Deep-Burn Development Project Receives Funding -
to Burn Nuclear Waste and Generate Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced that it has selected teams led by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) to advance the technology of nuclear fuel "Deep-Burn," in which plutonium and higher transuranics recycled from spent nuclear fuel are destroyed while generating energy. This revolutionary technology not only advances nuclear power production but reduces the amount of radioactive waste produced in the end.
The two national laboratory teams were selected for work totaling $7.3 million. To accomplish their mission, the Idaho and Illinois-based DOE laboratories are partnering with other national laboratories, universities, and industry.
"Deep-Burn R&D is valuable," said DOE Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dennis Spurgeon. "It has the potential to greatly reduce the amount of long-lasting waste produced by the nation's next generation of nuclear power reactors. At the same time this technology could greatly increase the amount of safe, economical, carbon-free electricity generated by advanced nuclear fuel."
These research and development activities are aimed at establishing the technological foundations that will support the role of the Very-High-Temperature, gas-cooled Reactor (VHTR) in the nuclear fuel cycle. The VHTR is one of the prototype reactors being researched under the Department’s Generation IV nuclear power program and is the reference technology for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP).
The research and development work performed under these awards will be carried out in two parts: Advanced Modeling and Simulation Capability for VHTR Development and Design at a cost of $1 million led by ANL; and Transuranic Management Capabilities of the Deep-Burn VHTR at a cost of $6.3 million led by the INL.
The primary mission of the NGNP is the production of high-temperature heat for use as a source of process heat for generation of electricity. A further goal is to enable a quantitative assessment of the scope, cost and schedule implications of extending the NGNP mission in the future to destruction of plutonium and other transuranics. The Deep-Burn R&D effort will be coordinated with the ongoing Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) programs to ensure synergism and to avoid duplication of efforts. The R&D that will be carried out is a part of DOE’s Generation IV program which aims to further the fundamental R&D to ensure the viability of the next-generation of nuclear energy systems.
For additional information on this announcement, the NGNP, the GNEP, and nuclear energy research and development programs please visit: http://www.nuclear.gov/.
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Sishen South Mine Approved in Northern Cape
Reported by Jaycee Krüger in South Africa
The long-awaited Sishen South mine,located 80 km south of the existing Sishen mine in the Northern Cape, has been approved by South African iron-ore producer, Kumba Iron Ore, to go ahead. Some delays, amongst others the negotiations with Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) about the rail link expansion to get the products to the coast, caused delays of up to a year to date. This investment of some R8,5-billion (well over US$ 1bn) is expected to start production early 2012, and reach full capacity of 9 million tons in 2013, with a subsequent life-of-mine in excess of 20 years.
The rail expansion increases capacity from 47 million tons per annum to 60 mtpa, of which Khumba will utilise 9 mtpa and Assmang, another iron-ore producer in the region, the balance of 4 mtpa.
"We really are pleased to announce this project at this time when there is strong demand for iron-ore products and we will be delivering this into a strong market," said Kumba CEO Chris Griffith (pictured right). He noted that this development was made possible owing to the company’s recently granted new-order mining rights, the issuing of its integrated water-use licence, and the conclusion of negotiations with TFR regarding the additional capacity on the Sishen - Saldanha iron-ore export channel.
Sishen South would produce direct shipping ore, which would be transported on the main Sishen - Saldanha rail line to the port of Saldanha Bay through a link to be built from the mine.
Another part of the negotiations which were concluded was Eskom’s committment to honour its electricity supply contract for the mine. The mine would only require 7 MVA of power, as Khumba will not do any beneficiation at the mine. Griffith noted that Kumba did have back-up plans if Eskom was unable to honour its supply agreement.
Francois Louw, Kumba head of projects, said that there was potential to save 6 MVA of power at the existing Sishen mine, which could be used at Sishen South mine in an emergency situation. Some diesel generation capacity is included in its plans, enabling it to generate 1,5 MVA of electricity currently, with the option of increasing this by a further 1,5 MVA.
