes will have been successfully handled, already at the present moment, certain shifts in terms of particular cargo groups can be predicted.

It is expected that the coal handling volume will not only exceed last year's records, but also this year's targeted volume. Reports show that at the end of November as much as 6,487 thousand tonnes of coal have been handled, whereas, the annual targeted volume totaled 6 million tonnes. On the other hand, previously scheduled low rate of ore handling throughput still proved impossible to maintain, as an expected contract failed to be concluded. As little as 65 thousand tonnes has been reported this year and, consequently, a targeted volume will not be achieved. As far as other bulk cargoes are concerned a volume of 1,679 thousand tonnes has been handled by the end of November, whereas, having analyzed calls of vessels yet expected - the volumes in this range of cargoes will grow up to 1,900 thousand tonnes that fails to keep up with a scheduled level of 2 million tonnes. Predicted grain handling to have been achieved at 250 - 260 thousand tonnes remains slightly behind the estimated schedules. Similarly, in terms of the general cargo that plays a vital role from the port's point of view, the volumes reported on November 25th totaled 1,597 thousand tonnes, and, by the year end, they are expected to rise by 250 thousand tonnes. This exhibits that a total volume of general cargoes handled at the Port of Gdansk will rank somewhat below this year's estimates, though above last year's records of 1,653 thousand tonnes of cargo handling volumes. Last but not least - liquid fuels: by the end of November a volume of 5,391 thousand tonnes has been reported, however, even though the optimistic prognosis for December provide for yet 600 thousand tonnes to be handled, the overall feasible volume will reach about 6 million tonnes, which falls below the estimated level.

- All the year round we have been operating within the adopted framework, and, in many cases, even ahead of the schedules - says Marek Czernowski. Our main disappointment lies in the liquid fuel group, which, if improved, would indicate favourable conditions in terms of cargo handling at the Port of Gdansk, the one that may have been expected according to last year's estimates. This is also the way, in which to make predictions for the year to come. At the moment it is still too early a stage to make accurate predictions as for the volumes within each of the cargo group, however, based on the confirmed occurring trends it can be inferred that the volumes will be maintained at the present level - i.e. slightly less than 17 million tonnes - though the distribution pattern is likely to show some differences across particular groups of cargo. It should be pointed out that already this year, with a targeted total cargo handling volume having been achieved, certain shifts have been reported in terms of the volumes of cargoes handled. I should expect that these trends are to remain and be part of our activities throughout the next year - emphasizes Marek Czernowski.