Port planning is a complex process that involves multiple steps to ensure the

successful development and operation of a port facility. Each of the steps you
mentioned plays a crucial role in this process. Here's how each step is
important:

1. Site Investigation and Selection (Geotechnical studies of land and sea):

 This step is vital because it lays the foundation for the entire port
project. Geotechnical studies assess the soil and seabed conditions,
which are essential for determining the feasibility of the port and its
design. It helps identify potential challenges and safety concerns related
to the chosen site.
2. Environmental Management Authority approval (from EIA to CEC):
 Obtaining environmental approvals is crucial to ensure that the port
development complies with environmental regulations. Environmental
Impact Assessments (EIA) and approvals from authorities like the Central
Environmental Authority (CEA) are necessary to address and mitigate
environmental impacts. Failure to secure these approvals can lead to
legal issues and environmental harm.
3. Port Development Plan (Land Use Plan):
 The land use plan defines how the port area will be organized and
developed. It is essential for optimizing the utilization of space, ensuring
efficient cargo handling, and accommodating future growth. The plan
considers factors like berth locations, storage areas, road networks, and
utilities.
4. Front End Engineering Designs (Preliminary drawings/ Engineer’s Cost
Estimate):
 Front-end engineering designs help to create a detailed project
blueprint. This step is important for estimating the project's cost,
determining the technical feasibility, and addressing design issues
before construction begins. Accurate cost estimates are essential for
budgeting and securing financing.
5. Preparation of Invitation to Tender Packages (Infrastructure and
Superstructure):
 The preparation of tender packages is a critical step for inviting bids
from contractors. These packages define the scope of work, technical
 specifications, and contractual terms. Careful preparation is essential to
attract qualified bidders and ensure that the project's goals are
understood by potential contractors.
6. Evaluation of Tender Packages and Award of Contracts:
 The evaluation of tender packages ensures that the most suitable
contractor is selected based on criteria like technical expertise, cost, and
past performance. Awarding contracts to the right contractors is
essential for the successful execution of the project, as poor contractor
selection can lead to delays, cost overruns, and quality issues.
7. Supervision of Construction Works:
 Construction supervision is crucial to monitor the execution of the
project. It ensures that the work is carried out according to the approved
plans, specifications, and standards. Effective supervision helps prevent
errors and deviations from the design and ensures the project stays on
track in terms of budget and schedule.

All of these steps are interrelated and form a comprehensive process that,
when executed effectively, leads to the successful planning, development, and
operation of a port facility. Failing to give due importance to any of these
steps can result in project delays, cost overruns, environmental issues, and
operational inefficiencies.
1. Site Investigation and Selection (Geotechnical studies of land and sea):
 The importance of geotechnical studies in port planning is well-
documented. These studies help assess soil and seabed conditions,
allowing engineers to design foundations that can support the
infrastructure and equipment. A lack of proper site investigation can
lead to structural failures, which can be found in various geotechnical
engineering textbooks and journals.
2. Environmental Management Authority approval (from EIA to CEC):
 The importance of environmental approvals in port planning is evident
in the protection of ecosystems, human health, and compliance with
environmental laws. This process is guided by environmental impact
assessments (EIA) and interactions with regulatory bodies, and its
significance is documented in various environmental management and
regulatory documents.
3. Port Development Plan (Land Use Plan):
 The significance of land use planning in port development is discussed
in urban and regional planning literature. It ensures the efficient use of
available land, optimal arrangement of port facilities, and long-term
sustainability.
4. Front End Engineering Designs (Preliminary drawings/ Engineer’s Cost
Estimate):
 The importance of front-end engineering designs is widely recognized
in engineering and project management literature. It helps identify
potential issues and uncertainties in the project early on, enabling more
accurate cost estimation, risk assessment, and efficient project
execution.
5. Preparation of Invitation to Tender Packages (Infrastructure and
Superstructure):
 The importance of well-prepared tender packages is highlighted in
project management and procurement literature. Clear, comprehensive
packages attract capable contractors, ensure a common understanding
of project requirements, and lead to competitive and successful bidding
processes.
6. Evaluation of Tender Packages and Award of Contracts:
 The significance of contractor evaluation and contract award is
fundamental in project management. Selecting the right contractor is
crucial for project success, and this step is documented in project
management and construction management texts.
7. Supervision of Construction Works:
 The importance of construction supervision is widely discussed in
construction engineering and project management literature. Effective
supervision ensures that the construction work adheres to the project
specifications, quality standards, and safety protocols.

