By
Rebecca Gibson |
What are the current biggest challenges Bermello, Ajamil & Partners (B&A) faces when designing or improving terminal facilities?
Each of our projects has its own set of challenges related to client needs and budget constraints, particularly if we are redeveloping an existing facility to enable it to accommodate the modern cruise vessels. Most buildings are manufactured to last for 25-50 years, but it is difficult to gain capital funding that can cover projected processing requirements to the Year 2050. Therefore, we will analyse trends and projections to create interim performance metrics that can help us to decide terminal size and features.
We always develop a master plan for each terminal to ensure that it has a flexible infrastructure that can be easily expanded or altered in the future, ensuring they can meet the changing needs of operators and their passengers for years to come. To do this, we determine the future vessel design envelope and create a spatial plan that will meet these predicted needs. Although this means that some of the spaces and technologies may not be necessary in the short-term plan, it reduces the risk of incurring high refurbishment or upgrade costs later.
How can terminal design help to improve operational efficiency?
When designing a terminal facility, the primary issue is the cost of operations. One way of reducing costs is to improve operational efficiencies by limiting travel distances from the vessel to baggage spaces, or designing spaces that can be used for multiple functions. Costs can also be reduced by installing energy and electrical systems that can be managed in different zones, maximising the use of natural lighting and using durable finishes such as polished concrete floors to limit maintenance and repair work.
What are your top tips to ensure ports deliver a good passenger experience?
Often, port authorities view terminals as processing centres and give little consideration to aesthetics or to the amenities required by passengers. However, the terminal is one of the port’s key selling points and if it has the facilities to process ships quickly and safely, and provide an enjoyable passenger experience, cruise operators are likely to return.
Ports can enhance the passenger experience by taking simple measures, such as providing passengers with wifi, easy access to information and clear navigational signage both on the way to, and inside, the terminal building. Outside waiting areas should also be covered, while the ports should provide adequate parking, drop-off and pick-up areas in close proximity to the terminal, and construct wide walkways to accommodate large volumes of passengers with baggage. Queuing times during security, check-in and boarding procedures should also be reduced.
Has B&A worked on any terminal projects recently?
Recently, B&A has worked on Port Everglades Terminal 4, San Francisco Terminal 27 and Royal Caribbean International’s Bayonne Cruise Terminal.