On December 8th, 2015, HKND Group, concessionaire of the Nicaragua Interoceanic Grand Canal project, has entered into an agreement in Hong Kong with international marine infrastructure, design and engineering consultancy BMT Asia Pacific to develop Canal and Ports Operations Plans and refine the integrated port-canal business modelling, the company said in its press release.
The Plans and Assessments comprises of a four step approach covering Canal and Port geometry, alignment, navigation, traffic, cycle times and infrastructure integration.
BMT has a rich history with over 30 years' experience in the International Maritime Transport industry, BMT was formed from a merger of the UK British Ship Research Association and National Maritime Institute, and has turned into a leading international design, engineering, science and risk management consultancy. Located in 60 offices around the world, BMT draws upon a wide range of experience and expertise throughout the maritime industry, and actively involved in various canal expansion projects.
The operations plans will cover the 276km Atlantic to Pacific proposed canal route and ports including marshaling areas and anchorages. The study operational plans and assessments are expected to be complete by March 2016.