While specific references may vary depending on the context of the port
planning project, you can find relevant information in textbooks, academic
articles, and industry guidelines related to geotechnical engineering,
environmental management, urban planning, engineering design,
procurement, and construction management.
 Port planning and development is a complex process that involves several steps. Each
step is crucial to ensure the success of the project. Here are the references that show the
importance of each step:
1. Site Investigation and Selection (Geotechnical studies of land and sea): Site
investigation and selection is an essential step in port planning. It involves geotechnical
studies of land and sea to identify the most suitable location for the port. This step helps
to ensure that the port is constructed on stable ground, which can withstand the weight
of heavy cargo and equipment. It also helps to identify any potential environmental risks
associated with the site 1.
2. Environmental Management Authority approval (from EIA to CEC): Environmental
Management Authority approval is required for any port development project. This
approval process involves conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to
identify any potential environmental impacts associated with the project. The EIA report
is then submitted to the Environmental Management Authority for review and
approval. The Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) is issued upon approval,
which allows the project to proceed 23.
1. Port Development Plan (Land Use Plan): A Port Development Plan is a comprehensive
plan that outlines the long-term development goals of a port. It includes a Land Use
Plan that identifies the areas within the port that will be used for specific activities such
as cargo handling, storage, and administration. The plan also includes details on
infrastructure development, such as roadways, rail lines, and utilities 4.
2. Front End Engineering Designs (Preliminary drawings/ Engineer’s Cost Estimate):
Front End Engineering Designs (FEED) are preliminary drawings that provide a detailed
overview of the proposed project. FEEDs include detailed engineering designs, cost
estimates, and timelines for completion. They help to identify any potential issues with
the project before construction begins, which can save time and money in the long
run 567.
3. Preparation of Invitation to Tender Packages (Infrastructure and Superstructure):
Preparation of Invitation to Tender Packages involves creating detailed specifications for
infrastructure and superstructure components of the port project. These specifications
are used to create tender packages that are sent out to potential contractors for bidding
on the project 4.
4. Evaluation of Tender Packages and Award of Contracts: Evaluation of Tender
Packages involves reviewing bids from potential contractors and selecting the best
candidate for the project based on several factors such as cost, experience, and quality
of work. Once a contractor has been selected, a contract is awarded, and work can begin
on the project 4.
5. Supervision of Construction Works: Supervision of Construction Works involves
overseeing all aspects of construction to ensure that work is completed according to
specifications and within budget and timeline constraints. This step helps to ensure that
 quality standards are met, safety protocols are followed, and environmental regulations
are adhered to 4.
3.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Secretariat. (1985). Port development : a
handbook for planners in developing countries (2nd ed. rev). UN. Retrieved October 26 2023 from
http://books.google.com/books?id=UYgsAQAAMAAJ.

These identified factors solidify the importance of strong pre-project planning, accurate
cost estimates, early alignment, and robust scope definition. One of the most common
methods utilized to address these challenges is through the front-end engineering and
design, or FEED, process.

Front-end engineering and design, often synonymous with basic engineering, is the
third phase of the front-end planning (FEP) stage gate process that follows a conceptual
design or feasibility study. The front-end engineering and design process can be done
standalone to allow the project owner to competitively bid detail engineering and design
and construction or as part of a formal stage gate process. In other words, it can serve
as the foundation for the detail engineering and design phase or a full engineering,
procurement, and construction (EPC) project delivery approach that includes front-end
planning.
Let’s take a deeper look into what this process entails as well as the benefits of front-
end engineering and design for capital projects.

Key Objectives of Front-End Engineering

and Design
Front-end engineering and design encompasses all work required to produce quality
process and engineering documentation with sufficient detail, defining all project
requirements necessary for project execution. The goal of front-end engineering and
design is to produce a total installed project cost estimate that is +/- 10-15% accurate.
This usually will enable the project owner and the stakeholders to proceed with full
funding of the project.
However, front-end engineering and design isn’t just about obtaining an accurate cost
estimate—this project phase is typically used to:

 Develop engineering packages that can be used to bid a lump sum EPC
contract, or it may be utilized to provide the foundation for the detail engineering
and design phase.
 Evaluate any potential design options that may improve return on investment
(ROI).
 Conduct hazardous operations reviews to improve safety outcomes.
 Support internal funding approval processes.
 Provide a framework that can be referenced and checked against as the project
progresses through the engineering and construction phases of the project.

