Utilizing Temporary Structures for Port Cargo Storage
By Beth B. Wilson
Seaports play a significant role in the world of waterborne transportation and cargo shipping. They are essential to keeping the economy flourishing, as many U.S. goods come from overseas. Ports also add tremendous value to the communities they serve. Not only are they vital to the global economy, where cargo and trade handling is concerned, but they also provide jobs for millions of Americans.
| Seaports are a vital part of the global freight transportation system, but increased trade has caused maritime ports to become more congested than ever.According to Gary P. LaGrange, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans, American’s ports are the gateway to the world and a vital element in the nation’s economic health and national defense.Yet many U.S. ports are more than 50 years old and, like other infrastructure systems, show the need for redevelopment and restorative maintenance, as well as capacity expansion. In these circumstances, temporary structures can give port customers the short-term solution to warehousing challenges. While new facilities are being built, erecting a portable structure to serve as a temporary facility can keep business from getting off of its daily revenue-generating track. |
Within the ever-expanding maritime industry, cargo space has become increasingly hard to come by. More and more seaports are opening, yet storage space is becoming less available. Often, a cargo warehouse is only needed for a short amount of time. And in the humid and sometimes extreme environments by the ocean, it is imperative that precious cargo — be it perishable food items, grains, or other goods — be handled with the utmost care.
Temporary fabric structures can provide a solution for maritime cargo storage facilities. Whether the need is for warehouse space, an area for cargo loading and unloading, or shelter to protect port personnel from the elements, temporary or permanent fabric structures offer an economic alternative to steel buildings.
As product demands continue to grow, so does the need for adequate storage space. Fabric structures can offer ample storage room, adding a great deal of flexibility with respect to multiple handling methods. Because of their portable, modular design, relocating and reusing them is both easy and cost-effective. This flexibility makes them increasingly popular in the current state of the economy, as they are suitable to meet the changing needs of a busy port or business.
Whether as a temporary or permanent installation, fabric structures have an immediate cost advantage over a conventional building, because of the intensive fabrication completed before transportation to and installation at the operating site, as well as the relatively lesser impact “on the ground.”
The structural frame is typically covered with a coated or laminated PVC, or woven polyethylene, fabric membrane for the roof. Such a fabric is compact and lightweight, yet extremely durable. It is easily maintained, with longevity up to 15 years or more. The membrane is generally flame-retardant and can be translucent or blackout (opaque). Translucent tops may allow for natural inside lighting, which provides a bright interior throughout the day. This important feature allows for a safer, more efficient working environment than that of other structure types, and it is essential for cargo facilities storing consumable goods.
Advanced fabric structures are custom built, with superior snow-shedding and wind load capabilities, adding greater stability to the edifice. All types of bulk cargo handling equipment — for ore, coal, grain, etc. — are suitable for use within these structures. They can be further modified to meet specific requirements, such as cool cargo handling.
As with any major construction project, prior preparation is of vital importance. When contemplating use of a temporary structure to meet their needs in exploring a new market or revamping their supply chain, importers will need to secure the use of suitable space in the port area. Further, they should make sure the structure company has the experience in both design and construction to assist in identifying the type, capacity, and structure of cargo storage space needed.
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Beth B. Wilson is the Marketing Manager for Mahaffey Fabric Structures (www.fabricstructures.com), a manufacturer and lessor of portable structures in the United States and the Caribbean. Since 1924, Mahaffey has provided temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent fabric structures for warehousing, cargo storage facilities, test-market ports, and other applications. The Mega Series structure is a trademark of Mahaffey Fabric Structures.