The skills used in the recently completed Sishen Expansion project were retained to develop the Sishen South mine, and orders on long-lead equipment had already been placed. About 750 people will be employed by the mine, with a further 2 000 jobs created at the peak of the construction phase. Indirect job creation was expected to be in the region of 4 000 jobs.
For more information, please visit http://www.kumba.co.za/.
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Sea Change Programme Update: $10 Million
for projects in Coastal Towns Approved in UK
Reported by Miles Shepherd in London, UK
The UK's Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced additional funding for projects at several English seaside towns. A new 20,000 capacity performance space, a revitalised Napoleonic fort and improved facilities at a world class heritage site will all go ahead in England's coastal towns following the award of over $10 million from the Government's Sea Change programme.
Details of the projects to be funded in Blackpool, Dover and Torbay were announced today by Culture and Tourism Minister Margaret Hodge. The DCMS scheme aims to boost regeneration in coastal areas through investment in culture and heritage. These are the first grants to be awarded in the three year programme, which will give £45 million to coastal resorts and is being led by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).
Margaret Hodge, Culture and Tourism Minister, said: "The Sea Change scheme is all about kick starting regeneration through cultural investment in our seaside communities, helping to preserve their heritage and encouraging new and exciting projects. I'm delighted these fantastic plans for Blackpool, Torbay and Dover are now going ahead. Not only will they encourage new visitors to the area but they will also help support and enrich the community. These three large grants are the first in this programme and I hope they will inspire other coastal resorts to dream up similar innovative and creative plans."
Blackpool will receive £4 million to create a 20,000 capacity outdoor performance space to showcase cultural events on the central seafront, enhancing its reputation as the capital of dance. In addition, the streetscape from the Tower to the Headland will be redesigned and enhanced.
Plans for a possible cable car at a heritage site in Dover from the Western Dock to the Castle will be developed after just over £3.8 million was awarded to the city. Improvements around the historic castle, including updating the secret wartime tunnels, will allow new presentations of its history and heritage. The Bleriot Monument, which commemorates the first cross channel flight will also be refurbished.
Torbay is the third seaside resort to benefit from a large grant with just over £2.2 million being awarded to develop two projects in their English Riviera Geopark. Artistic regeneration is at the heart of the plans with the creation of ten new studios as well as gallery space and a refurbished visitor centre. The funding also means people will have better access to the amazing heritage and natural environment of the landscape of Berry Head on the Edge, which is home to a Napoleonic fort and the largest guillemot colony on the Channel coast.
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said: "English coastal towns can look forward to the summer trade that comes with more and more people rediscovering all that these places have to offer for a great holiday or weekend break. So I am delighted that Blackpool, Dover and Torbay are going to benefit from £10 million funding. This will help these towns prosper further, as more attractions become available for both tourists and residents to enjoy."
CABE Chief Executive Richard Simmons, commenting on behalf of the partners said: "Blackpool, Devon and Torbay have all demonstrated a fresh approach to the use of design and culture to aid regeneration. "What is important about these projects is that they embed good design and culture as a catalyst for quality place making to benefit the community and visitors alike."
The Sea Change programme runs for three years from 2008 to 2011, giving £15 million each year to seaside resorts. It is led by CABE working with the Regional Development Agencies, English Heritage, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund. It was announced in November 2007. DCMS press notice 147 which refers to this can be found at http://www.culture.gov.uk/
reference_library/media_releases/2155.aspx.
For further details and how to apply for the open application grants please visit the CABE website. http://www.cabe.org.uk/. The deadline for year one applications has now passed. Decisions on those projects which will receive funding will be taken later this year. The exact amounts awarded in this first wave are as follows: Blackpool - £4 million, Dover - £3,850,000, Torbay - £2,247,532. The local authorities representing the three areas had to submit their business and project management plans to CABE along with proof they were able to match funding of at least 100 per cent. www.culture.gov.uk
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"APION KLEOS", The Biggest Ever Concession Construction Project in Greece Officially Started on 6th of August 2008!