The utilization of front-end engineering and design benefits larger projects (~$1 million+)
in particular but can also provide significant benefits for medium-sized projects.

Benefits of Front-End Engineering and

Design
The FEED process refines the project scope while identifying and mitigating potential
project risks and can often result in greater success during project execution while
reducing the likelihood of cost and schedule overruns. Investing in front-end engineering
and design can greatly improve overall project success and owner satisfaction. The
core benefits of front-end engineering and design are detailed below.

 Lower life cycle costs: Without the use of front-end engineering and design,
costly change and/or rework will likely be required at some point during the
project. Front-end engineering and design identifies the cost of tagged items
(equipment and instrumentation) and bulk items (pipe, steel, concrete, civil, and
electrical quantities) required to complete the project. With this higher level of
definition, the risk of rework is greatly reduced, thus lowering life cycle costs.

 Reduced technical, schedule, and cost risks: When front-end engineering and
design is utilized, the detail engineering and design schedule is much more
complete. Consequently, there is less potential of having schedule slippages,
which increase costs and risks, before mechanically complete. Front-end
engineering and design also identifies many of the technical details, such as
equipment layout, infrastructure and utility availability, and specialty item
 definition, that may otherwise be missed without the use of the FEED process.
Constructability plays a key role in the front-end engineering and design process,
identifying “pinch points” in which construction may have potentially high costs if
the design is not adjusted to save construction costs, reducing cost risks.

 Faster time to achieve plant or process start-up, commissioning, and

turnover: Front-end engineering and design can improve the efficiency for the
detail engineering and design phase, as major challenges should have been
identified and planned for, enabling everything to fall together in a proper
schedule sequence. This can significantly lower costs, particularly for large
projects.

 Improved risk identification and mitigation: Some of the many risks that are
evaluated during FEED include: Safety, environmental, financial, supply chain,
change and schedule. One of the most influential benefits of front-end
engineering and design is improved risk identification and mitigation of the risks.
Risk is money—the higher the risk, the more costs involved. Projects that are
completed with the FEED process have fewer unknowns and thus fewer risks
and lower Total Installed Costs (TICs). While there are still risks, even with a full,
well-executed front-end engineering and design process, the risks are mitigated.

 Reduced health, environmental, and safety (HSE) risks: HSE risks are
identified, reviewed, and discussed in depth during front-end engineering and
design and therefore do not need to be revisited in the detail engineering and
design phase. However, without the use of front-end engineering and design,
HSE risks can cause changes to the detailed design, which can cause additional
costs as well as schedule slippages.

Front-End Engineering and Design Benefits (hm-ec.com)

Author: N. Gour for the Environmental Management Authority

The Environmental Management Authority (EMA), under the Environmental

Management Act Chapter 35:05 (EM Act), is charged with the responsibility of
maintaining the delicate balance between environmental management and
development. Specifically, to ensure that human activities are conducted in a regulated
manner, subsidiary legislation has been enacted to regulate certain types of
development.
The Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) process, is one mechanism used by the
EMA to regulate development and mitigate environmental impacts. It is governed by the
CEC Rules and the CEC (Designated Activities) Order (as amended).

Before embarking on any new activity, modification/expansion of existing structures and

processes, decommissioning or the abandonment of projects altogether, persons must
consult these Rules, which clearly lists 44 Designated Activities, requiring a CEC. Some
activities regulated by the CEC Rules include: agriculture, civil works, transportation and
associated infrastructure, heavy and light manufacturing, natural resources and mineral
extraction as well as waste handling and disposal.
Image: Coastal infrastructure, Manzanilla.

All developers are encouraged to submit CEC applications to the EMA during the
planning phase of their project. Planning with the environment in mind not only benefits
the environment but is profitable to the investor. In addition to short-term benefits such
as saving time, effort and money, environmentally responsible planning and
development allows for long-term benefits, such as the promotion of the concept
of sustainable development - development that meets the needs of the present generation
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

It is also important to note that, Section 35 (2) of the EM Act, states, "No person shall
proceed with any activity which the Minister has designated as requiring a Certificate
unless such a person applies for and receives a Certificate from the Authority". This is a
mandatory requirement under the law. Proceeding without a CEC is a breach of an
environmental requirement under the EM Act, resulting in fines and/or the conduct of
remediation works, to mitigate negative impacts related to the project.
Image: Red sand mining, Cumuto.

