Front Line

In Japan, we have witnessed the crippling effect these natural disasters can have on these global trade connectors. March’s massive earthquake, tsunami, and radiation pollution prompted a number of shipping lines to divert calls away from the main ports of Tokyo and Yokohama restricting inbound container movements, while production of the nation’s export staples - electrical goods and cars - have been considerably restricted.

In New Zealand, Lyttelton’s Port of Christchurch was very close to the epicentre of a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in February, which was located just streets away and at a depth of just 5km. The damage compounded the effects of a 7.1 magnitude earthquake of September 2010 leaving port facilities significantly damaged.

While both events serve to prove the vulnerability of our ports, they also reveal another virtue: resilience. In Lyttelton, there was a clear sense of purpose and an understanding that the recovery in the port acted as a flag bearer for the general recovery of the city.

Despite significant damage, LPC was able to resume operation of core services just 96 hours after Canterbury’s earthquake.

“Hardworking staff” were given much of the credit for getting this quake-struck port back on its feet so quickly.

“As the gateway to the South Island LPC’s priority has been on keeping the port operational so the essential food, fuel and other supplies needed by Christchurch can get through,” noted chief executive Peter Davie.

In Japan, most key ports in the quake-crippled northeast of Japan were made usable for recovery efforts and general use within two weeks of the earthquake. Operations at southern ports returned to normal quickly, with staff committing to the recovery, despite, in some cases - massive personal losses.

In fact, Lyttelton and ports in Japan have much to thank their hard-working staff for – the workers are in no small part responsible for the mitigation of bigger losses. Without their commitment and perseverance, trade losses would undoubtedly be greater in both countries.

While ports mark the front line of island nations, workers at those key facilities take on that front line role for the ports, a role certainly worthy of recognition in these unsettling times.

http://www.portstrategy.com/insight-and-opinion101/viewpoint/front-line