Reported by Theofanis Giotis in Athens, Greece
The biggest concession infrastructure project in Greece,
has officially started!
The history of the project
The Greek Public Works Ministry in July 2007 signed a 30-year concession contract with the "APION KLEOS" consortium for the construction and operation of the National road along the northern and western coast of the Peloponnese. The cost of this project is estimated to 2.8 billion Euros, which makes it the biggest infrastructure project in Greece ever (the cost of APION KLEOS highway is more than the cost of the ATTIKI ODOS and RIO-ANTIRIO bridge combined). Part of this cost, 550 million Euros, is funded by the Greek Government, and the remaining is funded by banks with 70 different contracts.
The project scope
The highway will stretch for 365 kilometers, of which 283,7 km will be new, while the remaining 81.7 km correspond to part of the existing network that is to be improved.
The Corinth - Patras section (120 km) will have:
The western section (Patras - Pyrgos - Tsakona - 163.7 km) will have:
Green light from European Union
The Northwestern Peloponnese highway Corinth – Patras – Pyrgos - Tsakona has got a green "go ahead light" in the middle of April 2008. The project will be delivered gradually and will be completed in 6 years. The northern part from Corinth to Patras will be delivered by summer 2011. This highway is expected to be in full operations by 2014.
The consortium
The "APION KLEOS" consortium comprises the following companies:
The concession
On 6th of August 2008, the Minister of Public Works, Mr. George Souflias (photo right), has signed the concession with the concessioner and the banks. So, the project has officially started. The duration of the concession is for 30 years!
Schedule Plan and Exclusive Deadlines
From today’s official concession project start, the exclusive deadlines are:
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In 12 months: finish works in Corinth - Patras section for lifting of venturousness and improvement of traffic conditions
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In 20 months: finish works for Elefsis - Corinth section
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In 42 months: finish works for Corinth - Patras - Pyrgos section
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In 70 months: finish works for Pyrgos - Tsakona section (90 Km total)
APION KLEOS Highway map in Greek
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One World One Dream - 2008 Olympic Games Open in Beijing
with Ceremony, Spectacle, Athletes and Fireworks
After seven years of preparation, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games were launched at 8:08 p.m. on the evening of August 8 in the National Stadium (also known as "Bird's Nest") in Beijing, China. The opening date and time coincided with the lucky number 8, according to Chinese custom. Delegations from 205 countries and regions participated in opening ceremonies, one of the most spectacular openings in the history of the Olympic Games. (here are some images from the opening ceremony)
The Beijing Olympic Games started on August 8 and will end on August 24. More than 10,000 of the world's top athletes will compete fiercely for 302 gold medals in 28 sports. Nearly 7 million tickets to the Games have been sold. Over 4 billion people are expected to watch the television broadcast of Beijing Olympic Games worldwide.
As the host country, China will send its largest delegation ever to the Olympic Games -- 1,099 members (including 639 athletes). (photo at right – Olympic torch is lit!)
All Olympic venues and stadiums, many of which include highly advanced technologies, have been completed, passing overall examinations with high marks. The total cost of new facilities and infrastructure is estimated to exceed US$40 billion; all completed on time and ready for the games to begin.
According to official reports, to host this unique and high-level Olympic Games, the Chinese government and people overcame many difficulties and made great achievements. For example, in May, the Olympic torch scaled the world's highest peak, Mount Qomolangma, as part of the worldwide Torch Relay.
(photo at left: fireworks over the main Olympic Stadium – the Birds’ Nest)
Air quality in Beijing (a lingering concern to many participating teams and athletes) is apparently up to standard for 70 percent of the days; security is a top priority, with a three-level protective framework in place; measures have been adopted (such as alternate driving days based on license plate numbers) to ease traffic congestion and reduce emissions; intellectual property rights of the International Olympic Committee have been effectively protected; the Beijing Olympic Village has been given high marks by Villagers; and the 2008 Beijing International Media Center, Main Press Center and International Broadcast Center have opened, offering top-notch services to reporters from all around the world.
