October 3, 2016, Halifax, NS – The Halifax Port Authority’s air gap monitoring program has received an award from the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).

The AAPA’s Information Technology Award in the Improvements in Intermodal Freight Transportation category was awarded to the Halifax Port Authority for its submission, The Big Lift – Air Gap Monitoring During Bridge Reconstruction Project.

To address challenges associated with replacing the suspended structure of the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge, the HPA developed several innovative systems to help ensure the safe and unencumbered transit of vessels under the bridge. With dozens of vessel movements each week, including several post-Panamax vessels destined for the Fairview Cove Container Terminal, maintaining unencumbered access to the inner harbor was a necessity. The challenge was in coordinating vessel traffic with bridge construction activities and managing bridge air gap in an environment where the geometry of the bridge was changing every week. To address these challenges, the Halifax Port Authority developed several innovative systems to help insure the safe and unencumbered transit of vessels under the bridge. With the help of these systems, all bridge deck segments within the navigational channel have been replaced with minimal impact on vessel traffic. Jim Nicoll, Director of Information and Technology Services for the Halifax Port Authority, led the project for the HPA.

The world’s largest shipping lines call on the Port of Halifax, connecting the port to more than 150 countries. The Halifax Seaport is a premier destination. Collaborating and working with strong partners and stakeholders, the Port community continues to deliver excellence.

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Lane Farguson
Communications Advisor
Halifax Port Authority
(902) 426-7375
[email protected]
www.portofhalifax.ca