Applications requiring express planning permission must be submitted via the

DevelopTT Platform to the Automated Construction Permitting System (ACPS). Other
applications may be submitted directly to the EMA [Refer to EMA’s website for further
guidance]. Once submitted, each CEC application is assessed according to the nature,
scale and location of the proposed project, to determine the significance of the
potential impacts on the receiving environment. For example, an application for a port
will require different considerations when compared to a farm.

There are various assessment tools that are used within the process, such as an
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is required if a project is likely to cause
significant adverse environmental impacts. Once all information is submitted, assessed
and deemed to be adequate, a determination is made. Determinations include the
issuance of a CEC, Notice of Refusal (NoR) or No CEC required. If a CEC is issued,
conditions are included to guide the implementation of the project. These conditions,
ensure that the work is conducted in a manner that minimises any negative impacts to
the environment, including sensitive receptors. The project is then monitored by the
EMA to ensure adherence to stipulated conditions.

The CEC process is a transparent, accountable and facilitative one. There are several
avenues for developers to interact with the EMA to obtain more detailed information on
the requirement to obtain a CEC. These include obtaining information from the EMA’s
website (www.ema.co.tt), National Register of CEC Applications, liaising with the staff at
the EMA’s Information Centre located at #8 Elizabeth Street, St. Clair, Port-of-Spain,
([email protected]) or scheduling pre-application meetings with technical staff to
discuss a specific project ([email protected]).

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/closer-look-ema-certificates-environmental-clearance-and-
development/

34 Establishment of infrastructure for marine transportation The establishment, modification,

expansion, decommissioning or abandonment (inclusive of associated works) of a marine terminal,
harbour/port or facilities for dry-docking or ship repair or construction.

12 Land reclamation The reclamation of land (inclusive of associated works)

13 Coastal or offshore construction or modification and dredging activities (a) The establishment,
modification, expansion, decommissioning or abandonment (inclusive of associated works) of marinas,
piers, slipways, jetties or other coastal features (b) The establishment, modification, or expansion
(inclusive of associated works) of artificial reefs or other offshore structures. (c) The dredging or cutting
of coastal or marine areas.

CEC Rules Lays out the process for identifying the environmental impact (s) which may arise out of any
new or significantly modified construction, process, works or other activity.

An EIA is required if a project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental impacts.

The Draft Terms of Reference (ToR) is developed by the EMA in consultation with the Applicant and
other relevant stakeholders. • The Applicant shall consult with relevant agencies, NGOs and other
members of the public. • The Applicant may request modifications to the Draft ToR before the EMA
issues the Final ToR.

A Certificate issued by the EMA includes: • Mitigation measures that the applicant is required to
undertake. • Condition that the activity must begin within 3 years after the effective date, or the
Certificate shall cease to have any validity, force or effect. • Other terms and conditions as required.

https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/3577CEC%20Process%20and%20Coastal
%20Area%20Management%20T&T_18Mar2014.pdf
Xiomara Chin Environmental Management Authority Trinidad and Tobago 18 March 2014

Site investigation or Sub-Soil explorations are done for obtaining the information about
subsurface conditions at the site proposed for construction. Soil exploration consists of
determining the profile of the natural soil deposits at the site, taking the soil samples and
determining the engineering properties of soils using laboratory tests as well as in-situ
testing methods.

Following are the objectives of site investigation or subsurface exploration.

1. To know about the order of occurrence of soil and rock strata.

2. To know about the location of the groundwater table level and its variations.
3. To determine engineering properties of soil.
4. To select a suitable type of foundation.
5. To estimate the probable and maximum differential settlements.
6. To find the bearing capacity of the soil.
7. To predict the lateral earth pressure against retaining walls and abutments.
8. To select suitable soil improvement techniques.
9. To select suitable construction equipment.
10. To forecast problems occurring in foundations and their solutions.

Stages in Site Investigation

Site investigation or sub-soil exploration is carried out stage-wise as given below.

1. Site Reconnaissance
2. Preliminary site exploration
3. Detailed exploration
4. Preparation of soil investigation report

Site reconnaissance is the first stage of site investigation. In this stage, visual
inspection of the site is done and information about topographical and geological
features of the site are collected (Constructor, 2023).