To see the latest news and information about the Beijing Olympics, visit http://en.beijing2008.cn/.
Editor’s note: The Beijing Olympics provide a testament to Chinese project delivery and project management capabilities. In addition, the many programs and projects associated with the games around the world provide examples of non-traditional industries and organizations that also have massive investments related to the Olympics and that need good project management. Those include sports, broadcast and news media, security, political bodies, transportation and various support services. This is a broad area that should have more visibility in the professional project management world and in the literature. A great body of knowledge about programs and projects associated with Olympic Games now exist, but where is it documented. We need to capture these experiences and lessons learned – the Olympics games represent a periodic display of human progress, cooperation and capabilities, so much more than just sporting events. Does the International Olympic Committee have guidelines for developing Olympic facilities, venues, shows, ceremonies, sporting events? These are all projects. How is the project management achieved? Is it all just left to the host governments and cities? If you have any information or thoughts on these topics, please email a letter to the editor at editor@pmforum.org.
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Road Repair Projects Provide Sorely Needed Jobs in Liberia
More than 30,000 women and men across Liberia have found short-term work this year in road rehabilitation projects supported by the United Nations. The initiative, which took place during Liberia's dry season, focused on the main roads from Voinjama in the northwest to Fishtown in the southeast, and generated more than 1.3 million working days from September 2007 through May 2008.
"The jobs created have had a positive impact, engendering a feeling of security in the communities and have promoted cohesion, as people from different groups participated jointly," Andrea Tamagnini, Director of Reintegration, Rehabilitation, and Recovery with the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), said on 8 August 2008.
The projects were carried out by Liberia’s Ministry of Public Works, UNMIL, the World Bank, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN International Labour Organization (ILO), and the UN World Food Programme (WFP). Mr. Tamagnini pointed out that incidents of petty crime declined considerably during and after the projects, since the projects provided legal income-generation opportunities for war-affected youth.
During his recent visit to Liberia, Dmitry Titov, UN Assistant Secretary-General with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), said that "the combination of infrastructure and employment and the contributions these interventions make to recovery and rehabilitation should be seen as a microcosm of peacebuilding."
With massive unemployment and underemployment affecting all parts of the country, Liberia's Minister for Public Works, Loseni Dunzo said that "the number one priority in Liberia’s Poverty Reduction Strategy programme is roads - a priority that is due to the major role played by road rehabilitation in the political stability of Liberia."
Construction Of Kusile Power Station Gets Underway
Reported by Jaycee Krüger in South Africa
Eskom turned the first sod for the second coal-fired power station to be built and completed by 2017, on 5 August. The new power plant, named Kusile Power Station, is situated close to the existing Kendal Power Station in the Witbank area of the Mpumalanga Province and will consist of six units that will generate approximately 4 800 MW. The first generating unit is scheduled for completion by 2013, followed by the completion of an additional unit after every eight months.
"Two years ago, Eskom revised its electricity growth projection from 2,3% to 4% per annum. The upward revision of the electricity demand growth to 4% was required to align to government's target of a 6% GDP growth between 2010 and 2014. Kusile Power Station had to be brought forward as a result of the revised plan. Today. I'm pleased to confirm that the construction of this new power station is on schedule", says Jacob Maroga, Eskom's Chief Executive.
Anglo Coal South Africa, through its empowerment subsidiary, Anglo Inyosi, will supply the required coal for the life of the station. The coal, which will be transported by conveyer belt, will be supplied from the nearby New Largo Reserve with supporting coal from the Zondagsfontein reserve.
Kusile Power Station will be the first power station in South Africa to have flue gas desulphurization (FGD) installed. FGD is the state-of-the art technology used to remove oxides of sulphur (SOx), e.g. sulphur dioxide (SO2), from the exhaust flue gases in power plants that burn coal. Eskom is fitting FGD to the Kusile plant as an atmosheric emmission abatement technology to ensure compliance with air quality standards.
