The Tribune

The Arawak Port Development Company (APD), the Nassau Container Port’s (NCP) operator, has announced the launch of a new safety initiative.

Beginning on June 1, APD managers will conduct regular gate inspections of heavyweight tractor trailers, dump trucks and equipment entering the port. The assessment aims to ensure that such vehicles and equipment are maintained in a condition to operate safely in the port and on the streets of Nassau, which they share with other vehicles and pedestrians.

“The majority of the imports coming into the Bahamas pass through Nassau Container Port. The trucking industry, which moves those goods to and from the Port, is therefore a vital element of this country’s trade,” said Michael Maura, APD’s president and chief executive.

“From the establishment of NCP, truckers have been our partners in the progress the Port has achieved so far, which benefits the 11,000 Bahamians who own Nassau Container Port and Gladstone Freight Terminal, and the country as a whole.”

“We are now counting on our trucking partners to join us in contributing to greater safety in the port premises and on the streets of New Providence,” he added.

“Imagine a powerful, heavy tractor head and chassis carrying 50,000 pounds of cargo trying to stop a skid on an oil slick or on a rain-wet surface. If there is no traction because of faulty brakes or tyres, it is inevitable that there will be disaster. We want to make sure, as far as possible, that the vehicles moving loads in and out of the port are safe and capable of moving that freight.”

Noting that the Heavy Equipment Inspection programme is a new and essential element of APD’s commitment to safety, Mr Maura said NCP has been conducting informal inspections to give heavy equipment operators the opportunity to see the plan in action and appreciate its worth.

The inspections are the responsibility of the port’s gate and interchange manager, Brando Glinton and his team, who have undergone specialised training.

Mr Glinton said: “As heavy transport vehicles enter the NCP gate, we will use the checklist of our Heavy Equipment Gate Inspection Form to assess their fitness to operate safely within the port.

“For the big rigs, it’s a two-part checklist. We’re looking at elements of the tractor and the chassis. On the tractor head, we are checking head lights, tread depth on front and rear tyres, and the security of the fuel tank. As regards the chassis, the important items for assessment are the unit number, brake lights, condition of tyres, chassis leg height, sand shoes, load locks and safe load.”

In the inspection of dump trucks, Mr Glinton added that he and his team will be checking to see that headlights are working, mirrors are attached, tyres have the proper depth of tread, brake lights work, the tailgate locks and the fuel tank is secure.

Following inspections, the gate and interchange manager said vehicle operators will be given two copies of the completed inspection form to sign, one of which they will keep as a guide to needed repairs and for their records.

For vehicles passing this important health check, it will be business as usual. If a vehicle fails the inspection, it will be allowed to enter the port once the repairs indicated on the inspection form are made.

“At the end of the day, none of us, not importers, truckers or APD as port operator should accept: ’I’m going to get it fixed tomorrow’,” Mr Maura said.

“We all know that something could happen in port or the minute one of these heavy, powerful vehicles leaves the dock. It must be emphasised that we see the port’s safety inspection initiative as contributing to increased safety, in the spirit of partnership, with the authorities.

“Our inspection, while impactful, does not take the place of an extensive Road Traffic inspection and subsequent certification. Our desire is to see that only vehicles in proper operating condition do business with the port for the good of everybody. Our checklist is short, and inspection is carried out by a trained crew and does not take up much of the trucker’s time.”