A semi-permanent port in a storm. How to solve your supply chain issues with a semi-permanent or permanent port structure

In recent years, the shipping and logistics industry has had to contend with the impacts of Brexit, Covid-19 and the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework.

As anyone working in these industries will know, the shipping and logistics sector is extremely sensitive to disruption in the supply chain. Even seemingly minor delays or changes in processes can result in significant congestion and ultimately additional costs for businesses. 

While it’s not possible to predict or eliminate future challenges altogether, something that every business can do is prepare, including through the use of semi-permanent structures. 

Lauralu is a leading installer of semi-permanent structures including port storage solutions, operating across the UK, Ireland and Europe. 

Discover how the installation of a semi-permanent building can be instrumental in reducing chain supply issues at ports. 

Prevention Of Delays And Congestion 

 The main issue with any kind of disruption in shipping and logistics is that everything grinds to a halt. The resulting backlog can mean storage facilities often lack the space needed to accommodate the growing volume of goods. 

Typically, the solution is to move stock around or even redirect it to an alternative site. This logistical challenge not only adds to the delays but also increases the risk of goods being misplaced or lost during the process. 

Instead, a semi-permanent port structure offers a practical and cost-effective solution to these issues by providing additional storage capacity on site. 

Whether this involves the creation of large warehouses or covered storage areas, semi-permanent port structures can be designed to accommodate the diverse needs of many different industries and types of cargo. 

These structures also can be manufactured and installed quickly which is crucial in preventing any further delays.

With increased storage capacity, ports can efficiently process and store incoming goods, minimising the need to move stock around or redirect it elsewhere. This streamlined process helps to avoid bottlenecks and keeps the supply chain running smoothly.

Docking At The Intended Location 

 When a port storage or processing facility can accept new shipments, unnecessary detours and logistical complications can be eliminated. Across the board, such efficiency can enhance productivity and produce cost savings. 

Semi-permanent port structures can provide this essential capacity, including during peak times of the year when space may be at a premium. 

These buildings are also scalable, meaning the capacity can be increased as needed. 

An added benefit is that having the required capacity including during peak seasons helps prevent boats from docking at competitor sites. Overall, avoiding this scenario is preferable to maintain the company’s reputation and reduce costs. 

Discover: Our case studies page to view our temporary structures which have been used for the likes of storage and workshop space. 

Retention Of Haulage Companies

When in search of semi-permanent building space at ports or harbours, haulage companies have a top list of priorities. 

Namely, their port structure should offer cost-effectiveness, flexibility, scalability and operational efficiency. 

By meeting all the above objectives through the provision of adequate storage capacity, this encourages haulage companies to continue operating from that location. It ultimately seeks to prevent them from using alternative transportation options due to delays and congestion. 

Secure Storage 

 Security is of the utmost importance for any storage facility. 

Since semi-permanent structures are fully customisable, this means they can be installed with advanced security features to protect against theft. In addition, secure storage can reduce instances of goods being misplaced or lost during transit. 

It’s not just the physical protection of items being stored, but also the environmental protection that can be ensured with a semi-permanent structure. That’s because these intuitive structures can also offer weather-resistant protection and temperature control. 

For example, if stock or machinery requires certain environmental conditions, then this can be integrated into the design of the structure. Compared with trying to build or retrofit an existing building to meet the required conditions, semi-permanent structures are far cheaper, easier and quicker to build. 

Extremely Flexible Usage Capabilities

Granted, this post has focused on using temporary structures for storage at port and harbour locations. 

However, the ability to rapidly construct a secure, temperature-controlled and weatherproof temporary building at a port location could be useful for any number of other purposes. 

For example:

• Administrative operations
• Bulk handling facilities
• Cargo processing
• Employee areas
• Energy infrastructure
• Maintenance workshops
• Manufacturing
• Passenger services
• Port security and surveillance activity
• Retail opportunities

The above list is far from exhaustive! If your business has any additional requirements that a semi-permanent structure could fulfil, the experts here at Lauralu can offer you tailored advice geared towards your industry and overall application needs.