Kusile is Eskom’s second most advanced coal project after Medupi Power Station which is currently being built in Limpopo. Construction activity at this new station site started in April 2008.
"In the next 18 months, the construction of this new power station will create up to 5 000 jobs and will peak to 8 000. We estimate that some 7 000 beds will be required, along with 21 000 meals per day to cater for the construction workers at the peak of the construction activities", says Maroga.
Eskom has a responsibility to South Africa to ensure that sustainable development becomes a reality. It plays a major role in accelerating growth in the South African economy by providing a high-quality supply of electricity to satisfy the needs of the country.
Visit http://www.eskom.co.za
Police In Southern Sudan starts Infrastructure Project With UNDP
According to news from the World Bank, the southern Sudan Police Service (SPSS) in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has commenced a large scale rehabilitation and construction program to improve police infrastructure in southern Sudan.
According to the UNDP, the program is part of a three-year $45 million Police and Prison Support Project that is jointly funded by the southern Sudan government (GoSS), and the Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF). Two thirds of the funds will come from the GoSS and one third from the World Bank and other international and bilateral donors.
In addition to rehabilitation of infrastructure, the project is aimed at institutional capacity building and training that includes both the Police and Prison Services.
Acting Head of UNDP Office in Juba, Shyam Bhurtel, said “the plan for the Police Service for 2008 comprises rehabilitation works at six locations and another five new facility projects in the various states. There will also be construction works targeting the Prison Service.”
The commencement of the project gives the Police Service a new thrust in meeting the requirements of a post conflict community in southern Sudan.
A 312 Million Birr Leather Sector Investment for Sululta town of Ethiopia
Reported by Getachew Teklemariam Alemu in Addis Ababa
Sino-oversees leather products PLC, a Chinese company, has signed an agreement worth 312 million Birr to establish four leather product factories, which will produce leather products in Sululta town of Ethiopia, north of the capital Addis Ababa.
The agreement was signed with the Oromia Regional State Investment Commission. The chain factories will lie on 50,000 square meters. The chain will comprise a tannery with an annual production capacity of 3 million pieces of finished leather, a glove factory having an annual production capacity of 1 million pairs of leather gloves, a shoe factory capable of producing 2 million pairs of leather shoes annually, and leather garment factory with an annual production capacity of 200,000 jackets.
Xu Jiang Liang, company representative, quoted by Daily Monitor, an English daily in Addis Ababa, said that" the construction of the tannery will begin in the coming eight months, while the construction of the other factories will take place within three months"
It is expected that the establishment of the factories will create employment opportunities for 1300 persons. It is also understood that the company is expected to pay 14 million Birr for the 80 years lease for the land.
Sino-overseas leather products PLC is an affiliate of xin xiang Kurdon Minglian Leather Co. Ltd., whose head office is in the west of Baiquan town, Hui xian, Xin xiang, Henan, china.
The Biggest Solar Power Project in East Africa
is Successful in Achieving its Milestones
Reported by Getachew Teklemariam Alemu in Addis Ababa
The biggest solar power project in East Africa, which is being implemented by a German Solar Energy Foundation, is achieving its milestones by installing 2,000 solar systems in/around Rema village in Ethiopia. The project has realized a supply of power to 5,500 residents in the country. Harald Schutziechel, founder and former head of Freiburg, is leading the charity work, with significant support from Good Energies Foundation; an affiliate of New York based renewable energy investor Good Energies.
According to schutziechel, head of the charity work, the interest of the project is not just to install solar systems but rather to train the villagers in installing and maintaining the systems, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the project.
He has also indicated that with a growth in the solar system market in Ethiopia, a partnership with two interested companies is on way to produce the materials in country, and replace the imports, which are being purchased from china.
In addition, the foundation is looking forward to opening 50 solar training centers across the country, comprising classrooms, workshops, and student dormitories. For more on the activities of Good Energies look at www.goodenergies.com
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Alaska Gas Pipeline Project Update - Denali President Bud Fackrell to Deliver Keynote at September ProMAC 2008 P. M. Conference in Anchorage
Bud E. Fackrell, President of Denali - The Alaska Gas Pipeline LLC, will deliver a keynote speech during the ProMAC 2008 International Project Management Conference in September. Mr. Fackrell's speech will be entitled "Moving Forward with Denali - The Alaska Gas Pipeline."
The ProMAC 2008 Project Management Conference, "Project Management Leading Managerial Revolutions", will be held at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, Alaska during September 15-18, 2008. This conference follows previous successful ProMAC conferences in Singapore, Japan, and Australia.
In April, BP and ConocoPhillips announced the start of the Alaska gas pipeline, the largest private energy project in North American history. Conference participants will be provided with an update on the project, current activities, and key milestones.
Bud E. Fackrell is President of Denali – The Alaska Gas Pipeline LLC, a position he has held since June 2006. Bud graduated with a BS in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Wyoming in 1975. He has worked in the oil and gas industry for over 30 years, with much of his career spent working internationally. Bud began his career with Amoco handling drilling, completion, work-over and production activities and providing expert witness as a regulatory engineer.
From 1980 to 1987, Bud was the District Engineer managing Amoco’s engineering activities in the Gulf of Suez (GOS) for four years, with two years as the GOS Subsurface and Resource Manager over drilling and water flood improvement projects. From 1991 to 1995, he led the development of a gas strategy and execution plan as the Trinidad Gas Asset Manager. In 1995, Bud was selected as the Executive Assistant to the International Group Vice President of Amoco and the lead representative for the Upstream group to develop a process for all of Amoco’s operating companies to ensure that major projects delivered “Best in Class” results. In 1996, Bud served as the GOS District General Manager for BP Amoco. Bud was responsible for BP’s extensive natural gas assets in southwest Wyoming from 2000 to 2002 where he functioned as the Asset Delivery Manager.
From 2002 to 2006, Bud served as the General Manager and chief executive officer of the Abu Dhabi Marine Operation Company, a large joint venture operating all of the offshore concessions on behalf of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, BP, Total and the Japan Oil Development Company in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Bud transferred to Anchorage in August 2006 where he served as the Senior Vice President of BP Exploration (Alaska) with accountability for all operations of the Alaska Consolidated Team.
The ProMAC 2008 conference will serve as an important forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences to revolutionize today’s project management knowledge and techniques for the future. Special plenary sessions featuring top executives and government officials will be held to exchange their practices and plans. Numerous paper presentations and workshops will be held. For details, visit http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/promac/.
The ProMAC 2008 conference host and lead sponsor is the Masters of Science program in Project Management (MSPM) at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Other sponsors include the PMI Anchorage Alaska Chapter, the Society of Project Management (Japan), Asia Pacific International College (Australia), Alaska Communications Systems (ACS), Alaska Airlines, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company , ASRC Energy Systems, British Petroleum (BP), ConocoPhillips, CH2MHill, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Hawk Consultants LLC, NANA Development Corporation, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), and the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The general conference co-chairs are Dr. Jang Ra, University of Alaska Anchorage, USA (Chair); Prof. Ali Jaafari, Asia Pacific International College, Australia; Dr. Osamu Ohno, Society of Project Management, Japan; and Prof. Khim Teck Yeo, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The Project Manager is Danny Elmore, University of Alaska Anchorage. For more information, visit http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/promac/.
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1,000 MICRO-PROJECTS Initiative launched by UN Mission in CoTE D'IVOIRE
The United Nations mission in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) has launched a $5 million program to speed the reintegration of ex-combatants from the country’s civil war, as well as young people at risk. The "1,000 micro-projects" initiative was launched in early August in Bouaké by the UN’s top envoy in the West Africa nation,
Y.J. Choi.
The projects seek to support ex-combatants, ex-militias and young people at risk, along with children and women associated with the Ivorian conflict. The projects will cover a range of activities, including technical training, agriculture, market-gardening, cattle rearing, fishing, forestry, construction, transportation, motor mechanics, public works and catering.
(image: location of Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa)
The aim of the micro-projects is to reduce poverty and youth unemployment. In addition, it is hoped that they will help provide a secure and stable environment for free and fair elections while reintegrating ex-combatants into their former communities. Mr. Choi also visited Séguéla, Korhogo, Odienné, Guiglo, Issia and San Pedro for a sensitisation and information tour on the micro-projects initiative.
Last month the Security Council extended UNOCI’s mandate by six months, stressing the importance that much-delayed presidential elections, now slated for November, are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.
Editor’s note: How do “micro-projects” fit into the world of project management? Certainly the UN’s overall micro-projects “program” should be planning and managed professionally. But what about the individual projects? While the dollar amount involved may be small, in some cases the schedule is long, scope is significant, and stakeholders are many. Do guides or guidelines exist for managing “micro-projects”? It seems to us that there may be many individuals and organizations around the world who might benefit from such resources. If you have any comments or suggestions, please send an email to editor@pmforum.org.
£1.5bn London Gateway Port Announced
Reported by David Shannon in London, UK
London and its environs are in the midst of a massive infrastructure investment boom. This includes:
The 2012 Olympics, with associated investments reportedly at a cost of some £9,000,000,000,
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Thames Water's proposed £6,500,000,000 capital programme over the five years from 2010 to 2015,
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London Underground’s infrastructure improvement programme of some £1,100,000,000 a year
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The recently confirmed east-West Crossrail project at some £16,000,000,000.
To this we can now add DP World’s relatively modest £1,500,000,000 development of the 750 ha London Gateway site on the north bank of the river Thames near Thurrock in Essex.
(Picture courtesy of Port of London Authority)
The site will be transformed into a vast container port and Europe's largest logistics site to help reduce the distances goods must travel to and from markets in the UK.
Client DP World has contracted Laing O'Rourke and Dredging International for the first phase of the project, the construction of the first three berths, in a joint venture worth £400M.
Expected to be in operation from 2010, the port, which is based on a former oil refinery site 25 miles from central London. It will be responsible for creating 14,000 new jobs, making it the largest employment creation project in the country.
The 2.3km-long container quay will have a capacity of 3.5M TEU (standard container units) a year, which is the existing capacity of Felixtowe port.(The Port of Felixstowe, less than 100 miles from London, is the UK’s busiest container port, and one of the largest in Europe. Over 40% of the UK’s import and export trade passes through the Port of Felixstowe.)
With construction price inflation reported by some authorities as running at 10% and the British economy in less robust state than for many years this will be an interesting time to see what, if anything, gives; whether one is a pure Monetarist or a Keynesian project management practitioner.
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India Plans Space Shuttle Project
Reported by Raju Rao in Chennai, India
India is planning to launch a reusable spacecraft for the first time in 2010 according to a senior space official .The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will begin work on a wholly indigenous effort to build a space shuttle that will carry Indians into the space like US space shuttle, Columbia.
The Press Trust of India news agency quoted Chairman of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Madhavan Nair (in photo left) as saying that the target for the first launch is before 2010
India has been successfully developing space program in recent years and regularly launching satellites using booster rockets. But with a little cooperation with either USA or Russia, India will be able to cut the huge costs and share technology to build its own shuttle. India has agreements with both and could get help from either or both countries.
Former ISRO Chairman, Dr K Kasturirangan (in photo below right)and now advisor says the first prototype is a few years away, "The instruments and the satellite are under the final tests in ISRO satellite centre. So this will take a month and a half for to go through these tests and make sure that all the systems are behaving normally under the conditions of the space. Subsequently, there will be flight readiness review and a mission readiness review.
Sources : Russian News and Information Agency (RIA Novosti), 13 Aug 2008 BANGALORE, and Times Now - TV News report, 31 Aug 2008
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